Waiting and Waiting (3)
Two days later.
In the first drawing room of the Pelgaroin count's residence, Ashley regarded the man sitting opposite her with narrowed eyes.
“You have some nerve, showing your face here.”
The man wiped sweat from his neck. “I know. I'm sorry. But I didn't have a choice.”
Fred de Pelgaroin, the count's second son, had commanded rebels during Benelia's revolution. His achievements had since earned him a post as adjutant in the Dawning Steps, the new emperor's royal guard. The stiff military uniform looked unfamiliar on her brother.
Ashley studied him a moment, then sighed. “I'd like to scold you, but Father must have done more than enough of that already.”
“You could say that. ‘Get out of my sight’ was about the kindest thing he said.”
“You laugh, but do you know how much he worried about you? Wait until he's calmed down, then visit him properly.”
“Perhaps next time. His temper won't cool in a hurry, and I'm busy.”
“With the demons?”
Fred looked at her in surprise.
“I'm not a fool. Former emperor Calvanes had pulled troops away from the border, leaving holes in the Empire's defenses. Demons slipped across the border.”
“That's right. They're wild ones who won't answer to Baal. We're hunting those we can find, but they're scattered everywhere. You should be careful yourself.”
“You're worrying too much, Brother. Don't let a demon fool you.”
The blunt dismissal stung. Fred had left his family to join the uprising without warning; from Ashley's point of view, explanations could hardly erase that hurt. He accepted her manner without protest.
“Thank you. But tell me something. Will you succeed Father as head of House Pelgaroin?”
“It seems so.”
Once, she had wanted the title chiefly to protect Theorad from the elf. That purpose had faded when the elf admitted her wrongdoing and apologized. But she now had plans for a more prosperous county, and leading the family would let her pursue them.
Fred had never considered himself fit to govern it in her stead. “The emperor supports you as well. I imagine it's all but settled. Look after our home.”
Then he glanced around and lowered his voice.
“One more thing. When's the wedding? Even if you're still angry with me, your brother ought to hear about it.”
Ashley's fingers twitched.
Three years had passed since her coming-of-age ceremony. Women she had known were already married, some enjoying their first years as brides. The upheavals that had consumed the country had eased, and even her painful relationship with the elf had begun to improve. She wanted to spend her days beside Theorad as his wife.
I want it too…
They were engaged, but he had yet to propose. She could not bear to demand the words she had dreamed of hearing from him. Her stubborn, dear Theorad had yet to ask; she was determined to wait for him.
“I will marry when the time comes,” she said at last. “Don't concern yourself.”
A knock spared her further questions.
“Come in.”
A maid entered and bowed to both siblings. “My lady, the carriage is ready. Forgive me for interrupting your conversation.”
“Already?” Ashley murmured.
“A carriage?” Fred asked.
“Sir Theorad asked me to visit him today,” Ashley explained. “You arrived without sending word and interrupted my schedule.”
“Oh, my future brother-in-law? Then I shouldn't keep you. Give him my regards.”
“I won't.”
She stuck out her tongue with an impish smile and rose. Fred laughed as she followed the maid from the room.
Left alone, he rested a hand on the sofa's arm.
Theorad summoned my sister…
The two exchanged letters often enough, but personal requests to visit were unusual. Fred smiled to himself.
“Something good may be about to happen.”
“My lady, we've arrived.”
Ashley descended when the coachman opened the carriage door at Deharem Mansion. Havid, waiting in front of the house, bowed deeply. Beynon, standing beside him, offered an almost comically awkward imitation.
“As chief chamberlain of House Deharem, I am honored to welcome the flower of Pelgaroin,” Havid said.
“And seeing such beauty on so fine a day improves my mood considerably,” Beynon added.
Ashley blinked. Both men were usually courteous, but this was excessive even for them.
Is something wrong here?
Perhaps the house needed financial help. If so, there was no reason for this display; the Pelgaroin family would lend money readily, perhaps give it outright. Her father and she both cared deeply for Theorad's home.
“I'm pleased to see you too. Is Sir Theorad—”
“This way, my lady,” Havid interrupted. “We'll guide you.”
Beynon indicated the mansion with precisely the same extravagant gesture. Confused, Ashley followed them through the hallways toward the courtyard.
Each servant they passed offered a strangely knowing smile.
It can't be money troubles. Then what is everyone so pleased about?
By the time they reached the courtyard, her unease had turned into bewildered curiosity.
“Ah…”
A cherry tree stood where none had stood before. Every branch was thick with pale blossoms. Around it, the other trees were shedding their leaves, so the unexpected abundance of flowers seemed almost dreamlike in the sunlight.
“You're here.”
Theorad waited beneath its flowering canopy, smiling gently. His coat was more carefully adorned than usual. Ashley looked from him to the tree and back again before she managed to approach.
“Sir Theorad? Where did this come from? There wasn't a cherry tree here before.”
“I prepared it for you. You've always loved looking at flowers. With everything that happened this year, you never had a proper chance.”
“But… to bring such an expensive tree into the courtyard just for that…”
“Ashley.” He smiled. “Do you truly think I did all this without a reason?”
She stopped speaking. Theorad lifted his gaze to the blossoms stirring overhead.
“They say this variety will flower all year if it gets enough water and nourishment. I've often thought that one day I would give you such a tree.”
Ashley looked upward too. Petals drifted past her blue eyes.
“And I want to be like those blossoms to you,” Theorad continued. “Someone who will always be there to tell you his love hasn't changed.”
Her heart beat so hard she could scarcely move. She stared at him, cheeks burning.
“I want to keep the promise I made when we were children. So, if you wish it…”
For once, Theorad's composure failed him. He took a breath, steadied himself, and asked plainly:
“Will you marry me?”
Marriage. She had imagined that word since childhood, repeated possible answers to herself at night, and never quite believed the real moment would come.
Ah…
She should answer. Yet her throat tightened and her mind emptied. She tried to force the tears back and could not.
A small sob escaped her.
A tear slipped from Ashley's closed eyes. She wiped it quickly with the back of her hand, anxious that Theorad might misunderstand. Then she drew a deep breath and looked up at him.
His light-brown eyes waited beneath his neatly combed dark hair, full of gentleness. She could hardly explain the depth of gratitude she felt for the man who had finally asked.
“Yes…” The word trembled. She gathered her courage and smiled. “Yes, Theorad. I will.”
Cherry petals floated between them. Theorad stepped forward and embraced her.
“Thank you. Thank you for accepting my heart.”
He stroked her golden hair. Ashley leaned against him, smiling through the last of her tears.
“And thank you,” she whispered.
There was the warmth of his arms, the cool breeze, the falling petals—and somewhere along the corridor, the not-at-all-discreet cheers of the men who had arranged all this.
An ordinary day had become the happiest of Ashley's life.