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His answer is immediate.
“Nay. I am surprised you do, given your mistrust of those in power.”
“You mean those who might condemn me for my beliefs?”
Even Kipp can recognize Vanni is not such a man.
“Like Father Beald?” I add.
Finally, a hint of a smile.
“I can hardly believe I did that with so many to witness it. I thought of Amma telling me not to give people permission to treat me poorly. And after so many insults . . . I just reacted.”
Kipp’s brows rise. “Did any seem surprised? If they did, they mustn’t know you well, Aedre.”
My jaw drops in mock anger. “I’ve not once slapped a man before.”
Kipp chuckles. “’Tis not what I’ve heard.”
“Och, that was not a slap. ’Twas a punch. And Agnar deserved it.”
Vanni kisses the hand of the white-haired but still somewhat attractive woman he’d been dancing with before coming toward us.
“He is not a man for you, Aedre.”
I realize I’ve been caught staring again.
“Of course he is not. Vanni will be leaving soon.”
“Vanni,” he mutters. And for the first time I wonder how Kipp will react to learning the king who cast him aside as a babe treated Vanni as a son. I can’t imagine it will please him.
“You would like him, I believe. If you give him a chance. He reminds me of you.”
The sound Kipp makes is not a pleasant one.
“I am nothing like the Curia Commander.”
In many ways not. And yet, they share a deep sense of honor and loyalty. Of commitment to the causes they support. Still, it is clear they’ll never be friends, at least not tonight, so when Vanni approaches us, I suggest we take our leave.
“There is no need,” Kipp interrupts. “I will see Lady Aedre home.”
Vanni says nothing but looks to me instead.
“Nay, you will not. This feast is for you, you stubborn goat. I will be well taken care of.”
Kipp does not back down. “I am afraid of as much.”
“Ugh.” I shove away from him and start toward the door. Thankfully, Vanni follows me. I would take my leave from Lord Bailor, but he is currently dancing with his wife. Instead, I find the steward.
“Please give Lord Bailor our thanks for such a wonderful feast.”
The steward grins. “And many thanks for the entertainment, Lady Aedre.”
I once assisted the steward’s wife when she fell ill with standard healing practices, and he has not stopped thanking me ever since. In truth, I’d been terrified as it was the very first time I treated someone without Amma by my side.
“They will be talking about that slap for some time,” I comment to Vanni as we walk toward the entrance.
“I should think so.”
Something has changed in his tone. Looking up, I see that my companion, who has been so pleasant and cheerful all eve—with the exception of the Father Beald incident, of course—is much more serious now. Nay, not serious but thoughtful.
And I think, as a Garra, I know what that look is about. My core clenches as I consider our ride back to the village, of Vanni’s hand clenched around my waist. Of his whispered words in my ear. I know not how this eve will end, but I do know the feast was just the very beginning.
