Alia gave Perri’s hand yet another squeeze, this time in warning. The crowd abruptly parting, four feet away stood Brandth. She prayed desperately for strength, given how handsome he looked, also in all black. It took everything she had not to retreat, to meet his gaze, steeling her heart for what she would see in those honey flecked amber eyes… heat, amusement, desire, and sheer… delight. Was she dreaming?
Vaguely aware of Alia moving away from her side and issuing a greeting to the Prince, boldly requesting he escort her to get a drink. The majority of the crowd’s interest instantly shifting to them. Leaving Perri essentially alone with Brandth.
“Perri.”
He said her name like a vow, a prayer, like it was the answer to everything. It almost undid her. She blinked back tears, aware he was smiling at her, almost laughing.
“How can such a beautiful woman be such a ninny.”
It wasn’t what she’d been expecting Brandth to say, causing her to laugh and hiccup at the same time. Beautiful. He’d called her beautiful to her… scarred face. He’d also called her a ninny though, which kind of stung a little.
“There’s time you know.” She could do this. Be strong, for his sake. “To run.”
“Away with you? My answer will always be yes.”
“That’s not what I meant, and you know it.” His hand so warm and reassuring as it reached out to clasp hers, tugging her gently forward until only inches separated them, forcing her to look up at him.is hanHis
“You listen here, heart of mine, I’ll say it again, I’m determined to spend my days drowning in those gorgeous blue eyes of yours… come swim with me for the rest of our days. Let me love you, Perri.”
Her lips parted, she was about to reply, but the emotions were too much, getting stuck. No words would come.
Brandth laughed at her predicament with affection glittering in his eyes. “Repeat after me. Brandth, you handsome incomparable devil… no, don’t roll your eyes, that isn’t part of the script.”
“I will thank you not to put words in my mouth… the only thing you got right is that you are a devil. And perhaps it’s I who should be questioning your intelligence. Have you really thought about this… us? Forever is a long time to look at this face. I do not wish for you to grow to resent me… hate me.” Those last two words came out on a whisper.
“I have an uncle, well, several actually, but the one I’m thinking about was a notorious lover of women back in his youthful days. Handsome as the sun, with long fair hair, a gleaming smile and eyes that made women begin undressing the moment he quirked an eyebrow in their direction.”
“What does this-”
“Let me finish. Many years later that uncle is as bald as a baby’s bottom, all his teeth have fallen out and he has confided in me that his manly vigour has long since deserted him. From the moment I could toddle, my entire family have stated that I am the mirror image of the man when he was young…”
It was impossible not to laugh. She had faith Brandth at the very least would never lose his charming ways or ability to amuse her. “Lucky you, I have some tonics that can help stave off baldness and tooth rot. And better yet, I have ready access to a steady supply of keymoat bone dust… if your vigour ever withers.”
“Having tasted one of your healing tonics in the past, I believe I would rather go bald and toothless.”
“For you I might consider adding some honey.”
“Ah… so you do love me. Say the words, fair Perri. That you love me. That you’ll wed me.”
“Clearly I must love you, considering all of your nonsense I put up with.”
“You have such a way with words, you should write poetry.”
“I warn you now. I shall never be a meek, biddable wife, who agrees with every glib comment that falls out of your mouth. I’m a healer. And I shall want to keep practising my craft.”
“Of course, you’re gifted, and not one to be idle. Have you ever thought of setting up a medical school? You could open it to women. If we did so on my family lands, no one could stop us.”
“That… that is a marvellous idea.” Perri’s heart felt close to bursting. Brandth loved her… and the idea of opening a medical school was brilliant. Great-Aunt Mary might be coaxed to leave the Lair and help… or take charge.
“Excellent. I love you. You beyond adore, respect and love me. We shall wed… now, what am I forgetting? Oh, your current estranged husband. What is the plan? And how might I be of aid?”
By the nine circles, she really did love him. Uncaring of where they were, Perri rose up on tiptoes, planting a kiss on his sensual lips. Liking the way heat flared even brighter in his eyes as a result. “I do love you, Brandth De’Luca. Now follow me and look stern. It’s time to set Regal on the slippery path to his imminent demise.”
Approaching Regal Soutner, who was lounging against a wall, loitering near the softly playing string quartet, Perri wasn’t surprised to find him alone, given the state of him. His clothes were all wrinkled, except for his trousers that looked like they were two sizes too small. And there were dark circles under his bloodshot eyes. Even so, he still managed to look stunningly attractive, but it seems he couldn’t compete with all the antics of the Prince this evening. As his usual adoring fans were busy jockeying for position, trying to get a front row seat for the Prince’s next comeuppance of a guest, or the off-loading of another bridal candidate.
Regal was in the process of sipping some mead when Perri stepped out of the crowd before him.
“Good Gods!” A small spray of mead leaving his mouth in shock… and horror, his gaze fixed upon Perri’s unshielded face.
