Disclaimer: Don't own these people. Oh but how I wish I owned Danric. He's a sweety.
A/N: OH MY GOODNESS! People reviewed! Two of them! You two are like my new favorite people. Twere it not for thee I wouldn't be writing this chapter.
The next morning Branaric and Mel were to return back to Tlanth. What they planned to do there I wasn't quite sure. I had not slept well, and I could no longer deny that I was actually a bit frustrated with the small countess. I acknowledged that it was my fault, of course. I just wished she'd be more agreeable. My father planned on eating with Meliara before they left and I invited Count Branaric to eat with me.
The count and I sat on cushions as was customary, seeing as we were not dining with my elderly father. For some reason the atmosphere was strained as we sipped coffee and Branaric kept sending grimaces my way over the table.
"Is there something troubling you?" I asked.
He sighed. "Burn it. I can't hide my emotions well at all."
I refrained from smiling. How true this was. The man's face was an open book.
"I just don't know what to do with Mel," Bran said. "She doesn't trust you and doesn't want to discuss it…"
"I am aware," I said.
"I'm sorry." He said, clearly embarrassed.
I was sorry too. For some reason Meliara's rejection of an alliance hurt more than it should have. It touched deeper. I pushed these feelings away, not liking where they were leading me. That path would be impossible to pursue.
"I understand," I said, which I did. "However, I am concerned for your safety. The Baron may be incompetent but you are still at danger traveling home."
Branaric looked shocked. Clearly the idea hadn't even occurred to him.
"I've arranged a small force to follow you at a short distance. Just to make sure you make it back without incident," I said.
Branaric fidgeted. "Mel wouldn't like that," I said.
"She won't know they're there. I promise they won't interfere with your journeying," I said.
Bran grinned. "Thank you," he said.
"No need to thank me," I said. Deep down I knew I would gladly do much more than this to protect his sister.