Brannal shook his head. “I think they looked at one another once. That seems a pretty ordinary thing to do when you’re near one another.”
Scoffing, Perian corrected, “She came out with the most transparent of excuses. What do you want to bet there is a jar of jam already in here, but she came up with that pretext when she saw us heading for the stables.”
Lip curling, Brannal said, “I think I know better than to take that bet with you.”
Perian nodded, satisfied.
In a few minutes, the stable hand was back with a container of honey and an entirely unnecessary blush across their cheeks which made Perian suppressa grin.
Perian had asked for directions when he’d made his initial request, and if everyone knew why he wanted a secluded spot, he figured that was more likely tokeepit secluded. He led the way, and Brannal fell in at his side with the basket.
They turned off the main street past the pub with the blue sign, and the path soon became a dirt track that led them out past some gently rolling hills right out into the countryside, where it soon looked like they could be the only people for miles.
It was a beautiful summer’s day, perfect for picnics.
“How about here?” he suggested.
They’d crested and descended several hills away from the village, so they were well out of direct line of sight.
“Looks perfect,” Brannal told him.
That was what Perian thought about the whole set-up—about the whole holiday, really. He loved the castle and everyone in it. (Well, all right, noteveryone, but all of his friends. And he’d try more with Cormal, honest.) But it was amazing to have this break, too.
Brannal set the basket down, and the two of them spread out the picnic blanket. Perian couldn’t stop smiling.
“What?” Brannal asked, lifting the basket and setting it down on the blanket.
Perian shook his head, plopping down onto the blanket and waiting for Brannal to join him.
“Nothing that isn’t silly. I’m just really excited about doing this with you. I thought it might be a little weird, like picnics were suddenly just for me and Renny, but being here with you like this is totally different, and I love it.”
Brannal smiled at him. “I’m glad. No one has ever invited me on a picnic before. I’m so glad to be doing it with you.”
Perian started pulling things out of the basket and told Brannal he could just look around, but of course, that didn’t work, and he started to pull things out too.
“Do you let other people do things for you?” he asked.
Brannal considered this. “Maybe… not that often? Unless it’s their actual job?”
“And if it isn’t their job but they want to show they care for you?”
“That’s very generous, and I appreciate it a great deal.” He hesitated for a moment and then blurted out, “And I’d still like to get all of this laid out so we can start eating.”
Perian grinned. “That’s fair.”
When Perian triumphantly held up two identical-looking jars of jam, Brannal laughed and assured him, “You win.”
They continued to set out the bountiful array of food, as good as anything Perian was given at the castle for him and Renny.
Contemplatively, Brannal said, “It feels weird to just be sitting here. I guess I’m truly not used to this sort of thing. I don’t like to be idle.”
“Unless we’re cuddling,” Perian prompted.
Brannal smiled widely, his face relaxed and open. “If we’re relaxing together, that is a different matter. And it certainly serves a purpose for us.”
Perian nodded, gaining another small insight into the man. He really was committed to doing the very best work as Summus that he could, and he didn’t let a lot get in his way.
“Can I ask you something?” Perian inquired.
