The Heart of a Wielder (Book One of The Wielders Trilogy) ✔️

Chapter Twenty-Two

In the end, Lord Braxton and Lady Callista were able to leave the palace quietly.

Arranging things was not as challenging as Donovan thought it would be. He had been tempted to go to Kieran directly and force him to let Lady Callista go, but decided against it. Kieran would likely have refused just because Donovan was the one asking. So instead, he had gone to his mother.

"I'm trying to solve the Braxton situation for Father. Lord Alec tells me that Lady Callista is unwell and should leave Court, and I worry that would have a negative impact on her reputation. It occurs to me that both problems may be solved through one marriage contract," he said.

His mother looked surprised. "And the parties are willing?"

"Yes," Donovan said. "Only since she isn't my mistress, I need Kieran's permission to do it properly, and well... I know if the suggestion comes from me..."

His mother nodded. "You're right. It would likely cause conflict. I'll speak to him. A tidy solution, I think."

He was ashamed to admit it, but Donovan was glad when Lady Callista left. Lady Maren had not been joining him for after-dinner brandy while Lady Callista was in the apartment, saying she wanted to be available to her. Donovan didn't mind and thought it good Lady Maren was being so conscientious, but he missed their late night conversations. He was glad when they resumed.

"Tell me, what is your favorite place in the palace?" Lady Maren asked over brandy one night, soon after Lady Callista left.

"Does it have to be within the walls of the palace or just the grounds?" Donovan asked in reply.

"Hmmm, within the walls," she declared.

"Easy, the balcony on the North Tower, but only at night," he said.

"Hm, I've never been at night," she said.

"You haven't?" Donovan leapt up, suddenly inspired.

"Finish your brandy, we're going on an adventure!" he declared.

It was possible his own brandy was clouding his judgment, but he was suddenly feeling too excited and happy to care.

"Now?" she asked incredulously.

"Of course, no time like the present. Quickly now, your prince requires your company!"

She laughed, and he marveled at what a lovely sound that laugh was. It made his heart feel rather bouncy.

"Well, how can I deny a request from Your Highness?" she said in the same mockingly subservient tone Alec liked to use. Donovan liked to hear her use it too.

She finished her brandy and set down the glass. He offered her his arm in his most courtly manner, and they set off.

They made their way to the North Tower, talking and laughing and bumping into a few things, drunk on the adventure of being out and about late at night and possibly also the brandy. The palace halls were quiet and empty at that hour, which seemed to amplify the hilarity of the excursion.

"There are rather a lot of stairs!" Maren exclaimed as they climbed the tower.

"It's worth it!" Donovan insisted. He hoped she liked it as much as he did.

When they finally reached the top, they were both panting from the exertion. Donovan reached it first and turned his back to block Maren from seeing out the door. The indoor space at the top of the tower was tiny. Just enough room to step out and open the glass door onto the balcony.

Maren stopped at the top of the last step, waiting for him to open the door and make room for her.

"Close your eyes," he told her.