Bertrand
At Deryn’s formal words, Bertrand simply quirked an eyebrow. Being addressed so formally, especially by people who knew you well, had always felt a bit embarrassing, and Deryn knew that. But then she laughed, and Bertrand supposed he didn’t mind. Though he did roll his eyes to express some form of dissatisfaction with the joke, the smile on his face was a decent indicator that he wasn’t really bothered. He had four younger siblings, he’d heard it all.
Her next words brought a different sort of smile to his face; genuine, though perhaps a little sad. In the past few years that he’d been really learning how to rule, it had been an expression that had become too familiar, too natural on his face. “My mother cares deeply for you. I think she always has.” He couldn’t speak for his sisters, but he thought that both of them liked having another woman around.
He rested a gentle hand on her shoulder, “I’ve always considered you one of my closest friends,” He shrugged, “Though you could never compare to Corbett.” His tone was dry, it was no secret that Bertrand and Corbett agreed on very little. “All the same, Your Highness, I hope you always consider me your friend, above all else.” He didn’t say how he hoped she considered him a friend, and never a husband, even beyond their marriage, though that sort of thing could have easily been inferred from his statement, if one knew the things that Deryn knew.
There was a question, just nagging at the back of Bertrand’s mind. He didn’t suppose it was very helpful to ask, especially considering that he was sure he knew the answer, but the fact that Callum wouldn’t speak to him still stung, hurt his pride, and the way Deryn spoke about being shown true kindness for the first time since her mother died just reminded him yet again, “Is Callum still not speaking with you?” It was a stupid question, and Bertrand needed to stop caring, frankly. Asking wasn’t likely to help Deryn’s mood, either, so he quickly apologized, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.” A sigh, “It isn’t any of my business.”