He rubbed his graying beard. “Hmm, that would be the day Garlain left the castle and went to the ruins.”
Princess Leeta put her hand on her father’s arm. “No, Father, that was when Dianne gave you the photographs, but they visited you only before the last full moon.”
The king looked chagrined. “You saw them?”
“Yes, and by the time I entered the planning room they were gone, and you were confused and unable to talk coherently. I left it alone all these weeks, but now I think you are keeping things from me.”
“But what does that mean?” Bree wanted to know. “Why did they visit?”
“They brought a new wheeled chair for Tilly. Now eat and drink and tell us everything that has happened up until this moment.”
“But...”
Horland squeezed Bree’s forearm to stop her from speaking.
The king smiled at Bree, but his eyes hardened as if to let her know he was finished talking about Mark and Dianne.
Bree sat back and kept her tongue, but she wasn’t going to leave it there. She wondered when her aunt and uncle had taken the photographs of her. She knew they were alive and flitting about throughout the ages, but just how many times had they gone back to what was their present time?More times than I knew about, that’s for sure.
The princesses Leeta and Tilly wanted to know everything that had happened. Bree pushed all her unansweredquestions out of her mind and joined Horland, Garlain and Morla taking turns telling the princesses their stories.
Everyone was sympathetic to Bree, and they didn’t hide their glee that Garlain was once again back to his old self.
During the conversation, Horland exclaimed his intention to marry Bree. Everyone clapped and the king stood, chalet in hand. “Congratulations, Horland and Briana. The wedding will be on the morrow.”
“What?” Bree said. “Wait, that’s too soon.”
“Why?” Horland asked. “Have you changed your mind?”
“No, of course not, but I have to plan the wedding.”
“No need,” Princess Leeta said. “The wedding is already being planned as we speak.” She tipped her head to indicate Bree should look behind her.
Bree turned and the king was speaking to Carson and four of the serving staff.
Horland chuckled. “It is set.” He took Bree’s hand. “Mayhap it is time to retire, we have a big day tomorrow.”
“You can sleep in my room tonight,” Morla said to Bree.
MORLA SHOWED BREE TOher room, where a massive rug covered the floor, with an equally massive fireplace. The high bed with its four posts and drapes tied to each one looked like it would be comfortable.
She threw her backpack on a low double-seated chair and jumped on the bed. It felt like she was sitting on fluffy pillows. The bed was much cozier than Bree would have guessed.
“It’s beautiful,” Bree said.
“Don’t become to enamored with it,” Morla said. “You are here for only one night.”
“What happens after that?”
“Leeta is assigning your apartments tonight, and they will be ready for you and Sir Horland on the morrow. The entire west wing is full of apartments for our knights and their families. You can stay there as long as you wish.”
“Does everyone live in the castle?”
“No, some find they prefer to make homes elsewhere in the kingdom. However, it is my hope you and Horland will stay.”
“Is it me and Horland you want living here, or do you want my father to stay?”
Morla stepped into the room and shut the door behind her. “Garlain is the king’s knight. He will stay anyway, with or without you.”
