So I Married a Sorcerer (The Embraced #2)(85)

Nevis ordered his men to set up camp, while he ventured onto the bridge. The Tourinian officer in charge met him halfway. Then Nevis returned with the news.

Her brother had not yet arrived. So she and Sister Fallyn retired to their tent to rest. And wait. They ate supper and still waited. Finally, they stretched out on the cots Nevis had provided and tried to sleep. But it was hard to sleep when such an unknown future loomed before them.

The next morning, Sister Fallyn helped Brigitta dress in one of the gowns that Luciana had loaned to her. It was made of lovely turquoise silk with a matching scarf of sheer gauze. Instead of wearing the scarf over her head, Brigitta wrapped it around her shoulders to cover up the low neckline. Since the gown appeared brand-new and was the same color as her eyes, she suspected her dear sister had actually had it made for her.

She missed her sisters already.

Nevis invited them to his tent for breakfast, and Brody was there in human form. They sat around a small portable table.

“One of my men bought these at a local farm,” Nevis explained as he passed Brigitta a bowl of strawberries to go with her oatmeal.

“Thank you.” Brigitta forced herself to eat a few bites. Her appetite was gone, but she knew she needed to keep up her strength. “Do you think my brother will arrive today?”

“The lieutenant across the river thinks so,” Nevis replied as he filled their goblets with apple cider. “He confirmed that Gunther is on his way.”

“He’s making you wait on purpose,” Brody added between bites of oatmeal. “It’s his way of showing you he’s in charge.”

“He’s a royal ass,” Nevis muttered, then gave Brigitta an apologetic look. “No offense.”

“None taken.” Brigitta gave him a wry look. “Although I was upset when you hit Rupert so hard.”

Nevis winced. “Sorry. It was part of the show.”

“A part you thoroughly enjoyed,” Brody added with a smirk.

Nevis scowled at the shifter. “You don’t have to tell her that. Why don’t you go chase a squirrel?”

“There aren’t any,” Brody replied. “They all took one look at you and ran away.”

Nevis scoffed. “So you already checked for them this morning.”

Brigitta smiled to herself. Their bickering reminded her of being with her sisters. But before she could see them again, she would have to survive the ordeal with her brother. “Is there anything you can tell me about King Gunther that might be of help?”

“Ah.” Nevis ate a strawberry while he considered. “He’s a typical bully, so I would advise you not to appear weak in front of him. He will respect you more if you’re strong. At the same time, you mustn’t offend him. I’ve heard he has a terrible temper.” He turned to Brody. “Didn’t you tell me that?”

Brody nodded as he finished his bowl of oatmeal. “After his son and heir died from a fever, he went into a rage and blamed his wife for not taking good enough care of the boy. That night she accidentally fell down a flight of stairs and broke her neck.”

Brigitta gulped. “You mean he killed his wife?”

Brody shrugged. “There are some in the Tourinian court who believe so.”

“Goddesses protect us.” Sister Fallyn made the sign of the moons, then quickly clenched her hands together. “I must remember not to do that anymore.”

“True,” Nevis told her. “And be mindful of your speech. Worshipping the twin goddesses is forbidden in Tourin.”

Sister Fallyn nodded. “We’ll be careful.”

“Rupert told me my brother was unable to father children. Is that true?” Brigitta asked.

“Aye.” Nevis made a sour face as he finished his breakfast. “A few years ago, he had his breeches burned off in a battle with a Norveshki dragon.”

Brody nodded. “According to gossip at the Tourinian court, he’s unable to … perform in bed.”

Nevis shuddered. “I would pity the man if he wasn’t such an ass. No offense.”

“None taken.” Brigitta’s mind raced. Her brother’s misfortune could be considered good news for her. If she was the only way Gunther could have an heir, then he would have to keep her alive and healthy. “How do you know what people in the Tourinian court are saying?” she asked Brody.

Nevis snorted. “He slinks around the royal courts of Aerthlan as a dog.”

Brody arched an eyebrow. “I don’t slink. And I bring back a great deal of valuable information.”

“And a great number of fleas,” Nevis muttered.

Brigitta smiled. “I think he makes a very cute dog.”

Brody shot her an annoyed look. “Cute?”

Nevis laughed. “Watch out. He bites.”

“Only your favorite boots.” Brody smirked.

A sudden blast of horns made Brigitta and Sister Fallyn jump in their seats. Nevis and Brody darted to the tent entrance to take a look across the river.

“The royal ass has arrived,” Nevis muttered.

Brigitta’s heart pounded as she rose to her feet.

“Dear godd—” Sister Fallyn stopped herself.

“Go back to your tent and gather your things.” Nevis gave them a worried look. “Don’t trust Gunther or any of his minions. Don’t say anything to each other or Brody that you don’t mind being overheard, for believe me, he will have spies around you.”