Page 44 of Must Love Scones and Secrets
I grimaced. “It didn’t gomy mother’sway, which is partially why I jumped ship. I did leave a note.”
Baldur laughed heartily. “Oh, aye, I’m sure that comforted her greatly,” he said, giving me a knowing look as he sipped his ale. “Ah, Summerlands ale tastes like strawberries and sunshine. Nothing in the world quite like it. I understand the need to get away, lad. The pressure of being a prince would weigh on anyone, but I’m not sure your mother will forgive you so easily.”
“I couldn’t take another day of it. With Alvar married and Magnus engaged, my mother threw every girl she could find before me. Some might think that was a good problem, buteveryone I met only saw a prince. No one sawme. You and your wife are so well-suited, Chieftain. I just want a love like that.”
“Ah,” Baldur said, his eyes twinkling knowingly. “That I can understand. When I was a young man in my father’s house, many women only cared that I was a chieftain’s son. But Mara was different. She was my glimmer.”
I nodded thoughtfully.
“And how has it been?” Baldur asked. “Have you found someone here who sees beyond all that?”
Heat crept up my neck. “Well, I…”
Baldur chuckled, clapped me on my back, polished off his ale, and waved for another round. “I’ve known you since you were no higher than my knee, Bjorn. You’re a changed man. I see it in your eyes.” He leaned forward. “Tell me about her.”
“Well…” I began, and then, despite my reservations, I talked about Rosalyn—her warmth, kindness, and magic with food and people alike. “She treats me as a man, not a prince or a political pawn. Her smile makes me feel more alive than I’ve ever felt in the halls of Frostfjord.”
“She sounds remarkable,” Baldur said when I finally fell silent. “But she doesn’t know who you really are?”
Finishing my ale, I exhaled deeply and then shook my head. “No,” I admitted. “We’ve grown close, but if I tell her now, she’ll think everything between us was a lie.”
“Was it?”
“No. My feelings for her are probably the most real thing I’ve ever felt.”
The halfling server brought our large tankards with a thud and an exhausted huff. When I moved to pay, Baldur waved me away and gave the girl some coin.
Pulling the drink toward him, he sipped, sighed contentedly, then said, “What will you do now?”
“I’ve made a mess of things. I didn’t come here to fall in love. I just wanted to get away. Rosalyn deserves better than a liar.”
“Then don’t be one,” Baldur said. “Tell her the truth.”
“And what? Ask her to leave her home, business, and everyone she loves to come to Frostfjord? Ask her to deal with court politics and my mother’s scrutiny? Ask her to give up her life for a man who lied to her from the start?” I shook my head. “It’s too much.”
“That, my boy,” Baldur said gently, “is for her to decide. Not you.”
I stared at him, his words sinking in.
“People are stronger than you give them credit for,” he continued. “And love is more resilient than you imagine. But without honesty, it withers before it can truly bloom.”
Before I could respond, a bell at the harbor rang out.
“That’s my cue,” Baldur said, rising. He polished off the tankard and set it back down. “I wish I could stay longer, but my ship awaits.” He clasped my shoulder firmly. “Think on what I’ve said, Bjorn. If you love this girl, tell her. And don’t worry too much about your mother. Magnus’s engagement was called off. Queen Maren may have forgotten all about you entirely in the dust-up.”
“It has? Is Magnus all right?”
“Grinning from ear to ear, last I saw him.”
I rose and pulled Baldur into an embrace. “Thank you, old friend.”
“If you love her, have faith in her. Just…find a very good way to apologize.”
“A good way to apologize?”
“Aye. Married folks spend a lot of time apologizing to one another. Best start off right and find the way that suits. Be well, my young friend. I shall see you again soon!”
He departed, leaving me with my thoughts and a half-empty mug of ale.
