Page 35 of The Beast Of Gloomenthrall

Next up was her half-sister, Oleeia. Pretty, with a habit of cheating at cards and an obsession with the colour yellow. Oleeia barely acknowledged Brandth at all before she began peppering him with questions… not about Brandth, and his likes and dislikes, no, about the Prince. What were the Prince’s hobbies? His favourite foods? Poems? Songs? Did he prefer dogs to cats? What about colours, did he have thoughts on the colour yellow?

Brandth answered each and every question seriously and solemnly. Even taking a moment here and there to pause, as if in deep thought, before announcing that the Prince preferred spring over summer, or was more a fan of sunrises than sunsets.

Blodie wanted to know if the Prince was an early riser. He was. Jurgal wanted Brandth to list the Prince’s favourite books, taking careful note of his answer. Meggsie pleaded for details regarding the Prince’s favourite recipes.

What astonished Perri the most was Brandth’s demeanour. Serious. Thoughtful. No mocking tones in his voice, even when cousin Herla asked him to describe the Prince’s favourite pair of riding boots.

Perri was shocked to her very core. There was not even a hint of laughter in his responses. Who was this man?

None of her kin enquired or appeared to care about Brandth’s health, and not once did he reference it. Instead, each five minute session was all about her female relative. Brandth asking them questions about their lives, his tone nothing but gentle and full of genuine curiosity. Steadying them if they grew flustered with nerves. Bolstering their self-belief if they tried to dismiss or belittle their skills and interests. Being extra gentle if they teared up or sobbed as they recounted what led them to returning to the shadow filled halls of Gloomenthrall following a dismissal by their husband or his death.

Perri finally put a stop to the visits, informing her relatives that Brandth needed his rest and they should return tomorrow. Promptly delivering the man some tea. His voice a little rough as he thanked her, making Perri feel a tad guilty. So much so she instantly refilled his cup.

“Am I dying?”

“What? No. Why would you ask such a thing?”

“Unsolicited tea and a re-fill, forgive a man for questioning good fortune when it lands in his lap, but our history together has made me somewhat prudent.”

“You can’t just say thank you?” This man, he made her want to… hit him. Violence? Why did he bring out the very worst in her? Perri couldn’t hide the exasperation tinging her tone, or deny that her blood was beginning to simmer in agitation. Automatically she reached over to check his brow… hmmm. “You feel a little warm.”

“That’s what a steady diet of bananas will do to a man.”

“I’ll request the cook make you a banana pudding if you do not cease harping on about what is done already. Here… it’s just water.” Reaching out to double check his forehead once he’d dutifully drained the cup. Yes, he definitely felt a little warm. Movement at the entrance doorway catching her eye. “Your friend… the Captain is here. Are you up to seeing him?”

“Talac? About time he visited.”

“I bid you keep it brief. I fear you may have over exerted yourself this afternoon.”

“Such a worry wart, when we both know you’re just loathe to share me and are marking your territory. Talac, is that you my good man?”

Ohh… Perri moved away, but not very far. Brandth really had felt a little too warm for her liking. Yes, she was hovering, but only because it was her job to do so. Absently cleaning up the potion bench, restoring the jars to their rightful spots and rehanging the dried herbs. Whilst she worked her gaze constantly drifted over to the two men. They were clearly friends, Talac bent over close, in a familiar manner, easy smiles lifting Brandth’s lips as they conversed in quiet voices, swapping news and catching up. Several times Perri caught Talac’s gaze drifting up and down Brandth’s frame in an assessing manner, as if to confirm for himself his friend’s condition.

By the time Talac left, the kitchens had sent over dinner for the patients. Perri perused the options and chose a hearty bowl of soup. Walking over she noted the slight pink colour clinging to Brandth’s cheeks as she placed the tray down on the nearby table before proceeding to prop Brandth up higher. Seating herself beside him she picked up the bowl and spoon, eyeing him.

“I have soup, and I’m prepared to help you eat it, as long as you promise to behave.”

“I am nothing but your obedient servant, Madam.” To prove his willingness, he opened his mouth in readiness.

Cautiously, expecting some kind of hi-jinks, Perri scooped up some soup and fed it to Brandth.

“Yum, chicken and vegetables… and surprisingly tasty.”

Perhaps the man was just hungry, Perri hurriedly taking advantage of Brandth’s co-operative mood, diligently feeding him soup until the bowl was empty.

“Next, I suppose is the dreaded medicine. No need to trick me, just hand the stuff over.” Brandth held out his hand.

Okay, now he really was beginning to worry her. Co-operative. His reddened cheeks. The warmth of his brow. “I also have a fruit tart, as soon as you drink your medicine you may have it.”

“Sounds like a fair trade indeed.”

That was it, she was calling Mary. Watching as Brandth sculled his medicine, barely making a face before chomping through the tart she handed him in a speedy and obedient manner. That was not good. Perri quickly signalling for one of the orderlies to fetch the Master Healer.

“Hey… who is being handsy now?” Brandth sounded dazed and distant as he tried to bat away something, his hands flailing in the air as Perri stood beside Mary who had just yanked back the sheet so they could survey Brandth’s broken limb.

“Ssssh, pretty one.” Mary patted his shoulder. “His leg looks fine. No sign of infection.” Perri pulled back the sheet whilst Mary rested the back of her hand against his forehead. “But he’s warm alright. And acting a little drunk. That’ll be the fever settling in. Lying too long on that boggy ground before they moved him, probably caught a chill. Just a low grade one, but he’s bound to make a lot of racket and cause a bit of a ruckus until it breaks.”

Perri didn’t envy the nightshift staff the task of trying to keep Brandth cool, quiet and happy. It appears her Great-Aunt was of a similar mindset.

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