Something Rupert didn’t find so difficult anymore, thanks to Winter. “The situation at Middlethorp was caused by the actions of one man,” he said, raising his glass at Winter, who happened to catch his eye in that moment and smiled at him. “A man who has since been tried, found guilty, and imprisoned for his treachery. Winter and I still intend to attend their next annual hunt and have advised the Middlethorps of that.”
“Oh. Yes. Well.” Out of the corner of his eye, Rupert could see Percy squirming. “That’s unusually magnanimous of you, sire. I will be sure to advise my father of your change of heart.”
It wasn’t me who had a change of heart. That was you, two seconds ago.
Rupert had deferred to Winter on their decision about the Middlethorps. The Middlethorps had sent a long and very heartfelt apology once the decision about Tristan’s case had been made public. It was Winter who suggested they accept the apology – after Rupert wanted to tear it up and throw it in the trash - adding that alienating any society family could give rise to future conflicts with the throne.
“Can I mention that marriage seems to have agreed with you, sire.”
Gods, Percy was still trying to encourage conversation. Rupert would far rather watch and be amazed as his “frivolous” husband moved onto contact number five.He makes it all look so easy.But good manners demanded Rupert answer Percy.
“I realize it’s public knowledge that I was not in favor of my marriage when the contract was initially drawn up.” Rupert leaned back in his chair. “However, my father is an excellent judge of character, and Winter has proven to be an interesting and very supportive spouse.” He managed a grin for Percy, whose mouth had dropped open. “I highly recommend it.”
“Yes. Well. Actually, that’s what I wanted to discuss with you.” Percy seemed to be looking everywhere than at Rupert. “I understand your consort has a brother who has been staying at the Simigile castle with you. I was hoping he would be here tonight. At the risk of presuming on our long history of friendship, I’d be honored if you would introduce me.”
My goodness, Sigmund was right.Rupert had already been advised that some of his previous companions, in particular Percy and Bakersfield, were keen on trying to find ways to get back into Rupert’s good graces.
“Unfortunately, Prince August has already returned to Martingale. I believe we’re expecting to visit there ourselves next month, as guests at his wedding to one of the society ladies there. Apparently, they have been courting for some time. I believe Winter is very excited to see his family again for such a joyous occasion.”
Joyous occasion.Rupert mentally snorted, remembering being told that was how Winter was viewing their wedding before the vows were even said.Sigmund is rubbing off on me.
“That is a shame.” Percy tugged at the collar of his robe. “I say, is it true there’ll be dancing at this ball? That’s not typical for mostevents you’ve attended in the past. You’ve always found dancing to be a trivial thing to do when drinking and conversation is more entertaining.”
“It’s a matter of perspective,” Rupert said, standing as Winter approached their table. His husband was striking in the robe he’d worn at his wedding, his fingers enhanced with gold rings, his wrists adorned with beads and bangles. What warmed Rupert’s heart was the prominent placement of the broach he’d gifted his husband, nestled just below Winter’s throat.
“There’s no point in wasting all those dance classes we took when we were younger – especially when my dear husband has expressed an interest in dancing with me. Winter, my dear. You look parched.” Rupert held the back of Winter’s chair as he sat and reached for a fresh glass of wine. “Have you been enjoying yourself?”
“Tremendously, thank you. Lord Percy, you’re looking well this evening. Your black robe is very flattering on you. You look so much slimmer than you did last time we met.” Winter nodded in Percy’s direction before taking a small sip from his glass. He flicked his hair back – he was wearing it loose for the evening, and Rupert was entranced by the way the long curls glistened in the light as they fell down his back.
Percy, on the other hand, looked as if he were trying to swallow an egg. “Thank you, Your Highness.” He seemed to make an effort to collect himself. “Do you typically prefer gaudy… I mean brightly colored outfits?”
“But of course.” Winter’s laughter rang through the air. “I am a gentleman of shorter stature. How else am I meant to be noticed in a sea of tall people? My robes certainly caught my husband’s eye. This particular robe was commissioned by our dear king – made right here in Simigile. Isn’t that amazing?”
“You look very stunning.” Rupert cut in quickly before Percy had a chance to respond. “The music has started. Would you care to dance?”
“How sweet of you to ask, Rupert dear. Most definitely.” Winter held out his hand, which Rupert took, assisting his husband to his feet. He was conscious of Percy’s stare as they made their way to the dance floor.
“Sigmund was right,” Rupert murmured as he took Winter into his arms and started to move. “Percy wanted me to introduce him to August, after suggesting my marriage had agreed with me.”
“My brother August?” Winter chuckled, moving them closer together while still being respectable. “We can be glad then that my father approved his choice of bride. The last thing August needed was the attentions of your friends looking to get closer to the throne through marriage.”
“Were your conversations fruitful?” Rupert twirled Winter around, making him chuckle again.
“Very. Poor Sigmund will be busy writing reports again tonight, but that’s the whole point of this little exercise. It means we have an excuse to explain the dragon messenger turning up tomorrow morning.”
“Do you think they’ll sense a dragon presence in the hill country?” Rupert had been fascinated to learn that it was a possibility. But after lengthy back-and-forth messages with the World Council, it was determined that the royals’ presence at a ball in the area would make the appearance of a dragon messenger more plausible. The rider would be instructed to take a wide detour over the hill country to hopefully ensure no dragons were being held there.
“From what I’ve been hearing this evening, it’s not likely.” Winter’s wide eyes and bright smile belied the seriousness of his words. “It is possible, if it was an injured dragon your Percy saw a year ago, that he managed to recover and fly away, or perhaps he didn’t make it. You do realize why I had to make certain one way or the other, don’t you?”
Winter’s hand rested lightly on Rupert’s chest, right over his heart – an almost shockingly intimate move for royals in public. Rupert noticed more than a few people glance their way and whisper among themselves. Rather than worry about being gossiped about, as he might have done two months before, Rupert enjoyed knowing other guests clearly saw how happy he made his husband.
“I understand you care deeply about creatures of all sorts. I even include myself among that number.” Looking down at his husband’s happy face, Rupert smiled. “It’s one of the reasons I care so deeply about you. You look amazing this evening.”
“As do you.” Winter nodded briefly, accepting the compliment, his cheeks looking fetching as he blushed.
“I do know something else.” Rupert leaned slightly so he could whisper and still be heard. “I’ll wager you five gold coins that at the next social event we attend, Percy will be wearing a robe likely more bejeweled than the one you’re wearing.”
“Then he’ll be wearing something gaudy.” Winter seemed to find that amusing, too. “There’s a very fine line between glamorous and gaudy, you should understand. I’m an expert at knowing the difference.”
