Reflexively, he looked to Keira as his mind cycled through any possible reason to refuse.
“Yes, of course,” Caspian relented. It was his duty as a host. He didn’t want to stoop to rudeness.
Keira thankfully offered an understanding though strained smile as Pricilla’s arm laced into his.
Keira
Caspian cast a last reluctant look over his shoulder before he left them. That helped, at least a little. Still, it was difficult to beat back the jealousy stirring in her chest. Priscilla had been trying to get his attention throughout the meal, which was forgivable considering that she probably still thought they were about to get married. However, it was obvious that she’d overplayed her reaction to Keira’s magic just to get a moment alone with him.
Keira sighed. Caspian had promised to break things off, and she trusted him. But the sooner he did the better, for everyone involved.
“Well, that was certainly a bit of excitement,” Victor said, taking a final sip of his wine before setting it back down on the table. “My sister and her nerves.” He said this as if it were a private joke.
Keira found herself searching for anywhere else to focus her attention, or a reason to excuse herself.
“Have you taken a stroll through the winter gardens yet?” Yvette spoke up.
“No, I haven’t had the chance.”
“We have a wonderful view of them from our rooms in the East Wing. Would you like to join us?”
“Of course,” Keira said, making sure to smile. In part, she accepted the offer to be polite, but more so gratefullyacknowledging that Yvette was making some effort to welcome her.
“Lovely idea, darling,” Victor purred.
Yvette rested a hand on Victor’s elbow, and Keira followed them all the way out to the great hall, through the massive oaken doors, where a pair of young servants were inexplicably waiting with thick winter cloaks for them to wear over their dresses.
Keira was thankful for the gesture the moment the first winter wind blew against her skirts.
The garden was just around the side of the thick stone wall, past one of the towers, to where the East Wing flanked off from the rest of the keep. It was composed of a paved stone trail, winding around snow dusted hedges, and a few impressive topiaries. They were all in the shape of bears. The most eye catching was rearing back on its hind legs in the aggressive stance traditionally displayed on Northall’s banners.
“It is quite a sight, isn’t it?” Victor commented, gazing up at the towering shape.
“Life like,” Keira agreed.
Victor laughed, an abrupt amusement. “Yes the thing startled me on my first exploration of these pathways, but I’ve had ample time while the lord was away to tour these gardens countless times. I believe we are becoming quite companionable these days.”
“I know that Caspian- Lord Caspian regrets being away so long, but it was important,” Keira explained, feeling that he was fishing for some sort of apology.
Victor looked to her, more directly than he had all afternoon. “There’s no need to explain such things to me. I am in the unique position of understanding exactly the demands that come with land and title.” He sighed and continued to stroll through the curving path. “I find my time is rarely my own. The demands are constant, always more that is asked of me, more that needs to bedone. The legacy of my house depends upon my ability to uphold it, not to mention those who depend on me for their livelihood and protection. It is not an easy position which your friend has found himself in, especially for one who was not groomed for the role.”
“Caspian cares a great deal about those he’s been titled to look after. He’s fair and brave and kind. He’ll be a great lord, even if he wasn’t born into it.”
Victor nodded obligingly. “I do not mean to speak ill of your friend, my host. But I cannot fail to notice that this world is not your own. Its demands are a stranger to you as they once were to him. Lord Caspian has done admirably, given his humble beginnings, but even so, he was wise to seek a union with an older, more established family.”
Keira opened her mouth to object, but closed it again. That was not her matter to broach. Instead, she set her eyes out on the smooth surface of a small, frozen pond.
“Priscilla grew up under the expectations of nobility. She can be a true partner to him, guide him through the politics, which it is clear he feels an outsider to. Not to mention the credibility their children will have, having two houses, and a respectable lineage to rely upon.”
She gritted her teeth in an effort not to make her irritation palpable throughout the entire garden. Was he trying to sell her on his sister to get her approval or to frighten her off?
“Do you suppose you will stay for the wedding?” Yvette asked.
Keira turned, unable to keep the venom from her tongue. “I wasn’t aware that the betrothal had been finalized.”
“Quite right,” Victor said without a beat. “It may take some time to make all the proper arrangements. I’m sure you’ll feel called to move on again before the big day.”
Keira’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t count on my departure in your calculations, Lord Redfield. I have no intention of going anywhere.”
