“That’s the Lordling?” Alia leant to the side, peering intently at the prone figure on the bed. With only one candle burning on the mantle, it was difficult to make out any distinct features. “What’s he like?”
The query had Perri frowning in thought. “Exactly what you’d expect if you were to observe him from a distance, or only spend a brief time in his company. All flowery words and extravagant gestures… and yet, I’m beginning to suspect that’s not who he is at all.”
“It wouldn’t surprise me, given who he travels with. I only tell you this because we’re in dire straits and perhaps need all the leverage we can get to secure that invitation. But I must insist upon secrecy, as I have given my word not to speak of this.” Perri nodded quickly. “The Captain of the Guard, who travels with Lord De’Luca, has admitted to being a master spy.”
“He doesn’t sound like a very good one if he just casually told you.”
“No, no, there was a challenge, a wager… and a sharing of confidences. Why are you looking at me like that?”
“A sharing of confidences? You?” Was that an actual blush gracing Alia’s cheeks? “Have the two of you gotten… close then?”
“No! It’s just he’s been hanging around the Lair, watching over the Lordling and has expressed an avid interest in how we run things. I gave him a tour yesterday.”
“Funny, he’s only visited the infirmary twice since Brandth was admitted. I would hardly call that watching over his benefactor.”
“That’s bound to change today. The tour was exceedingly comprehensive, Talac will no doubt be hovering underfoot in the infirmary henceforth.”
“Oh, no, that’s not good. I need time to work on Brandth… and for him to be awake, you need to continue distracting the Captain.”
“Perri.”
“This is Levi we’re talking about, you said you would do anything to help save him… well, this is you helping.” With relief Perri watched Alia slowly nod in agreement. “Excellent. You go keep this Talac busy, and I shall turn my attentions to the Lordling and securing us that invitation.”
The sisters rose, Alia heading for the door. “I’ll spend the day coming up with alternate plans in case you are unsuccessful.”
“Have some faith.” Perri patted Alia’s arm, exuding confidence, only to slump back against the door once it was closed and Alia gone. Cruddy hell, how was she going to convince Brandth De’Luca to issue Alia an invite? Given how badly they rubbed each other the wrong way.
The two of them were like oil and water. Cheese and rain. They hated each other, pure and simple. They couldn’t even have a simple conversation without Brandth mocking her and Perri sniping at him.
Moving away from the door, Perri took a deep breath, straightening her spine, she could do this, she would do anything to save Levi. Her baby was alive! Gods, thank you, her baby was alive and she would sell her soul to keep him safe… so being nice to Brandth De’Luca might hurt, but Perri would suck it up. She would be sweet, biddable and gentle… she would bamboozle the man with kindness and she would secure that invite.
As if to punctuate her thoughts, Brandth chose that moment to snort and then splutter, waking himself up, clearly confused. “Whe... where?” Flinging back the covers.
Oh, no. Not with that broken leg of his. Perri hurried over, reaching out to reassure the man and keep him still. “Shhhssss. Everything is alright.” Pleased as he collapsed back on to the mattress, releasing a small hiss of pain.
“Where in the blazes…?”
Perri leant over, tucking the sheet back around Brandth, one of his arms escaping, his hand landing on his face where he promptly ripped away the blindfold, blinking rapidly, the dim light of the room seeming to meet with his approval as he didn’t wince.
Oh, crud, Perri was bent over him, their faces only inches apart, his gaze fixed completely upon her… and she wasn’t wearing her scarf. Oh, no.
Perri stopped breathing, just waiting for the horror to enter those startlingly beautiful honey brown eyes of his. She had hardened her heart years ago, she’d heard it all before, nothing he could say would wound her.
Brandth blinked twice, his lids heavy as if it was an effort for him to keep them apart. A vague… slightly dazed smile lifting the edges of his lips. “Pretty… pretty eyes.”
Then his eyelids came down for a third time and remained shut. Perri finally allowing herself the luxury of taking a small gulp of air, and then a slightly bigger one. He was asleep again.
Straightening away from the bed, Perri frowned down at Brandth, both hands unconsciously coming up to cover her face, pressing against the deep scar ridges that flowed over her cheeks, her nose, her jaw. Surprised to find herself blinking back tears… she had been prepared for a myriad of Brandth’s reactions. Insults. Horrified gawping. But she hadn’t been prepared for a compliment… and from this man, of all men.
Turning, she hurried to find her scarf. Highly doubting Brandth in his sleepy dazed state would recall seeing her, but unwilling to chance a second unguarded encounter. Sighing in relief once the scarf was pinned securely to her hair and collar. Laughing at herself softly for being such a ninny. Brandth hadn’t meant those words… he probably hadn’t even been able to see Perri clearly in the dim light. He muttered poetry in his fevered sleep, he was probably just quoting some line.
Hah, it was ironic, hardening her heart against insults, whispers, and nasty rumours was a lot easier than dismissing Brandth’s words… how long… how long had it been since anyone had told Perri that she had a pretty anything? Probably not since her deceitful vicious husband had last uttered false endearments a decade ago, right before he attempted to kill her.
Life was funny… and cruel, Perri had discovered that first hand. Why else would the Gods land another astonishingly handsome man in her life, one who mocked her daily with his languid entitled behaviour, and now with meaningless drug addled compliments.
Bustling about the room, Perri opened the shutters to allow the grey light of dawn to brighten it further and began to restore order. Determinedly ignoring the tears running down her cheeks and soaking into her scarf.
Chapter Fourteen
