“I wanted some privacy,” Branford replied, his words harsh. I tensed. Though I had heard him use such a tone before—both to his adoptive parents and servants alike—I couldn’t help but think even a prince would be reprimanded for such disrespect to the queen, but his words did not seem to upset her. “I do not require, nor will I tolerate, a nanny!”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” the queen responded. “I needed to make sure you weren’t sneaking off somewhere with your men.”
Branford growled again under his breath as he shuffled his feet back and forth and stared at the ground. He flexed his fingers once before he looked up to meet the queen’s eyes.
“I heard your mandate,” he replied. “I had no intention of breaking it.”
“I see that,” she said as her eyes darted between us. “Still, to say such things to Dunstan! You would do well to remember how important he is to you in your army.”
“He would have been a great loss,” Branford said with a nod. He looked to Sunniva and raised his eyebrows. “I’m glad he chose to listen.”
Sunniva shook her head and let out a sigh. She dropped her hands from her hips and pursed her lips.
“Since you have already been out and about today, will you be joining us in the dining hall for supper?” Sunniva asked. “Lady Susan is here, and we'll be dining shortly.”
Branford hesitated before looking to me and taking a deep breath.
“Please offer my apologies,” Branford said curtly. “We will be dining in our room tonight.”
Sunniva's eyes widened. After a moment, her mouth turned up in the slightest of smiles before she tilted her head and nodded toward us.
“I will relay your regrets.” Queen Sunniva looked to me, and her eyes softened as she smiled. “I hope you enjoyed your day, Alexandra. Perhaps we will be able to spend some time together soon. I have been working on some embroidery, and I wondered if you had ever learned that skill.”
“I’ve tried it a few times…Sunniva,” I replied, still uncomfortable calling her by her given name but glad I had at least remembered to address her as she had asked. “I would love to try again.”
“Then we shall make sure you have the opportunity.” Her smile broadened, and she looked back to Branford. “Enjoy your evening. I’ll have your meal sent up directly.”
“Thank you, Mother.”
She nodded and took her leave of us. Branford opened the door to our rooms and ushered me inside. The fires must have been tended while we were out, for they were blazing. The room was warm, and the evening candles had been lit. The windows were opened, and I could smell the spring blooms in the air as the breeze made the candles flicker. Branford removed his riding jacket and tossed it over the couch in the morning room and then helped me remove my cloak before rinsing his hands in the water basin. He removed his belt along with his sword and scabbard, propping the sword up next to the fire.
Dinner arrived quickly, and I again took the food at the door and brought it into our rooms myself as the kitchen servants stayed in the hall. Branford looked on, smiling his half smile at me. He ate heartily, but I found my stomach was too tied up in knots to eat very much. Once we were finished, Branford sat in the chair by the fire and beckoned me. I walked over to him and then slowly lowered myself onto his lap. I felt his fingers touch my sides as he wrapped his arms around me and kissed the top of my head.
“I’m glad you liked the meadow,” he said.
“It’s beautiful,” I confirmed. I lay my hands down in my lap and twisted my fingers together. I knew he wanted me to speak freely as he had indicated before, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to say or ask, if anything. I could have asked about his family or about what might be expected of me at the tour
nament in a few days’ time. I could also have asked him to elaborate on sinning since he had spoken of it earlier, but I was not sure I wished to hear the details.
“Are you nervous?” Branford asked.
“Somewhat,” I replied.
“Of sitting here or of…later?”
“Both,” I confessed. I tugged at my fingers.
“Your hands are trembling.” His hand ran from my shoulder down to my fingers, which he pried apart so he could hold one of my hands. He traced circles over my palm with his thumb. “There must be something you wish to say. Would you rather have dined with everyone else?”
“Dining here was fine,” I said.
“You didn’t eat.”
“I was not very hungry.”
Branford huffed through his nose and leaned his head back against the chair.
“Lady Susan was probably hoping to speak to you more.”