The King of Saminu

Chapter 22

    "Haekri finished working things out. If we still want to go, we can," Brann brought up in the middle of a rather peaceful dinner. I grit my teeth, the food in my mouth losing its taste. Sighing, I put my utensils down and looked up at Brann. He seemed confused.
"I understand why you didn't tell me you wanted to go sooner. But from now on, if you're trying to make a decision that affects both of us, can you please involve me?" It felt good to release the pent up tension within me, but that did little to relieve the sadness I felt at Brann's torn face. He looked away.

    "I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were upset. I'm still trying to get used to sharing my ideas. You're right. I should have involved you," The argument was quickly over. He apologized, and my happiness returned. Both of us took deep breaths, and I was able to continue with my meal.
"I want to go," I announced to Brann, and he looked up, surprised. He set down his glass of water and looked at me with his right eyebrow raised.
"That's strange. You tell a half truth," Realization hit me. Brann could tell if someone were lying. Which surprised me. Half of me wanted to go?

    "Well, I guess I want you to go. I want you to have that experience. But on the other hand, it's going to be dangerous for you. No matter how good you are at fighting, there's always casualties when it comes to war. Accidents, even. I don't want to lose you," Brann held contact with my eyes, his growing steely and hard. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down in his throat.
"I don't want to lose you either. But I'm ready. How can I ask my soldiers to put their own lives in danger when I can't put forth mine?" He had a point. I smiled.
"I just want you to think through this. And it seems you have. Although, I've known you long enough to realize that you're always thinking through the smallest of tasks. You're intelligent," Brann smiled, his cheeks growing red.

    "Do you still want to come with me?" Brann asked, but it seemed as if he knew the answer.
"I don't want to go to Slifni. Really and truly, I don't. But I don't want to be away from you. The troops are gone for three months at a time. I barely lasted the week before our wedding. I want to be wherever you are. I don't want to be alone," Brann smiled at me and stood up. We were done eating.

    The bedroom that was so close felt so far away.

*     *     *     *     *

    Vaindari was silent the entire carriage ride. I was thankful for that. Still, the smug look on his face almost felt worse than his bickering. After nearly two months of Vaindari's probation, Brann was allowing him to come with the next troop of soldiers. I would be stuck with him for the next three months. Both of us knew that. I was irritated. Vaindari was happy that I was irritated. He was winning.

    The Skylia Manor seemed intimidating now that I was by myself. Mams and Pappy knew I was coming, but they waited for me inside. Vaindari frustrated them as well. But they had the luxury of staying away from him. Today, he would stay inside the carriage. It had to be a quick visit with my family. I still had to pack.
"They're not in a good mood," Gamm opened the door, looking disheveled. More disheveled than usual. I sighed, wrapping my arms around my brother. It felt strange to me, to hug him after not having seen him for weeks. I was used to having my arms around Brann's six foot something height. Gamm was only three inches taller than I was.

    "What's wrong with them?" I questioned as I pulled away. Gamm rubbed the back of his neck and looked away from me, a nervous laugh falling away. I crossed my arms.
"Your husband asked me to leave with the troops tomorrow as part of my training. Mams and Pappy aren't too happy about that," I scanned Gamm's face for any hint of him knowing that I was going with. He showed none. Mams and Pappy were going to be even more upset when they found out I would also be going. I sighed, then followed Gamm inside.