ChapterSeven

The meal was brought in just as Vidanric screwed the lid onto his ink.

"Tell me about you." I said as soon as I had captured his attention.

"That's a rather broad request." Vidanric replied with his customary drawl.

"Oh, well," I realized belatedly it had sounded rather imperious. "But I don't want to talk about everything – well, I do, but I'm not sure I'm ready for all of that yet. I mean, not the war everything." Ugh.

Vidanric's smile was gentle. "I agree that it's best we begin anew – and save those discussions for long evenings over coffee and cocoa." His lips twitched. "Though I am still quite unsure as to where I should begin. 'Everything' is a rather complicated subject and I believe I would do better with a clearer set of directions."

He was mocking me, I realized, just as I started to protest. But not in a mean way, as I had misinterpreted on so many occasions. "Maybe you should start with all the embarrassing stories – that way Savona can't spring them on me – probably in the middle of a waltz or something." Somehow I had a feeling Savona was the kind of relative who stored all those stories away.

Vidanric's smile widened. "Ah, we are going right to the embarrassing moments – well, I will share, if only you promise to share and share alike."

I laughed. "Deal."

We lost track of time as we talked. Vidanric's childhood was not as dull as I might have believed; he told me stories of the trouble he and Savona would get themselves into. Savona had been a wild child, taking on dares and bets for all sorts of trials, and dragging Vidanric along with him.

"He quite enjoyed your term 'court decoration' for he was always nicknaming the court – in private of course. Only your brother Branaric was so bold as to create nicknames for public consumption."

I snorted. "Only Branaric blabs whatever is on his mind without thinking of how it might hurt or offend. I'm not sure that's one of his better qualities."

Vidanric inclined his head. "Russav quickly learned that niceties would take him much further when one of the bigger boys heard Russav nicknaming his sister – and took Russav out behind the stables and beat him up for it. That was also when he finally began paying attention at sword practice."

I laughed, imaging the Prince and Princess attempting to reign in a reckless child and impress on him the importance of his lessons.

"We also lost him a lot," Vidanric admitted. "If the servants didn't take so kindly to him, he wouldn't have had such luck at it, but he was always sweet talking them into giving him treats and hiding him in the kitchens." He smiled at the memory. "Though, after that, it wasn't always bad to be friends with Russav – the cooks decided that I was much too thin compared to Russav, and would sneak me extras when Russav wasn't looking. Then my mother would wonder why we never finished our dinners."

"Did she ever find out?" I asked.

"Oh, yes, though the servants did a good job of hiding it from her – until Russav had so much that he made himself sick. She tried to make the kitchen off limits after that – which only meant it was a cat and mouse game for Russav to get back in. After that, she always knew. And scolded us too, though it never had much effect on Russav."

"Now she scolds Danric for not eating – what a turn of events." Russav pushed his way through the tapestry. "I didn't realize you were telling stories – why wasn't I invited?" Russav feigned hurt.

"Because this was a private gathering – and how long have you been a spyears for?" Vidanric asked, with only a hint of annoyance.

"Only as I walked in. Life! You must think I was raised in a barn – and that was you, not me."

I looked at Vidanric quizzically.

"I went away to military school for a few years. Where we did not live in the stables." The last bit was directed at Russav.

"I only have your word for it, so I stick to my accusation." Russav said stubbornly. "Anyways, Aunt Elestra was wondering if you had eaten. Actually, she wanted you to go to bed, but I don't think she will protest this." He slapped Vidanric on the back. "I think she would be most happy about this." He turned to face me, "She will be so pleased. I think she always wished one of us was a girl."

"Because then maybe you wouldn't have gotten into so much trouble," Vidanric muttered.

Russav continued right over him, "She will love and spoil and coddle you to death. As well as draft you to spy on Vidanric. Honestly, he's a grown man, and he still needs his mother to remind him of his bedtime."

Vidanric's face was a bland mask. "Are you quite finished? Good." He didn't wait for Russav's answer. "You can tell Mother that I have eaten, and I will stop in before I retire. I trust that completes your errand?"

"If he ever gets to cranky for your taste, Lady Meliara, I will gladly rescue you. Just call on me and I will whisk you away."

I batted his hand away playfully, and after a quick wave, he let himself back out into the library proper.

"I apologize for him," Vidanric sighed. "I fear that he has still not learned any manners."

I laughed, as in court that must be a dreadful insult. "I don't want to cause any problems for you," I added quickly. "If your mother needs you."

"You aren't any trouble at all. Though perhaps she is right. We should consider retiring. I'm quite sure Nee will keep you busy with last minute preparations – and you certainly don't want to be falling asleep during the ceremony." I shuttered at the thought. "For now, then." His hands slipped around me, and I leaned into his goodnight kiss.