The following days were busy: filled with policy and process, wedding planning, and trying to rekindle old friendships. Bertrand was glad that he did at least get to be married to an old friend, even if the arrangement wasn’t ideal. Every smile from Deryn’s face brought a smile to his own, and he was glad to know that even if she wasn’t thrilled at the prospect of marrying him (and for that, he could not blame her), she was at least not alone. He continued to try, and fail, to get Callum to speak with him. He didn’t need much, he just wanted to be acknowledged. That wasn’t fully true, though. He wanted to be loved again, to be looked at the way he remembered Callum looking at him, years ago. He felt heartbroken and foolish, cursed himself for thinking that anything could ever be the way it was before. He tried to focus on Deyrn, on at least being her friend if he couldn’t be a proper husband, but being ignored was more difficult for him than he cared to admit.
Bertrand had skipped court that day. His attendance there, while recommended at this stage in his life, was mostly for learning purposes, and not mandatory. They hardly did much with his suggestions, and on days when they were focused on balancing the budget Bertrand often felt he would rather die than listen to Count Chavabannes drone on about ledgers and balances. He knew it was important, but it seemed a world away from the things he was concerned about. So he elected to rescue Deryn from the clutches of his mother and sisters. His mother and Ainara were so engrossed in finishing the details of the wedding, and Alouette was heavily invested in trying to see what color ribbon looked most beautiful in Deyrn’s dark hair. He gently knocked on the door, even though it was propped open, before entering the room when the women were congregated, “Excuse me ladies, Your Majesty,” His mother rolled her eyes, but he continued on, “I know I am interrupting, but I was hoping to take my betrothed for a stroll in the garden.” He knew his mother and sisters could be overwhelming at times, and thought Deryn could use a break from them. He directed a mischievous smile to Deryn and added, “That is, if it pleases her.”
Alouette sighed, “Betrand, we’re trying to plan the-”
His mother interrupted, harshly whispering something to Alouette that Bertrand couldn’t hear, but he assumed it was something about how he was trying to foster a relationship. She smiled at Deryn, “The gardens are beautiful this time of year, I believe the trees are blooming. Enjoy it.”
Bertrand offered an arm to Deryn, and as they walked away, he couldn’t help but laugh, “They are really trying to make everything perfect, aren’t they?”