Britamund plays the game

Princess Britamund forced herself to smile, but she thought it quite unfair that she should have met Dunstan precisely at this spot. This corridor was rarely used at night, so they would not be disturbed, and it was too narrow to permit two people to pass without touching. And there was nothing like a candle high on the wall to illuminate a girl’s bust.

“I didn’t think to meet you here,” she said. She did not mention that it was precisely why she had come this way.

“Neither did I,” he smiled. “I thought you must have retired already.”

“I was just on my way,” she said, hoping he would not try to delay her.

“That will teach me to take better precautions next time. I was just on my way to visit a lady in her bedchamber, but now the game is up with me.”

Britamund blinked at him, too surprised even to be shocked. She was not surprised that he would do it, but she was surprised that he would admit it so boldly.

“Only Bruni!” He laughed at her discomposure. “I promised her I would come before I went to bed to tuck her in and give her a kiss if she’s sleeping, and tell her a story if she isn’t.”

“Oh!”

He shook his head, smiling wickedly. “Sorry to scare you.”

“No you’re not.”

“No I’m not,” he admitted. “But I hope you won’t be jealous of poor Bruni.” He laid a hand on the small of her back and murmured into her neck, “I’m perfectly willing to tuck you in and give you a kiss, whether or not you’re sleeping.”

“I think you had better not, Dunstan,” she grumbled.

He lifted his head and smiled. “It is true I did not take into account the jealousy of Bruni. But I think she will at least allow me to walk with you as far as your door.”

He did not phrase it as a question, and he slid his hand around her back until his arm was around her and he was leading her away. She was obliged to put her own over his shoulders, and thus with their bodies pressed together they were able to pass side-​​by-​​side through the narrow corridor.

But they did not turn at the end of it. Instead, with one smooth gesture Dunstan opened the door to the gallery overlooking the hall, led her through it, and closed it behind them.

“I wasn’t told I was to be sleeping on the gallery,” she said, pretending to tease and pretending to laugh.

She turned her body away and tried to slip back to the door, but he caught her wrist and held it firmly.

“You are sleeping in my sister’s room, but I can’t follow you in there.” It was true, but she was surprised he would say it so plainly.

“Dunstan…”

Britamund looked anxiously around her. The gallery led nowhere and was only used by musicians during parties and by children for their games. Tonight’s party had been in the dining hall, and the gallery was empty and dark, lit only by the torches in the hall below.

“No one’s here,” he whispered.

“I know… But I don’t think we should be here…”

“Who would object? This will be your home someday.”

“That’s not what I mean…”

“I know what you mean,” he smiled. “But you will be my wife someday.”

“I’m not yet.”

“I know that, but that’s not why we’re here.”

“Why?”

He tipped her face up and turned it from side to side in the raking light. “I was thinking that I was blind for years myself.”

“Oh?” she tittered and turned her head away from his hand. “To what miracle do we owe your sight?”

“To you.”

She rolled her eyes and took the opportunity offered by her scorn to push him away. “Oh, so I’m a miracle now?”

“Ask your papa if you don’t believe me,” he laughed.

He thought she was only playing with him, and she only longed to slap him. But she had to admit he only believed what she was trying to make him believe. She could not tell him what she truly thought.

She took a few tiny, shuffling steps backwards towards the door, hoping he would not notice.

“I hate to be the one to tell it to you…” she sighed. “But I’m simply an ordinary girl.”

“No, and no, and no. I cannot agree.”

With one long stride he caught up with her and took both her hands.

“I’m tired, Dunstan,” she pleaded.

“I’m certain you are,” he said gently. “I only want a goodnight kiss.”

“Bruni means to give you one, I think.”

He smiled indulgently at her, but he shook his head. He was tired of playing.