To Love To Lose

A Dull Chill

Alice sat heavily in the chair next to that at the head of the table. An iron bowl sat before her, a thick, beautiful smelling broth filled the bowl and the ache in her limbs. Alice had hardly slept, her bed seemed too big, the sheets too loose but so wide that she was smothered. Half way through the night she had concluded that this was because the bed was meant for two people but that thought had simply caused her to burn with anticipation.

Waking up next to Tristan would have to be a pleasure she denied herself for a while.

"Good Morning Mon Cheri, how was your night?" Alice looked up to her brother dressed in a riding cloak and think boots. He took a seat opposite her and placed a pair of leather gloves on the table next to his bowl that was also filled with steaming broth.

"It was awful, dear brother! I conclude that one of these beds is far too big for just one" a twinkle lot up Erik's eye.

"That is why I'm not in the habit of sleeping alone" he replied with a wink. Alice rolled her eyes but a smirk was glued to her face.

"Must I replace all our staff because you've impregnated them!?" Tristan's laugh echoed through the hall from the open doors at the far end. The two siblings turned to see him striding toward them, a loose white shirt tucked into some dark, leather trousers. Alice fought for stability in her chest.

"Even the men!" Tristan cried, "Good god, are you really that good!" all three laughed as they began to drink their broth. A steady flow of jovial conversation drifted through the air and Alice, despite her night, began to feel at home.

"So where does the King command you to go, Erik?" Alice ventured a question that she knew Erik would enjoy talking about and Tristan would enjoy hearing of.

"He only wishes to station me a few miles away near the border of Enfold; something about some rebel unrest so I shan't be far away." Tristan's face grew dark.

"Rebel unrest? Is that Jeremy's men again?" Erik nodded as he tore a piece of bread from the loaf in the centre of the table.

"The King suspects he is attempting to breach the terms of your agreement once more."

"I know, I received a letter from His Majesty just yesterday, concerning it all. It's awful business; their Lord is awful but people like Jeremy cannot lead an army either. They get cut down usually, which I hate but if it is to protect Maunsel I will do it time and time again." Alice smiled to herself; she had been given a brave one.

"I don't believe I have ever seen Maunsel, Tristan, would I be able to take a trip into town today?" Tristan chuckled.

"You do not have to ask me Alice, this is will be yours one day, you may come and go as you please. The only think I ask is that you take Robert with you." Alice frowned.

"Robert? I do not believe I have met this man." Erik chuckled

"Are you sure you're okay leaving your betrothed in the hands if Robert, so unprepared?"

"It is nice to know you have faith in me Lord Hendry" a smooth, velvet voice with a husky almost gravel like undertone filled the air around them and Alice felt a shiver run across her skin.

"There is only one man in the whole of Southside who could charm a woman better than myself, and he is thy Robert! My sister is not delicate but she is certainly not ready to meet the full force of your charms" Robert chuckled, Tristan's jaw tensed slightly as he cursed his squire's easy manner and natural talent.

Tristan was not one to make friends easily. Robert was his link to those of his people who needed a little more persuasion.

"Indeed, but Robert would not betray me so."