Bertrand turned up his nose at Deryn’s formality, but he couldn’t help but smile. Deryn made the flowers look lovelier in their proximity to her. He always loved her, in a way, and he always would- even if his love for her more closely resembled his love for his sisters than the way a man should love his wife. He didn’t speak of it, but it did concern him still. Deryn had said she didn’t mind, and she seemed to understand, but Bertrand did have to wonder if her understanding would last. He tried not to think about it, but he knew the way people gossiped. He hoped it wouldn’t get to her.
“So,” Bertrand started, trying to sound completely interested, “How many types of lace are under consideration for the wedding?” He was interested in the planning, of course. This event was going to shape the rest of his life, after all.
Now that he’d brought up the wedding, though, “I’m not supposed to tell you, but,” He leaned in close to Deryn, as if he were sharing the world’s most precious secret, “The king has arranged the arrival of some new books for you, as a wedding gift. I know there’s still plenty in the library you haven’t read, but he got his hands on some new serials from Edra and I think he desperately wants to gain your favor.” Bertrand shrugged, “I don’t know why he told me- should have known I’d tell you the first chance I got..”
There was, of course, the possibility that Bertrand's father had wanted him to tell Deryn ahead of time, so as to give the young woman something new to look forward to.
Bertrand had all but forgotten how lovely the gardens could be: it was almost sad, how easily a person could take something for granted. As he and Deryn walked, he was struck by how nice it was just to spend some time with a good friend. It was nice to be able to talk about whatever had been weighing on their minds, discuss whatever inconsequential things they’d thought up, or just walk together in a comfortable silence. They were both so constantly surrounded by other people, so to just be in Deryn’s company was refreshing, almost healing to the soul.
As they made their way back towards the palace, the unmistakable scent of dessert filled the air. Pears, cinnamon, and sugar. The kitchens were preparing dinner.
“So,” Bertrand started, trying to sound completely interested, “How many types of lace are under consideration for the wedding?” He was interested in the planning, of course. This event was going to shape the rest of his life, after all.
Now that he’d brought up the wedding, though, “I’m not supposed to tell you, but,” He leaned in close to Deryn, as if he were sharing the world’s most precious secret, “The king has arranged the arrival of some new books for you, as a wedding gift. I know there’s still plenty in the library you haven’t read, but he got his hands on some new serials from Edra and I think he desperately wants to gain your favor.” Bertrand shrugged, “I don’t know why he told me- should have known I’d tell you the first chance I got..”
There was, of course, the possibility that Bertrand's father had wanted him to tell Deryn ahead of time, so as to give the young woman something new to look forward to.
Bertrand had all but forgotten how lovely the gardens could be: it was almost sad, how easily a person could take something for granted. As he and Deryn walked, he was struck by how nice it was just to spend some time with a good friend. It was nice to be able to talk about whatever had been weighing on their minds, discuss whatever inconsequential things they’d thought up, or just walk together in a comfortable silence. They were both so constantly surrounded by other people, so to just be in Deryn’s company was refreshing, almost healing to the soul.
As they made their way back towards the palace, the unmistakable scent of dessert filled the air. Pears, cinnamon, and sugar. The kitchens were preparing dinner.