Andria Davis A Matter of Tradition

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You are safe.
I thank you, Your Highness, she said, looking up between her fingers, but&
No, he said firmly, holding out his hand for hers. You will be accompanying me for
an afternoon ride, and there will be no further protests. That is an order.
She blinked in surprise and was annoyed to hear a pleased chuckle in the back of her
mind. As if to completely settle the matter, the cat jumped down from her lap and dashed into
the shelter of a privet hedge.
Philip reined his horse in, glancing around the clearing. The sky was threatening rain, but
there were plenty of trees to provide shelter. A small stream ran through the clearing, tumbling
over the remains of an old bridge. It was quiet, and the flow of water over the rocks added a
tranquility to the scene. He glanced over at Bryane. I think this place should do nicely.
She nodded idly, watching him carefully, as she had been doing the entire ride. He could
read doubt in her expression, and her entire body was tensed for flight. Given any provocation,
you would gallop from here before I could blink. Not that I am surprised, all things considered.
These are the ruins you mentioned?
He looked back at the stream. Why not? Some of the doubt in her expression was
replaced by suspicion. He swung down from his horse, tying the reins to a nearby branch. My
Lady? He stepped beside her horse, offering his hand.
Do I have a choice in this matter? she asked bitterly.
Of course. I would recommend dismounting so that you may find a more comfortable
seat, but it is up to you if you wish to remain astride.
She was quiet, looking at his hand as if searching for a hidden viper. Why do I have a
suspicion that I will not like how things proceed in either case? All the same, she let him lift
her down from the saddle. Stepping out of his embrace, she walked over to the stream and sank
beside it, settling her skirts around her.
He dropped onto an exposed stone several arm lengths away. You are very observant,
My Lady -- a quality I imagine is necessary for an Envoy.
That would be one way of describing it, she admitted, turning to watch the water
spilling over the rocks.
He folded his hands in his lap, serious again. He looked at her sharply, and she met his
gaze. I saw what happened in the gardens, My Lady. Would you care to explain?
Why?
At the very least, so I have a just reason to banish Vlad from my Court. He heard the
anger in his voice, and he softened his tone. At the most, because I am concerned for your
safety, and I find it is much easier to play the dashing hero when I have all of the necessary
information.
You cannot banish Vlad any more than your grandfather could, for much the same
reasons. She met his gaze, and he flinched at the pain he could read there. Though I do
appreciate your timely arrival and ability to lie without rehearsal.
Davis A Matter of Tradition 26
No games this time, My Lady. What happened between you and Vlad five years ago?
She turned away, unresponsive.
Why do you insist on protecting him? Or is the memory that painful? He sighed and
moved to sit beside her, taking her hand. She looked at him in surprise, and he took the
advantage to lean forward to kiss her briefly.
You said no games, she replied accusatorily.
He grinned. Then I suggest you start speaking, before I employ further games.
She colored prettily, though her expression sobered almost immediately. She drew her
hand from his, smoothing a fold in her skirt. I suppose then, that I have no choice. She
sighed. I was fourteen when my father introduced me to Vlad at supper one evening. I thought
it was strange, considering the Tahons are a First Tier family, but I was young -- I assumed my
father had an explanation. She continued to toy with the fabric of her skirt, her eyes looking
everywhere but at him.
Fine, if the telling is easier this way, I see no reason to interrupt. He sat back, watching
her carefully.
Vlad was very polite all evening, hovering at my elbow to fetch anything I needed. It
charmed my family, but it made me feel uneasy. No boy had ever trailed after me in such a way,
much less a man, and it seemed unnatural for him to behave that way. At the end of the evening, [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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