A/N: Okay, even I was getting a bit antsy waiting for Bran and Nee to get together, so here you go! *dances* (Sorry to the fluff-haters – I need Bran and Nee to hook up before anything else happens with the plot. Besides, I'm HOPELESSLY romantic, so I can't really help it. And you did know that it was a romance. So I'm rather justified.)

Meghan: Yeah, I thought so too. I think Bran is a little bit lost with all these social rules, but he tries his best. Thanks!

charmgirl: Awwww! That's so sweet! Thank you. And no, I never get tired of such sincere compliments! *grins*

Shaylee Isobel: Thank you so much! If this is how you write your comments, I can't wait to read your own stories! *wanders off to look for them*

JennyT: I like fluff too – and here's plenty more for you!

Disclaimer: All the characters, places, and the main story plot belongs to Sherwood Smith's Crown Duel.

~ * ~ * ~

Gossips Have Some Field Days (er…months, actually)

The next month or so was pleasant and fun. Bran was not quite plainly courting me; he seemed too shy to openly admit it. But the rest of the Court was excited by it, and for some time it took hold of all of the gossip. But the talk changed at the arrival – actually, return – of two people.

Firstly, Elenet returned from Grumareth. Everyone was very happy to see her, especially me. I introduced her to Bran, but didn't get a chance to really talk to her about anything in private.

But the other three arrivals were not so well praised. I did not see them come back in person, but at dinner I saw them. Bran pointed out a magnificently dressed lady, a rather drab, younger woman, and an attractive man. "Do you know them?"

"Not personally, but everyone knows who they are," I said hesitantly. "The Marquise of Merindar, Arthal; her daughter Fialma; and her son Flauvic. The Marquise was the sister of Galdran Merindar. Flauvic just returned from, and Fialma and the Marquise had been hiding out in Merindar. I don't know why they decided to come back."  

He looked at them keenly, but I saw no trace of rage on his face. Puzzled, I asked, "Are you not mad to see them here?"

"Of course I'm mad," he said easily. "Who wouldn't be? But I'm also – well, intrigued. They seem to be quite a collection of characters."

"They are," I replied dryly. "The Marquise is conniving and sneaky with the only the facade of a splendid woman. Fialma is spiteful and prickly; behind her back, everyone calls her the Thorn. And Flauvic – well, he's also tricky. He seems very charming and gentleman-ly, but he's also lazy and who knows what else."

We heard his high-pitched, fancy voice drifting down the table, and Bran grinned. "If his sister is the Thorn, then Flauvic is a Flower."

I smothered a giggle. "Yes – pretty, but rather useless."

The name soon spread around to the other haters of the Merindars, which were certainly the majority of the court. The Flower and the Thorn never heard about it, but they neglected to make frequent appearances, staying mostly at the Merindar suite. Sometimes Flauvic joined in rides and such, and all three attended Petitioner's Court, which was lead by Vidanric and his parents.

One day we were all at the weapons' practice. Bran, Danric, Geral, Renna, Trishe, Derric, and many of the others were sparring each other, while Elenet and I watched, chatting casually. It was the first time since her arrival that we really had the chance to talk.

"So, Elenet," I began, "how goes the business in Grumareth?"

My friend sighed. "My great-uncle, the Duke, tries to undo everything good that I do for the state. I have the impression that he was really admiring of Galdran and worshipped him and his cause."

"It is a shame that the former duke passed away," I murmured sympathetically.

"Yes. I miss him so," Elenet replied, but her voice was bland of emotion. "But on to lighter topics, Nee. I hear that you and the count of Tlanth have become the new 'item' in Court." She raised her eyebrows.

I sighed. "Oh, Elenet, don't you start on that too! Trishe has been teasing me endlessly, and so have Renna and Arasa and some of the others too."

"Well, it's easy to see that he likes you."

"Really?" My question came out a little too rushed, and I reddened.

With a small smile, she said, "Well, I guess that takes care of my next question, which is do you like him?"

"Well - yes," I admitted. She laughed, and we turned to watch the matches. Vidanric had just beaten Branaric. Elenet and I congratulated him as he came over along with his laughing, defeated opponent.

"I guess I'll need some more practice before I can beat a superb swordsman like Danric," Bran said easily.

Vidanric grinned wryly. "My efforts and those of most of us here have lasted since childhood. Don't feel bad about it."

Bran shrugged. "Our man-at-arms in Tlanth wanted to start Mel and I off earlier, but Father had other things for me to do."

"Speaking of your sister, Lord Branaric, when is she coming to Court? Vidanric has spoken about her with much praise, and of course her courage is acclaimed around Remalna." This question had been asked to Bran many times, but Elenet did not know that. Her question also managed to sound much more pleasant and not mocking, as were those of Tamara and some of the more skeptical courtiers.

"It's just Bran." He looked unhappy. "I don't know when she's coming. I wrote to her to send the money that Danric said was our share. I don't understand why she doesn't leave the money with our steward and come here."

"Knowing Lady Meliara and her love of Tlanth, she is probably using the money to improve your county to the fullest extent," Vidanric offered helpfully.

"Yes, it does need quite a bit of work," Bran said unashamedly. "And she has always been – well, a little mistrusting of the Court. That's the way that Father brought us up, and Mel tends to have a better memory than I."

"Much better, obviously," said Derric from behind him. "Or did you forget that I challenged you to a match after you finished with Vidanric?"

Bran gave a half-groan, and the men went back to the fighting arena.

~ * ~ * ~

One night after dinner, I was in my room, reading a letter from my brother. I had just returned from dinner about ten minutes before, but the sight of the letter had prevented me from changing into my usual nightdress. That was lucky, because just then someone knocked on my tapestry. "Come in," I called, wondering who would be calling at the time. It's probably Elenet, I thought.

But to my surprise, Bran stood on the threshold, almost wringing his hands and looking nervous.

"Bran!" I said, astonished. Then I recovered myself and curtsied, adding, "Is there something I could do for you?"

"Oh, nothing really," he replied. "I was just – er – wondering if you'd like to, well, come walk in the gardens with me. The moon is out and it's quite warm, so…"

"I would be delighted," I said quickly to stop him tripping over his own words. "Let me just go get my shawl." I smiled at him and went into my room as the tapestry swung shut again. "Ilvet!" I whispered loudly.

My maid stayed in my room until I went to sleep, longer than most. She appeared suddenly and said, "My lady?"

"Lord Branaric is here, and he's asked me to go walking with him in the gardens!" I said, fretful and flustered.

Ilvet looked at me and smiled. "Then it is a good thing you did not change your gown, my lady," she said, mirroring my own thoughts. "I shall fetch your green shawl, and then you will be ready."

We strolled among the rose gardens, gleaming in the pale moonlight shed upon them. Faint stars also surrounded the half-moon. The air was pleasantly warm for nighttime, and not humid.

For a few moments we walked in silence. That was strange, for although I was quieter than many people, Bran loved to talk. I remembered the time we had talked through three dances and stifled a giggle. Perhaps it was the atmosphere – it was night, and the first time the two of us had been together alone. Men usually didn't come into ladies' rooms unless they were openly courting, and the same with ladies in men's rooms.

Finally Bran broke the ice. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" he asked, looking at the sharp pinpoints of light and the orb of glowing incandesce that hailed from the blue-black sky.

"Yes," I agreed. "It makes me think of – "

"Yes?" he persisted as I faltered.

"Of music," I said quickly.

"Oh," he said. I thought I heard a trace of something in his voice. What was it? Disappointment?

Or just nothing?

You have to be brave, Nee, I told myself. This is a good chance. Just say it.

"And – " I piped up.

He stopped walking and turned towards me, but I could not see his face in the darkness.

"And, it also makes me think – " I took a deep breath " – of love."

"Love?"

"Love," I repeated faintly.

I could sense him grin, and the air seemed to lighten. "Well," he said happily, "me too."

Suddenly his face seemed very close to mine. We were about the same height, so he didn't have to bend down. But he leaned forward and kissed me, softly, gently, putting his arms around me. I can't say that I've never been kissed before – I have, a few times. But I'd never been in love before. Maybe this kiss wasn't much different from the others, but it felt different.

The kiss broke apart, and he whispered into my hair, "I love you, Nee."

"I know," I murmured back. And it was true. I guess it was just as obvious to us as it was to everyone else. But it was still hard to admit until one of us hard heard it. "Me too."

"I know too," he said. I giggled, and he laughed too.

We separated and he sighed. "By etiquette, this is a bit too soon to ask, but I have to. Will you marry me?"

Even though I knew he loved me, this was a bit sudden. The words "I'll-have-to-think-about-it" were on my lips, but I knew it wasn't true. "Of course! It's just that everyone else will think we're strange for being engaged since we haven't even been openly courting yet."

"Oh, I just had to know that you would. I couldn't wait any longer to hear it. But we don't have to tell anyone yet – we'll just pretend that we are courting, and announce the marriage then."

"All right."

He grinned ruefully. "I guess that means I'll have to wait until I can give you this. Or you can keep it until we announce the wedding." He held up an exquisite gold necklace with a diamond pendant. The chain itself was light and iridescent, and off it hung a single diamond drop that gleamed and sparkled even in the faint light. It was an engagement necklace, which the woman wore to signify her acceptance into the troth. The soon-to-be groom wore a similar chain, but with a ruby instead of a diamond.

I stared at it in awe. "Maybe you should keep it," I said finally. "It's much too tempting. I'd be wearing it tomorrow and the gossip would be wild!"

He laughed, and stroked my cheek with a soft hand. Then he kissed me again, his lips teasing mine passionately until I was gasping and breathless. The moon glittered down upon us, and everything in the world seemed perfect.

~ * ~ * ~

A/N: Call it mushy, sappy, stupid, or whatever you think – I like it. Hmph!