“Not one little bit. Though do you think painting a target on father was wise? Reminding him of Levi’s inheritance?” As servants began lighting a multitude of flickering lanterns, Alia’s suddenly grim expression was framed in stark relief. “What? What is it? Levi? Has something happened?”
“He’s fine. Rest easy. But I saw him… earlier today, it was why I was a little late attending the family meet and greet party.”
“Why are you only telling me now?”
“Because I didn’t want to fan the flames of your desire for vengeance regarding Regal any higher right before we were due to confront him.”
“How is he? How does he look? Did you speak to him? What did he say?”
“Calm yourself.” Alia recounted the tale of coming across Levi being bullied by the three older aristo boys.
“You think it’s his thigh bone?”
Alia nodded. “I watched him move. The difference in leg lengths would explain his limp.”
“My poor baby. He’s fast approaching his grow spurt years, if the legs aren’t matched, then I fear his spine will start to curve and his limp may only grow worse.”
“At least he’s safe from Regal’s machinations for the moment. His father’s attention will be solely focused upon you for the immediate future. I pray Regal spends a sleepless night tossing and turning, wondering whether you will publicly declare yourself his long lost wife.”
“I-” Perri ceased speaking as a man in a bright yellow tunic approached them. He was young, barely out of his teens, his face pale, his eyes blinking constantly. He kept glancing back from whence he came at two young gentlemen that resembled him somewhat. Older brothers, Perri would guess.
“P…Pardon, Lady Alia.” The young man looked up, he was barely five feet and ten, the difference between him and Alia glaringly noticeable. “May I introduce myself? I’m Master Seeve Hail, and I would be honoured if you’d partner me in a dance?”
It was clear that Master Seeve had been dared or bullied by his older siblings into making this request. No doubt Miss Jacquene’s brothers were hoping to embarrass Alia. They would either kick up a fuss if she said no. Or, if she acquiesced, were hoping that she would make a graceless spectacle of herself on the dance floor.
“Are you going to be alright?”
Perri nodded emphatically, she was, she was going to be fine. Even better once Regal was dead and she could wrap her arms around her son.
“I hate to leave you alone.”
“I’ve got her.” A deep voice pronounced.
Damnation, the barnacle was back. But at least he’d brought refreshments. Brandth, using a single crutch, stopped beside Perri.
“Excellent. Then come along Master Seeve.” Alia turned, gave her dance partner a wide smile, hooking her arm though his, the couple heading out on to the grassy dance area. Twice, just walking, Master Seeve stumbled. His older brothers were stacking the deck as it appeared the youngest of them had two left feet.
“Here.” Brandth handed over a large goblet of mead. “You looked like you could use a stiff drink.”
Blast the man, he was becoming way too attuned to her moods for Perri’s liking. But still, she really wanted that drink.
“Thank you.” She acknowledged his gesture reluctantly, shuffling backwards several steps so that the light from the nearest torch barely reached the edge of her hem. Annoyingly Brandth shuffled back too, because… barnacle.
With practised fingers Perri undid the tiny buttons along her collar that held the scarf in place. Lifting the edge of the material, slipping the goblet underneath and taking a deep and much needed drink.
“Better?”
“I believe you have a gift for understanding the needs and wants of others… and using that information against them.” Listening to Brandth laugh in response. That deep masculine sound sliding down Perri’s spine like an intimate caress. It irritated her beyond measure, her body’s reaction to him.
Determinedly Perri concentrated on the dancers. Master Seeve was doing a bang up job of keeping up with Alia. Probably because her sister was gripping him under both elbows and keeping him upright. They twirled, promenaded, weaved and spun like a seasoned pair of partners. All because Alia led, and barely allowed Seeve’s feet to touch the ground. It was not her sister’s first time dancing with a much shorter, inexperienced dancer. She even had the lift parts down pat. Bringing Seeve’s arms in close and leaping in to the air, making it look like Seeve was lifting her.
Perri imbibed more mead. Beyond pleased to note her hand was rock steady.
Brandth’s eyes had adjusted to the dim shadows where they stood and noted the same thing. “I must commend you, Lady Perri. I don’t think I would be as cool if I were to encounter my long lost spouse. Ten years since you last saw the devil I heard your sister say.”
The last of the mead went down the wrong way. Coughing, Perri struggled to swallow. Frantically trying to get a denial out.
“Please, don’t try and insult me with lies or prevarications. I would just like to know what possessed you to wed such a popinjay?”
