Trial By Fire (Going Down in Flames #3)(41)

“Are we going to be doing any of the work?” Clint asked Bryn.

“I don’t know.” Given her grandmother’s personality, she’d probably hire a staff to take care of it.

“I’m sure some of you are wondering what you can contribute.” Bryn’s grandmother seemed to zero in on Clint. “The answer is simple. You can contribute what you wish. If you’d like to help with painting or installation of the new stage, you can show up here Thursday evening and offer your assistance to the workers I’ve hired. If you’d rather wait to see the finished product, that’s fine, too.”

“That last part,” Valmont said, “was directed at the Blues.”

Bryn glanced around. “I don’t think there’s a single Blue here.” Neither Zavien nor Nola were present, either, which was weird.

“Maybe the Blues are boycotting the whole thing,” Ivy said.

And miss the opportunity to boss others around? Bryn didn’t think so. “They’ll probably show up Thursday once the plans for the theater get around.”

“Thank you for coming and being such attentive listeners,” her grandmother said in a way that made Clint and Valmont slide lower in their seats. “Refreshments will be served in the back of the room. Please feel free to socialize.”

“I’m going to say hello.” Bryn popped out of her seat and headed for her grandmother with Valmont in tow.

“Your design is beautiful,” she told her grandmother. “It reminds me of the fall leaf decor of my bedroom.”

“Thank you. That was my inspiration.” Her grandmother nodded at Valmont. “How are things going between you two?”

“Fine.” Valmont’s cheeks colored. “I’m sure you heard about our bump in the road, but I can assure you nothing like that will happen again.”

“Good.” She gestured toward the back of the room. “Let’s have a drink.”

Punch in hand, Bryn and her Grandmother stood off to the side, while Valmont watched from a few feet away.

“Did I make a mistake in appointing him your bodyguard?” her grandmother asked.

“No.” Bryn sipped her punch while she tried to figure out what to say next. “The nature of the bond has changed since we fought in battle together, and it’s taken some getting used to.”

“What do you mean?”

So much for an easy explanation and glossing over the details. “Honestly, I think it heightens our emotions. I have abandonment issues, and he is insecure. When you put both of those together, it’s complicated.”

“All relationships are complicated. What you need are some ground rules. The first rule, should be that your relationship cannot cross the line into anything beyond friendship.”

That didn’t seem fair. “I don’t think it can help crossing beyond friendship. When we fly together, it’s like we’re one person. The feelings that come away from that are hard to ignore.”

“Ignore them you must. Anything else will be inappropriate, and you’ll be setting yourself up, and I do mean both of you, for disappointment. I’m sure you’ve heard the lineage check with Jaxon came back compatible. It’s only a matter of time before the Directorate approves your marriage contract. That means you will marry Jaxon.”

If she’d eaten any of the cookies from the buffet, they would’ve come back up. “We don’t know that for sure.”

Her grandmother placed a hand on her shoulder and stared into her eyes. “You promised me once that you would never run away.”

“I did.”

“And do you intend to keep that promise?”

“I do.” What was her grandmother trying to say?

“Then you will marry Jaxon and you will do so with a smile on your face.”

“So those are my choices? Marry Jaxon or break my promise to you? Because both of those options suck.”

Her grandmother brushed Bryn’s hair back off her forehead. “The second option would suck more than the first.”

Bryn laughed. “I can’t believe you said that.”

“You’re a bad influence.” Her grandmother leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. “You have years before marriage to Jaxon becomes a reality. While you’re here at the Institute you should enjoy your friends and spend time with your knight. After you’re married, you may not see much of each other.”

Wait a minute. That was a load of crap. She’d still be friends with Clint and Ivy. The Blue Clan may not approve, but that was too bad. Better to tackle the bigger issue now. “Why wouldn’t I spend time with Valmont? He’ll continue to be my knight after I’m married.”

“That wouldn’t be appropriate.”

“Is that what this comes down to, appearances? Jaxon plans to carry on with Rhianna after we’re married, so why couldn’t I continue my relationship with Valmont?”

“Part of the marriage vows include protecting your spouse above all others. Jaxon would provide all the protection you need. Having a knight after marriage would make him appear weak.”

“Not this crap again.”

“Bryn, I told you once before if you plan to stay in our world you must respect our ways. And not that I approve, but you wouldn’t necessarily have to sever all ties with Valmont. He could remain a confidant, but you must release him from the bond before your wedding.”