ChapterFive
When I found Bran and Nee, it appeared they had both returned from the baths.
"Mel!" Where have you been? I've been looking for you!" Bran scooped me into a hug. "Everyone's all in a tizzy. Apparently, there's some mandatory court we must attend this morning."
"I know." I said, removing myself from his arms and moving to embrace Nee.
"We were worried when you weren't in the baths – it was unusual that so many were down there at once." Nee's voice was filled with concern.
"I went down earlier," I said reassuringly. "And, um, I know what the meeting is about, I'm not going to get started," I said quickly as both Nee and Bran opened their mouths to ask. "But I guess you could call it good news. "Anyway, I have something I want to tell you first." I took a deep breath. "I, um, well, I had a talk with Vidanric."
My usually so unobservant brother's eyebrows shot straight up to his hairline. Nee gently smacked his arm before he could say something Bran-ish.
I plowed on. "I think he'll make a good king. I'm going to support him." I almost said more, but fear of Bran blabbing it to the whole court stopped me. Better save that for Nee for later. "And I think we'll get along better here on out."
"I'll say you're getting along better – I've told you should call him Danric for ages! What's made you get over your grudge against him?"
"I talked to him." I said rather lamely, but Bran was too busy being glad that I was no longer going to glare at his friend.
"Ha!" I knew you'd come around eventually, sis"
"Maybe you should finish preparing for Court?" Nee reminded Bran gently. I knew Nee was really trying to get rid of him.
"Oh Nee!" I exclaimed as soon as we were alone. "Do you remember the ring for my Name Day when I didn't know who sent it?" I barely waited for her nod. "It was Vidanric. He sent it – I wonder if he knew it was my Name Day or if was just coincidence?" I didn't even realize I spoke the last part aloud until Nee answered it.
"Danric is very observant in that way." Nee was smiling in a knowing way. "As I to take it that you and Vidanric are going to become a couple?"
"Is it that obvious?"
"Only to those who know you both. Unless you were planning on keeping it quiet?" she asked.
"Well, gossip is the only thing guaranteed in this place, so quiet is a complete dream. He's not going to rush me, he's said as much"
We were interrupted by Bran's return, and then began to join the flow of courtiers headed to the throne room.
