Deah Rose watched from the bench where she sat as her father practically dragged her new fiance toward the great hall. Only now was she beginning to understand her father’s desperation to have her married and away from here. If Alarik had heard of her from so great a distance, then surely the warlords had too. They would have no qualms of seeking her out in her home and stealing her in the night.
Suddenly she now felt unsafe.
Alarik stopped at the door, looking back at her. It was almost laughable how easily he could halt her father’s attempts to move him. She managed a shaky smile.
“Deah Rose, would you do me the honor of accompanying me?” His deep voice steadied her, calming the shakiness that had engulfed her. At her nod, he smiled warmly and reached out a hand to her. No doubt, he would remain that way until she reached him.
While there was no impatience in his face or his stance, Deah Rose hurried across the room as gracefully as she could. Her father was not a patient man and he looked thunderous. He was not used to his daughter usurping his precedence. She could tell he did not like it, not one bit.
Her father patted her shoulder while she gracefully looped her hand into her fiance’s arm. “Now Deah, this is about your engagement. We want to introduce Lord Dunharein to as many people as we can.”
Alarik straightened. “Please be sure to point out your friends as well, Deah Rose. I would enjoy getting to know those who are closest to you.”
As her father turned to lead the way out the door, Alarik leaned in. “Perhaps they will have amusing childhood stories to share.”
Her smile threatened to overwhelm her but she kept it in check, always aware that people were watching. She nodded to the still open door. “This is a gathering of my father’s business partners and associates. I have few passing friendships among them. That being said, I hope to introduce you to my true friends another time.”
“I shall look forward to it.”
Emerging from the small side room where they had taken brief refuge, Deah smiled at the crowd and stepped up beside her beaming father. Alarik followed, keeping his strong hand on the small of her back.
The man’s hand was distracting and caring, a sensation she was entirely unaccustomed to. Once he had escorted her to the front of the room his hand slid from her back to her waist, holding her lightly. She resisted the inclination to lean back into him.
Deah fought the awareness of his proximity as it sliced through her where her shoulder brushed against his chest. His hand on her waist tightened for a brief second.
Whatever her father had said caused the men around her to cheer. Startled, Deah realized she had not listened to a single word he had said. Her father moved into the crowd with Alarik and Deah was swept along. It took all of her concentration to focus on the men in front of her and not on her new fiance.
“How long ‘til the wedding?” One man asked, catching Deah by surprise.
Her father laughed, the sound echoing around the room. “I suppose we should give it a few days to sink in and let the kitchen prepare a feast. I’ll have the girl married ’fore the end of the week.” He pinched her cheek and smiled around. “Two days?”
Deah’s mouth dropped open. Glancing up at Alarik in concern she hesitated to object.
Alarik smoothly cut in. “As delighted as I would be to have Deah Rose as my bride so quickly, I will require a bit more time to send for my family. They will not be pleased with me if I do not include them in this.”
“How long will that take?” Her father’s eyes narrowed.
For a single fearful second Deah worried that her father would rescind their engagement. It seemed he wanted her married off more than she had realized.
Peering down into her face, Alarik smiled. “I will send for them with all haste. It should not be more than a week. And I will personally see to Deah Rose’s safety until then.”
“I can see to my daughter’s safety, Dunharein. Don’t presume to take on my responsibilities. I’m giving you a daughter, not free rein of everything.” Her father grumped.
“I am sure Lord Dunharein is merely attempting to impress you, Father. No one doubts your abilities to keep us all safe.”
With a short, surly nod he moved on to the next man vying for his attention and congratulations.
“Thank you.” Deah whispered up to Alarik.
“Deah Rose, this is your wedding. I want you to be excited, not fearful.” He chuckled. “And my mother may truly throttle me if I married without her present. She will be surprised enough as it is, since there were no wedding plans in my future when I left.”
“How long have you been from home?”
“Only a few months.”
An over eager young man pushed forward, knocking into them both in his haste. Alarik caught him by the arm and pulled him abruptly to a halt.
“Apologize to the lady and remember your manners.”
This brought Deah’s father’s attention. “Gardon, my boy. Where have you been? You did not miss our big announcement did you?”
“Who is that?” The boy demanded, ignoring everything else as he pointed at Alarik. “I don’t like him.”
Deah cringed. “Gardon, you cannot speak of others so rudely.”
Gardon merely stuck his tongue out at her and moved his attention back to Alarik. “You should apologize to me, for laying hands on me in my own house.”
Alarik’s gaze flicked to hers. “Your brother?”
She nodded.
Deah’s father interjected. “Gardon, this is your sister’s intended. They are to be married soon. Lord Dunharien, allow me to introduce you to my eldest son.”
Alarik gave a small nod but his face remained impassively stern.
Deah moved closer to him and his hand tucked her securely to him, as if he were comforting her. “Lord Dunharein, my brother forgets himself at times. Please forgive his behavior.”
Eyes on her, he studied her face for a moment. “Are you the oldest or is he?”
“I am.” Gardon puffed his chest a little.
“A pleasure to meet more future family. I’m sure you’ll grow into your future soon enough.”
Once more, Gardon stepped forward, his face turned red as he sputtered. “Grow? I am fully grown. I could take you in a duel if need be.”
“If you need a duel to prove your age, then there is plenty of growing left to be done.” Alarik smiled sharply. “Close your mouth, boy, before you say something you regret.”
Her father finally stepped in, all congenial smiles. “Gardon, go see if you can find something for our guest to drink. This is a celebration.”
Alarik gave her father a short nod and faced her. “Are all of your siblings as pleasant as this one?”
Deah laughed. “Gardon is a special case. Father has spoiled him. Nothing I say seems to make a difference.”
“If you don’t mind, I may have to find some time to teach your brother some manners.” He bowed slightly.
“I would love to be present for such an occurrence.” She settled into his chest for a brief moment, soaking in his strong presence before straightening and facing the crowd once more. “For now, we have more people for you to meet, for my father’s sake.”
