ChapterThree
Vidanric quickly sketched out the events of the previous days, promising more details at a later point. I only partially listened – I was more concerned with wondering if I could catch a nap in my wonderfully plush chair.
My tiredness and the quiet rise and fall of voices lulled me to sleep. I'm not sure how long I slept, for when I woke, the Renselaeus family was still making plans. Instead of focusing on the conversation at hand, my mind wandered to Vidanric's declaration that ruling begin as a partnership. Even without comprehending their words, I watched the shared responsibilities – each with their own part to play – each sliding their pieces into the puzzle of leadership. I felt overwhelmed by it all. Vidanric had trained his whole life for this. I had not. Yet, somehow, I wasn't frightened by it, as I watched Vidanric's hands as he demonstrated some point to his parents. I would learn from Vidanric. At this moment, I thought, I can handle this.
How quickly events could change this surety.
As I regained awareness of the actual situation at hand, I discovered that they had decided to gather the court in the throne room for an explanation of our new décor. Scribes would take down the story, and hopefully messengers sent with the official version would curtail, at least, any unsavory rumors.
"What role do you wish to have in this meeting, Lady Meliara?" the Prince addressed me formally.
"I think it right to stand with Vidanric today" – was it just my mind playing tricks, or did I detect both Prince Alareac and Princess Elestra's eyes widening slightly at my use of Vidanric's given name instead of his title? Perhaps even the were not as expressionless as I once believed. "It is important for everyone to know that I support the Renselaeus' claim to the throne – I will not be starting any more arguments on that front." Vidanric inclined his head with a small smile. "I'm not sure what help I'll be," I added, with a touch of nerves settling into my stomach.
"Mute testimony can often outweigh the most bombastic speeches, in my opinion." Vidanric was mocking my earlier lack of heroic behavior. "We will attempt to keep it short, though I do not believe the topic will disappear quickly." I snorted at that. This was probably the story of the century. Vidanric made to rise. "However, there is much to be arranged. I must go to Elenet and explain the Duke's death to her before she hears it at court. I suggest we both take a few moments to refresh ourselves before the upcoming ordeal."
I grimaced, the knot in my stomach tightening, but I rose, too, and we took our leave from the sitting room.
Vidanric insisted on walking me back to my rooms. As we walked, we saw signs of the palace waking up, and servants scurrying about.
"There's going to be gossip." I said bluntly as we passed into the Residence Wing. "I haven't exactly been friendly to you before today."
Vidanric shrugged. "There will always be gossip. However, we can present it as a grand plan to determine the Merindar plot."
I shook my head. "I'm done with the lies. While I have no intention of sharing every detail of my private life, I could never bluff my way through a lie anyway."
Vidanric inclined his head. "The gossipers will be happy without any help from us." He took my hands as we reached my suite. "I don't believe I've told you, or appropriately thanked you for your assistance. My myopic attention on military maneuvers may very well have cost us dearly. Remalna owes you a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid."
"Well," I replied, "it was that same military maneuvers that saved my life earlier, so I'll not complain."
The corners of Vidanric's mouth twitched upward, but never grew into a real smile, as instead he leaned in and kissed me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, allowing the moment to wash away my fears.
Once again, I detected a faint color to his cheeks as he assured me he would send a runner to alert me when the special court meeting was held.
