Perian made a happy hum of appreciation, which Brannal swallowed down with a hungry mouth.
Yes, maybe they’d be just fine figuring this out, even if the robe only came out for specialoccasions.
Renny was full of excitement for her birthday, despite the fact that it wouldn’t take place for more than two months. She wanted to have a party, and she wanted Perian to feature prominently. So they entered into all the planning together, despite Perian not knowing how to plan a party, plus the Queen still insisting that they not do anything too strenuous for Renny, despite the fact that it was almost as though she’d never had her dizzy spell at all.
She was riding, completing her lessons, and sitting in on more audiences by the Queen’s side. She was happy, and Perian was glad of it.
The first of the leaves had just begun to change in the trees, and the weather was still mild when Kee brought up his hideaway, the one that Prince Horsey had taken Perian to what felt like a lifetime ago.
“He says he used to love it at this time of year because everything was so beautiful to look at,” Renny said.
Perian thought back to the location, the gently lapping water and the array of trees surrounding it, creating a calm idyll. Adding autumnal color to that would be stunning. “Oh, yes, I imagine that would be lovely.”
“Why don’t you go with Brannal?” Renny suggested. “It’s been a while since your holiday.”
Perian cautioned, “Oh, I don’t know if he’d be able to get away.”
“Won’t know until you ask,” Renny said with a grin.
He eyed her. “You’re not looking to sneak along, are you?”
She huffed a laugh. “No, no, I promise. We’re not that far from my birthday, and I don’t want Mother to ground me forever.”
Yes, that wouldn’t be ideal, and despite her smile that looked like it was hiding something, Perian was inclined to think she was telling the truth about that, at least. Besides, it wasn’t like she could just hop up on the back of one of their horses and not be noticed.
The more he thought about it, the more he loved the idea. Ithadbeen a while since their trip to the inn. Perian couldn’t actually plan the outing as a surprise, because Brannal had too many responsibilities, but he could at least ask the question. It could just be a night, even; it was closer than the inn.
Perian wasn’t sure exactly how it happened, but clearly his excitement outran his common sense, because as they were returning from dinner, Arvus commented on theleaves and how beautiful it was, and Perian said, “Oh, that reminds me! Brannal, do you remember a secret location from your childhood? Well, I guess it wasn’t your childhood, but you were young.”
Molun perked up. “A secret location! Ooh, this sounds interesting.”
Perian realized this was quite possibly the worst timing for this discussion, but it was too late now.
Brannal just looked confused. “A secret location?”
“That you went to with the Prince from time to time?”
It was rare that anyone brought up the Prince, and they all looked a bit taken aback. After a moment, Brannal said, “The bushes in the quadrangle?”
Perian shook his head. “Oh, no, definitely better than that. Prince Horsey remembers it, you see, and he took me there once.”
Brannal still looked confused.
Perian prompted: “A place with trees and water and… maybe a cave?”
Brannal just stared at him for a moment, and then Perian watched in fascination as a blush swept over his cheeks.
He wasn’t the only one to notice.
Molun tilted his head, a grin lighting up his face. “I hardly dare ask. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you blush before. Whatcanyou have got up to in the cave?”
“It’s not that,” Perian said, shaking his head. “It’s the fact that he went there at all. He and Cormal used to take the Prince sometimes. I think they told Summus it was a training exercise.”
Molun hooted with laughter. “A training exercise! That’s perfect.”
Brannal was staring at him in astonishment. “How do you know that?”
“Like I said, Prince Horsey took me there, and then I asked… Renny about it,” Perian said awkwardly. He’d been about to mention Kee, but he was still keeping their confidence.
