Dangerous Engagement

Disclaimer: All characters and such still belong to the awesome Sherwood Smith, hopefully I won't damage them too badly while borrowing them in this innocent fanfic.

Chapter 5 – From Vidanric's Point of View (Yehaw!)

I couldn't believe my luck. Meliara had just looked into my eyes and declared her wish to never leave my side.

No, that wasn't the problem.

It thrilled me to know how deeply she felt for me, especially after those long, difficult months of unrequited affection. I could barely contain my happiness – Mel's influence on me always made a Court mask difficult. She was so beautiful, and a few, shall we say, interesting, desires coursed through me. However, I trusted myself to resist temptation and stick to innocent kissing.

Of course, we couldn't even get that far when a knock sounded outside the room. Mel and I exchanged pained glances before stepping very reluctantly apart.

"Enter," I called dully.

"Good afternoon," smiled Captain Nessaren, winking at Meliara. Enough with the winking already, I thought, annoyed at the interruption. The captain turned to me, reporting, "Your parents are both awake. They're asking to hear the news directly from you." I thanked and dismissed her while groaning inwardly – why couldn't my parents have gotten the report from Ness? I wanted to spend time with Mel, but it seemed that was going to be impossible.

"I'm sure your parents won't keep you too long," said Mel hopefully. I just nodded and kissed her quickly good-bye.

Woefully I walked down to my parents' quarters, listening to the courtiers stirring and waking in the rooms along the hall. All work and no play makes Vidanric a dull boy, I thought miserably. No, king, I remembered, scolding myself slightly for wanting to shirk duties. I sighed, wishing that after the coronation I could designate an uninterrupted "romance" hour, along with the times for petitions and taxes.

Cheering myself up a bit, I remember Mel's passionate devotion… and hey, getting told you have addictive lips is a boost to any guy's mood.

I knocked on the hard, wooden door of a private room and entered. My parents were drinking tea comfortably in their usual chairs, but I noticed there was an extra figure in the chamber.

"Ah, there you are, Danric," smiled my father. "Have you been introduced to Azmus yet?" He motioned to a commonly dressed, round faced man who bowed as he rose to leave the room. I bowed in return and said an automatic greeting, wondering where I'd heard his name before. While he exited silently I sent a glance at my mother.

"Azmus was the Tlanthi's spy last year who helped in Meliara's escape from the prison," she answered my silent question. "It seems the countess again used him to discover to the Marquise's plot, and twenty wagonloads of kinthus our own people missed."

I nodded. "Yes, she informed me of her actions when we met on the road to the border. She headed straight for the Hill Folk to warn them of the danger and also decided to confront the wagoneers… I suppose you want to know how the Merinder business worked out?" I was hoping to end this interview shortly, but things didn't go as I'd planned.

"We've a basic knowledge from Captain Nessaren," said my father, waving away the thought of hostile takeovers. So why did you call me down here? I thought. The true reason for my presence was soon exposed. "Our questions concern Lady Meliara."

Mastering the skill of the Court mask does come in handy at times, but I knew it wouldn't help me too much in this case. My training was somewhat helpful, as I avoided grinning like an idiot, blushing, stammering, or sweating profusely.

"Yes? What questions?" I managed to get out fairly calmly, knowing exactly what questions were about to be asked. I was also acutely aware that my parents were able to read my embarrassed expression easily, no matter how hard I tried to dissemble.

"Son, we received notice that a certain family ring appeared on her finger a few months back, but chose not to nose around. Now Captain Nessaren reports you told her to find you, if necessary, in the countess' rooms?" My father's brows were arched very high. He was obviously trying to look grave and questioning, but I thought I could read an amused expression in his eye.

Clearing my throat, I steadied my nerves to tell the truth (my parents were not going to be fooled by stammered denials) no matter how embarrassing the scene became.

"I cannot deny that I was in her rooms. However, my original reason for being there was to tend to the wound inflicted upon her by Flauvic's blade," I began, wishing to put off the announcement of my feelings until the last possible second. My father looked slightly disappointed, but Mother quickly jumped in.

"What of the ring? I understood that upon receiving it, the countess knew not who it came from. Has this changed? She danced with you at Nimiar's Adoption Ball, she rode back with you to save the Court… and what do you mean, 'original reason'?"

My mother puts together a puzzle before most people spot the pieces. Glad that half my explaining was done, I filled in the blanks.

"Yes, the ring. I did send it to her anonymously, but she now knows my true… feelings and intentions," I finished in a rush. "And returns them."

There was a split second in which I felt more embarrassed than anytime I could remember in my life, and sympathized with Meliara's habit as my face flushed uncharacteristically.

"Oh, Danric!" fluted my mother, springing out of her chair and nearly knocking me over as she rushed to congratulate me.

"Fine lady you've chosen, son," my father praised, saluting me with his tea mug. "When can we expect the engagement announcement? The kingdom will be raring to crown the pair of you after the story of your triumph over the Merinders gets out."

My tiny mother was nearly breaking my ribs with the force of her embrace. When she finally let go I grinned, running a hand through my hair and thinking.

"I hadn't really thought that far ahead, and Mel hasn't either, I expect. I do believe there's going to be quite a few shocked people at that proclamation. A party would be the best place to make the announcement, I suppose, after we set the date of the wedding and coronation… Until then, do you think we could keep this just between us?"

I was hoping to delay the time when all the Court's attention would be focused on our courtship, and my parents understood perfectly.

"Of course," agreed my mother, "you should enjoy a private romance while you can. And I'll get started planning that party!" Ah, my mother. She's a formidable politician, but she does love her fashion. She off was talking about gowns and decorations before I could bat an eye. I took the opportunity to bow out of the room, receiving a hearty wink from my father.

Wondering exactly how many more winks I would endure when the entire Court knew about our engagement, I forced myself to greet newly awakened courtiers on the stairs in a civil manner. I really wanted to hurtle back up to Mel's room, but thought that would just be too much fun for the gossips to handle.

Future kings have to practice self-control, I reminded myself, walking slowly and soberly. Even ones with addictive lips.

**Another Vidanric POV chapter completed! I sure hope you liked it. Review!

Poor Danric, he always has to do his duty. I wasn't really sure if his character would be quite so embarrassed to tell his parents he was in love, but thought the scene was just too fun not to write, especially his annoyance at all the winking.

More Mel – Vidanric fluff in the next chapter, from Mel's POV. I've had pretty much my whole story idea planned out, which is my secret weapon to fast updates.

Thank you enormously to all my reviewers – I'm glad I gave you something to smile about! ~Shannon