“We wouldn’t miss it,” Edward said. “Family is important and with a family spread over time, it is even more paramount that we come together whenever we can.”
“Aye, Abigail loves her family and I love Abigail, so therefore I love ye.”
“Same here,” Peter said. “Maxine loves any time she can spend with her family, and I would never come between her and you all. Also, I have fallen in love with all of you as well.”
“I’m so glad,” Bree said. “Come on, let’s join them then.”
Bree introduced the princesses to everyone, and the guards handed out refreshments of ale, wine, and water. Bree stuck with water—she didn’t want to put a foot wrong with the wedding celebrations, not that she knew what she was supposed to do after the family reunion.
Although Bree loved being in the company of her cousins and their partners, she was disappointed Uncle Mark and Aunt Di weren’t there. They said they would be.
After nearly an hour, Bree started getting anxious. She wished she knew where Horland was. She wanted Horland to meet her family, but she wasn’t sure of the traditions in that time.
“Morla,” Bree said, tipping her head back to let the princess know she wanted to speak to her.
Morla came alongside her. “What?”
“What happens now. Don’t we have a wedding to attend?”
“I’m just waiting for Father. He should be here by now.”
“Will Horland be with him?”
“Of course. Are you worried he might have changed his mind?”
“No,” Bree answered adamantly, but she couldn’t help the niggle in the back of her brain that told her it was possible Horland had second thoughts. After all, neither of them had really been given time to settle into their engagement. It was so rushed.
At that moment, the king, flanked by Horland and Garlain, marched into the foyer from the south corridor.
“King Pradwick,” Carson, the king’s man, announced.
Everyone stopped chatting and laughing and turned to the king.
The men bowed and women curtsied, Bree included.
The king waved his hand, telling them to stop. “It is time.”
Carson threw the huge wood and metal double doors open and music wafted throughout the foyer.
Horland took Bree into his arms. “You are beautiful.”
Snuggling into his chest, Bree said, “You too.”
“There will be time for that later,” Garlain said. “But now you have a long walk ahead of you.”
Bree wondered what her father meant by a long walk but before she could ask, Horland placed Bree’s arm in the crook of his arm and squeezed her hand. He gazed at her and smiled. “Are you ready?”
She put her other hand on his and looked into the eyes of the man she was about to marry. Her heart sped up at the emotion she saw there. All she wanted to do was kiss him, but she set her jaw and nodded. “Let’s do this.”
Horland laughed and guided her out of the doors.
In the courtyard, minstrels played music and sang. Some had flutes, six-stringed viols, and trumpets. Some carried drums and some even played bagpipes.
Making room for the others behind them, Bree glanced back at Iain and grinned. “They have bagpipes.”
Iain nodded and smiled contentedly. “They are truly intelligent people in this time.”
Abby laughed and put her arm around her husband.
