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 6 – From Meliara's Point of View
After Vidanric and Nessaren left I sat for a while on my cushions, catching afternoon light with the beautiful sapphire ring and wishing we hadn't been interrupted. I sank into a doze, listening to murmuring voices in the corridor. The news about the Merinder takeover attempt was spreading, and courtiers' voices filtered through my tapestry door as the speakers walked past.
"A tree? A real Goldenwood tree, just sprouted right out of the floor?" said someone incredulously. "I will have to see this with my own eyes before I believe the stories."
"Then down to the throne room with you!" said the other speaker. "I just came from there myself, after Lord Branaric told me the tale."
I jolted awake. Bran – and Nee – the wedding! I had been so caught up in my own happiness that I had completely forgotten the vows they were soon going to exchange. Trying to figure out what day it was, and how many days there were until the ceremony, I jumped as a figure stepped into my rooms without warning.
"Gossips," muttered Danric, explaining his quick, tense entry into the chamber. "I doubt even a plot to steal the crown is enough to keep their tongues fully occupied." Sitting down on the cushions with me, he continued, "My parents had an ulterior motive in seeking an interview with me. It turns out they deduced something of our true relationship, so I informed them of our engagement, and they were thrilled!" I laughed, trying and failing to picture the placid prince anything but dignified. "My mother is already busy planning a party for the announcement. She and my father have agreed not to mention our relationship to anyone until necessary."
I nodded. "They are very understanding… I'd rather avoid all the stares and whispers for now."
"And winks," Danric added. "I hope my parents become like family to you, Mel. They really want to get to know you, and see us happy before they return to Renselaeus… Not that they could ever replace the parents you lost."
"I want to get to know them too," I smiled, feeling the truth in my words. Both my parents were gone, and Bran would soon return to Tlanth with Nee. But I would have a new family here in the palace, with Danric, and with his parents for a time. People who cared about me, whom I could laugh with, talk with, ask advice from. And someday (in the rather distant future) we would be giving advice to our own little prince or princess.
As he shifted closer to me on the pillows, my grin widened. "There's no one to wink at us right now," I pointed out unnecessarily, and met his ready lips before we could be disturbed. The idea of our secret romance made me feel mysterious and important. Shivers ran through me for the umpteenth time that day, but didn't last long – my thoughts cut short the dizzying moment before either of us truly wanted to break apart. Unfortunately, my mind had reached a startling realization.
"Bran!" I gasped, pulling away from Vidanric, who I was thankful to see looked concerned, but not angry that my epiphany was costing him pleasure. "Its just that, well, Bran and Nee! I was thinking about their wedding before you came in, and I just realized – they know about our relationship – and Bran will have told half the palace by now!"
"Your brother isn't truly interested in spreading romantic gossip," frowned Vidanric, "but we did fail to mention our wish to avoid the scrutiny of the Court. Still, he may not have told many yet – especially if the tactful Lady Nimiar has been on his arm. What do you propose?"
My first thought was to implement a quick plan that included dragging Bran back to his rooms, threatening him, and making Nee guard him and our romantic secret with her life before retreating to Danric's embrace. I reviewed these unsettling intended tactics with alarm and shuddered. What is wrong with me? Why does the thought of exposing my feelings about Danric make me so worried?
A month ago I had declared to the world any opinion that I believed true. But those pronouncements had been about Galdran's unjust rule, or the governing of Tlanth, or trivial matters of sport. Although I had allowed Danric into my heart, I was still frightened to walk the road of courtship in the light. Vidanric had discovered this fact months earlier, leading him to initiate our romance through the safety of letters. He understood my cowardice lay not on a battlefield but in the eyes of those whom I felt judged my worth.
Now my feelings of self-doubt intensified: My romantic sentiments would not be the only thing scrutinized. I would, as a future ruler, be judged on my political prowess as well. Would the Court believe I was ready to be Queen? Would they look at me with pride, or disdain? Could they greet my rule without feelings of apprehension and doubt? And most of all: Did they think me worthy of Vidanric's love?
It all boiled down to fear.
Forcing myself out of my reverie, I still didn't know what to do. If I suggested we find Bran and Nee and demand their secrecy, Vidanric would see how desperately scared I was and would doubt my love and commitment. If I did nothing, and allowed Bran to spread the word of our not-so-private kiss, I knew I could not yet face the court, alone, my feelings disclosed, my powers lacking.
I looked up at Vidanric miserably, wishing for a way out.
"You don't have to be scared," he said. "I'll be with you, whatever action you decide." His eyes, always assessing me, told me everything. I was not alone. I would not be alone when the announcement swirled across the ballroom floor, when gossips smirked behind fans, when the coronation concluded, when I woke up each morning smiling. Fear melted away as I looked up at his face and I let my doubts disappear.
"The only appropriate action, I believe, is this," I replied, and I kissed him slowly, tenderly, and sighed as he held me in his arms.
**Sigh. What a nice chapter, don't you agree? Review! This didn't turn out exactly as I expected, but I thought Meliara's emotions deserved to be delved into a bit. Some of the scenes I had planned that I didn't get around to (concerning Bran, Elenet, and Savona) will probably show up in the next one. I'm not sure if it will be Bran and Nee's wedding or an in-between chapter, but we do have to find out if Bran has been talking about the kiss or just Flauvic's new goldenwood form, and who he told, if anyone. It may be a few days before the next update; I have to get down to homework. Thank you again to all reviewers, luv ya, and to Shaylee Isobel, my heart goes out to you. ~Shannon
