In the end, Lord Braxton and Lady Callista were able to leave the palace quietly.

Arranging things was not as challenging as Donovan thought it would be. He had been tempted to go to Kieran directly and force him to let Lady Callista go, but decided against it. Kieran would likely have refused just because Donovan was the one asking. So instead, he had gone to his mother.

"I'm trying to solve the Braxton situation for Father. Lord Alec tells me that Lady Callista is unwell and should leave Court, and I worry that would have a negative impact on her reputation. It occurs to me that both problems may be solved through one marriage contract," he said.

His mother looked surprised. "And the parties are willing?"

"Yes," Donovan said. "Only since she isn't my mistress, I need Kieran's permission to do it properly, and well... I know if the suggestion comes from me..."

His mother nodded. "You're right. It would likely cause conflict. I'll speak to him. A tidy solution, I think."

He was ashamed to admit it, but Donovan was glad when Lady Callista left. Lady Maren had not been joining him for after-dinner brandy while Lady Callista was in the apartment, saying she wanted to be available to her. Donovan didn't mind and thought it good Lady Maren was being so conscientious, but he missed their late night conversations. He was glad when they resumed.

"Tell me, what is your favorite place in the palace?" Lady Maren asked over brandy one night, soon after Lady Callista left.

"Does it have to be within the walls of the palace or just the grounds?" Donovan asked in reply.

"Hmmm, within the walls," she declared.

"Easy, the balcony on the North Tower, but only at night," he said.

"Hm, I've never been at night," she said.

"You haven't?" Donovan leapt up, suddenly inspired.

"Finish your brandy, we're going on an adventure!" he declared.

It was possible his own brandy was clouding his judgment, but he was suddenly feeling too excited and happy to care.

"Now?" she asked incredulously.

"Of course, no time like the present. Quickly now, your prince requires your company!"

She laughed, and he marveled at what a lovely sound that laugh was. It made his heart feel rather bouncy.

"Well, how can I deny a request from Your Highness?" she said in the same mockingly subservient tone Alec liked to use. Donovan liked to hear her use it too.

She finished her brandy and set down the glass. He offered her his arm in his most courtly manner, and they set off.

They made their way to the North Tower, talking and laughing and bumping into a few things, drunk on the adventure of being out and about late at night and possibly also the brandy. The palace halls were quiet and empty at that hour, which seemed to amplify the hilarity of the excursion.

"There are rather a lot of stairs!" Maren exclaimed as they climbed the tower.

"It's worth it!" Donovan insisted. He hoped she liked it as much as he did.

When they finally reached the top, they were both panting from the exertion. Donovan reached it first and turned his back to block Maren from seeing out the door. The indoor space at the top of the tower was tiny. Just enough room to step out and open the glass door onto the balcony.

Maren stopped at the top of the last step, waiting for him to open the door and make room for her.

"Close your eyes," he told her.

"What?"

"Close your eyes!" he repeated. "I'll lead you out, it'll be better this way."

She looked at him somewhat suspiciously, but put her hand in his and closed her eyes. He held it tightly. What a lovely hand she had. It seemed to always be very warm. Not unpleasantly so, just comfortingly so. He wondered if that was the Light. Was the rest of her warm?

Ahem.

Maren had cleared her throat pointedly, and he realized he had been standing there with her hand in his for too long a time.

"Yes, sorry, here we go!" he said, opening the door to the balcony and leading her out of it.

"Keep your eyes closed!" he told her.

"They are!" she insisted.

He led her across the stone balcony to the edge where an ornate railing stood. He made sure she was in just the right spot and then told her to open her eyes.

She gasped, which gratified him greatly.

"Wow," she said in amazement.

From where they stood, they could see the city stretched out beyond the grounds of the palace. In the dark, the twinkling lights of the city appeared to be an island of stars in the velvety black sea of the surrounding landscape. It was a sight Donovan never got tired of.

"It's so beautiful," Maren said. "I've never seen anything like it."

"That's why this is my favorite spot in the palace," he said.

"An excellent choice," she agreed.

For a little while, they just stood together, looking out over the city. Donovan found himself terribly glad to be precisely where he was at that moment.

"I expect you bring all the girls here," she teased after a time. 

"Just one," he said, smiling at her. He couldn't see her face but knew she was blushing. He loved to see her blush. It was so charming.

And it was true. He had never found himself moved to share this particular place at this particular hour with a lover—or, he corrected himself, a not lover—before.

"I should have brought you here ages ago," he told her.

"Ah, well, there's no one to observe us pretending to be amorous up here," she said.

He chuckled. "Perhaps not, but it's a far better location than the gardens for a first—or second—kiss," he explained.

Part of his mind, probably the part not swimming in brandy and the intoxication of being in a beautiful location with a beautiful woman, protested that he was being terribly forward with his friend, but he ignored it.

She turned to look at him, and he was glad to see her face was full of amusement. That look seemed to make his heart feel bouncy again. 

"I think that's the brandy talking," she said.

"Perhaps, but that doesn't make the many benefits of the location any less present."

"Why, Your Highness, I'm quite sure you aren't suggesting what it sounds like you're suggesting!" she said playfully. "I seem to recall you swearing me an oath!"

"Ah, well, actually, if you'll recall the actual content of the oath, it was to not kiss you without your 'expressed consent,'" he explained.

"I do seem to recall that," she said thoughtfully.

"Indeed. So, be that as it may, all you would need to do, should you wish it, or of course, is ask me to kiss you," he said. He thought he sounded very reasonable, all things considered.

She tilted her head towards his. "Is that all?" she said in a low voice.

"That's all."

"Really?"

"Mmhmm."

At some point in the discussion, they had turned to face each other. Donovan found himself very supportive of this change in circumstances.

She motioned for him to tilt his head, and he was happy to oblige. He was even happier when she brought her lips close to his ear.

And then she whispered, "I think it is very much past the time for your brandy-soaked self to go to bed."

He laughed. He couldn't help it. In the moment, he had wanted her to say something else, but he could not argue with her. And he had been utterly charmed by her teasing.

"I expect you are correct, my lady," he said, grinning, and they returned to his apartment in a friendly silence.

--

"Donovan, a word?" his father said at the end of the council meeting the week after Braxton and Lady Callista left.

"Yes, of course," Donovan said.

He and his father stood to the side of the council room.

"Your mother told me you played a role in handling both the Braxton and Callista situations. Nicely done."

"Just a small role, truth be told, it was Lady Maren's idea," Donovan said.

His father nodded. "I'm glad neither of them lost their futures."

"Well, Braxton was a...youthful indiscretion and as for Lady Callista, she was entirely innocent. I would have hated to see her suffer for something that wasn't her fault," Donovan said.

"Kieran was disappointed to lose her early, but he was a good sport about it," his father said.

Donovan didn't mean to growl, but it was apparently a reflex.

His father looked surprised. "Is there a problem?"

Donovan had to choose his words very carefully. Lady Callista had begged him not to report what Kieran had done. She was worried he'd arrest her.

"I don't think she was disappointed to leave him early," he said.

"Did she complain?"

Donovan shook his head.

"Probably it's just a spat between them. Better to have everyone move on," his father said.

Donovan sighed. His parents could be so blind when it came to Kieran. They knew the two brothers didn't get along, but they never seemed to recognize Kieran was always the one causing problems.

"Speaking of marital arrangements, now that you've taken care of your brother's mistress, will you be making arrangements for yours?"

Donovan gritted his teeth. "I will."

"Of course you will. She has been here nearly nine months. So, she has just about three months before she has to leave," his father said.

"Yes, I know," he said.

"But it's also best not to leave these things until the last minute," his father said. "Have you made any progress?"

Donovan had made no progress whatsoever and had been actively avoiding even thinking about the fact that she had to leave.

"I will see to it," he said, even though it was the absolute last thing he wanted to do.

"I like her," his father said. "See that you do right by her. Duke or an eldest son. I'll have a list sent to you."

Donovan nodded. "Thank you."

"Remember, there's just six months until your wedding," his father said.

Donovan nodded and left the council room. He ignored his father's remark about his upcoming wedding; he did not feel prepared to deal with that and Lady Maren's arrangements at the same time.

He felt terrible. He had been selfish and risked Lady Maren's future because of it.

But he didn't want to let her go. He wanted to keep having dinner with her and sharing late night brandy. He wanted to go riding with her again. He wanted to take her back to the north tower and look at the city and the stars, and maybe she would ask —

Gods, he was in trouble.

He sighed and went to his office. It was as good a place as any to sulk for a bit.

When he arrived, he found that his father had already sent over the list of potential matches. He took it from his clerk and sat at his desk.

He didn't want to look at it, but knew he had to stop avoiding the reality of the situation. So, he opened the file and skimmed the list.

It was not a long one. There were only five names and surprisingly, the best option was immediately apparent.

Three were the eldest sons of dukes. He was fairly sure all three had never been married, so they would expect children, and that would not do.

That left two who were both dukes. One, Donovan happened to know, was over eighty. He had a reputation as something of a curmudgeon. He really didn't think Maren would want to marry him and, even if she did, it would look a bit suspicious to marry her to someone like that when there were other eligible bachelors.

So that left one. The Duke of Worthingham. It was a suitable option. He had as close to an impeccable reputation as anyone could have as an honorable and kind man. He was also Alec's father. Donovan knew him a bit, primarily through correspondence on military matters, but also a few youthful excursions with Alec to the coast.

Donovan wasn't sure how old he was, but he thought he was perhaps in his mid-fifties. It would be a large age difference, but not one that would spark a great deal of talk. It wasn't that unusual among the nobility.

And, as much as Donovan hated to admit it, it was a good match. The Duke was powerful and influential; Kieran would not want to cause trouble with him by harming his wife. His estate was far enough from the Capital that he rarely came to Court, but it was not in an isolated area. There was a town, a fort, and several other estates nearby. He was wealthy, and perhaps more importantly had four grown sons and a gaggle of grandchildren. Donovan did not think it was very likely that he would expect a wife to give him another child.

He'd have to speak to Alec, though. He hoped Alec would at least be amenable to the idea. Donovan did not know a tremendous amount about Alex's family history, but he knew Alec's mother died when he was young. His stepmother was the only mother Alec had known, but she died three or four years ago. Perhaps he would know if his father would like to take a third wife?

Donovan sighed. He had no doubt that Alec would be very surprised when Donovan spoke to him, but he was inclined to get it taken care of sooner rather than later.

He considered going directly to Alec's office, but he wanted to avoid disturbing him if he was with a patient. Instead, he wrote a brief note asking Alec to come see him when he was available and had his clerk see that it was delivered.

Then he waited and tried very hard not to think about how he felt about Maren and what he really wanted to happen. Fortunately, it was not long before Alec arrived.

"You summoned?" Alec said, coming into Donovan's office.

Donovan nodded. "I need your help with a somewhat delicate matter."

"Delicate is my specialty, what's wrong?"

"This morning, my father more or less told me to make the arrangements for Maren's future and do it soon," he said.

"Ah, I was wondering why you looked so grim," Alec said.

Donovan scowled in response.

"What? I know you're fond of her. It doesn't surprise me that you aren't thrilled about what you have to do," Alec explained.

Donovan chose to ignore that for the most part. "Be that as it may, my father sent over a list of eligible dukes and eldest sons and well, there's no delicate way to put this, the only one that, I think, would be suitable is...your father."

Alec raised his eyebrows in surprise.

Donovan handed him the list in explanation.

"Oh, is Candover still alive? I thought he died a few years ago," Alec said.

Donovan suppressed the urge to laugh, remembering something Maren had told him in jest about her ideal husband.

"I don't really know the others, do you?"

"Hmmm," Alec said. "Not well. I've heard some rumors, but you know that's not terribly reliable information. Allegedly, Haffield is a bit of a lush and Calvernon has a gambling problem. I have met Darcliff—he comes to Court now and then, and I can assure you Maren would hate him. He's the sort of person that seems terrified of his own shadow."

Donovan couldn't help but chuckle. Maren would hate that sort of person.

"Well, then you're right, unless you're going below a duke you really only have one viable option," Alec said.

Donovan was relieved Alec agreed. "And I don't know the others. I don't want to put her somewhere where she might be mistreated."

Alec nodded. "My father doesn't even mistreat the spiders that wander in from outside. He scoops them up and relocates them to the bushes."

Donovan smiled, even though he felt a pang of grief. He wanted Maren to be well cared for, but he wanted to be the one to do it. As much as it was obvious that Alec's father would make a perfectly good husband for her, it would still break his heart to send her away.

"Oh," Alec said. "I didn't realize it was that serious."

Donovan rolled his eyes. "Can you ever stop reading people?"

Alec shook his head. "Well, you looked like someone had died, so it was fairly obvious what the issue was."

Donovan just sighed.

"How bad do you have it, then?" Alec asked.

"Bad," Donovan said.

He had been avoiding looking at his feelings for Maren, but he really couldn't do it any longer.

"As bad as Madison?" Alec asked.

Donovan sighed. "Worse."

Alec let out a low whistle. "That is bad."

Alec didn't even know the most tragic part of the whole thing, and that was that Donovan had never even properly kissed her.

"Well, have you considered discussing breaking off your current engagement?" Alec asked.

Donovan shook his head. "I cannot imagine my parents would allow it, and I don't think she would want to stay at Court."

He really had no idea if she felt anything for him beyond friendship, but even if he knew she did, he still couldn't let her stay. Not with Kieran constantly breathing down her neck.

Alec nodded. "I'm sorry for it."

Donovan shrugged. "It is what it is."

"Well, I know it isn't your first choice, but I do think she'd be happy at Worthingham. And, I think my father would be amenable. He's been lonely since my stepmother died and, now that I think about it, he and Maren would get along."

Donovan nodded. "Good."

"Shall I write to him?"

Donovan shook his head. "I should speak to her first. I will after the ball."

He really just wanted one more night with her where he could pretend she didn't have to go and that he wouldn't lose her. And the Midsummer Ball was in a few days, so it really wouldn't make much of a difference.

"I just thought... I really don't think my father would want any children. I haven't asked him, obviously, but I know he refused to have any with my stepmother. Would that be a problem for her?" Alec asked.

Donovan was relieved to hear that and knew she would be too.

"I'll speak to her," he said.

--

Maren was surprised to find she was feeling rather excited about the Midsummer Ball. She was looking forward to getting dressed up and dancing with the Prince. At a minimum, it would be a great deal more fun than the first royal ball she'd attended.

Mrs. Whitley asked her what she wanted to wear weeks ago and tutted in disappointment when Maren said, "Something comfortable."

She did acquire a beautiful dress for Maren. It was the color of red wine, with a full skirt and gold embroidery along the hen and on the bodice. The sleeves, such as they were, fell off her shoulders, leaving her shoulders and upper chest exposed. Lucy put her hair in a low, loose bun that was very elegant. She finished the ensemble with the sunburst necklace from the Prince.

She knew she looked very good, but was surprised and amused to see the Prince's reaction to her. His mouth opened in an "oh" of surprise when he saw her.

"You are...stunning," he said.

She blushed, both pleased and embarrassed.

"Thank you," she murmured.

He came to her and kissed her cheek. It was the first time she could recall him doing that in private. She didn't mind, though. He was looking very handsome in a black tuxedo.

He smiled and offered her his arm, "Shall we, my lady?"

"As you like, Your Highness," she said and took his arm.

The ball was much like the last ball or any other ball, except that Maren was very pleased to attend.

They first paid their respects to the King and Queen, who were as warm as usual. Then the Queen shooed them off to go enjoy themselves while she socialized with some older members of the nobility present.

"Would you like to dance?" The Prince asked, tilting his head to hers.

She smiled and nodded. "I'd love to."

"Well, then, do come with me," he said and led her onto the dance floor at the next break in the song. For a few moments, they just danced in companionable silence. It was very enjoyable.

"Is this really the same lifetime as that other ball that was so painfully awkward?" she asked.

He laughed. "It doesn't seem like it, does it?"

"Not in the slightest," she said. "Even under the circumstances, I think this one is much better."

She looked at him. He looked happy. She felt happy, too. They danced, talking and laughing together, for several more songs. It was more fun than Maren could remember having in a long time.

"I would like to keep dancing," the Prince said. "But I really need something to drink."

She laughed. "I cannot argue with you."

"Very well, let's go find some of the sparkling wine you like," he said as the song ended.

"How do you know that's what I wanted?"

He laughed. "It's what you always choose if you have a choice."

"Well, yes, I just didn't know you noticed."

"You've lived with me for what...nine months? I've noticed quite a bit," he said.

"Ah, you think you're very clever, don't you?"

"No, my lady," he said with great seriousness. "I know I'm very clever."

She laughed as he led her off the dance floor. He flagged down a server passing with glasses of sparkling wine. He took one and handed it to her and took a second for himself.

He held his glass out to her. "To a delightful evening," he said.

She smiled and gladly returned his toast. She thought they'd have a delightful evening indeed.

--

Donovan was having such a nice time chatting with Lady Maren at the ball that he almost didn't notice trouble coming toward them until it was too late.

"Damn. Kieran's coming this way. Why don't you —"

"Retire urgently? No need to tell me twice," she said and swept away before Kieran was close enough that she had to acknowledge him.

Donovan was happy to deal with his younger brother on her behalf.

"Oh, brother! Are you also a bachelor for tonight's festivities?" Kieran said with false sympathy.

Donovan smiled as broadly as he could manage. He knew Kieran had most likely seen Maren and was just being obnoxious.

"Of course not. Lady Maren has only retired briefly," he said.

"Oh, good. I would hate for anything...unfortunate...to happen to her," Kieran said, lingering on the word 'unfortunate' so that it encompassed several terrible possibilities.

Donovan gritted his teeth. "I can assure you, I will see to it that nothing does."

Kieran just smiled and nodded. "You know who she reminds me of? Marjorie! Do you remember her?"

Donovan resisted the urge to hit Kieran. Of course, he remembered the girl Kieran had humiliated and driven from Court.

"I do."

"Did you ever hear what happened to her? After she was arrested, I mean."

Donovan had a sinking feeling he was about to find out.

"Just that she was released," he said.

Kieran smiled a terrible smile. "Poor thing. She was kidnapped a few years later by some men impersonating Trackers. She was never seen or heard from again...not by her family, at least."

Donovan thought he might be sick. He had no doubt Kieran had taken her and done something terrible to her.

"I do miss her," Kieran said, looking nostalgic. "Still, I'm sure I can find someone to take her place in my heart."

Donovan did not respond.

"And have you made arrangements for Lady Maren's future?" Kieran asked.

Donovan did not miss Kieran's seemingly unrelated question. He knew Kieran was threatening to do to Lady Maren whatever he had done to Marjorie.

"I assure you, she has a very bright and secure future," Donovan said.

Kieran smiled as though Donovan had just given him a bit of candy.

"I'm sure it will be very secure," he sneered. "Do take care, brother. Otherwise, your own future may be secure as well."

Donovan scowled at Kieran as he walked away. He really hated his brother.

"Are you all right?" Lady Maren asked when she returned a few minutes later.

The only thing Donovan could do was make a growling noise. He was so angry at Kieran, he could not form works.

"That bad, hmm? How about some air?" she said, gesturing toward the gardens.

He nodded and offered his arm to her. The warm summer air was not as refreshing as cooler air would have been, but it was breezy and still a relief from the stuffiness of the ballroom.

"I'm sorry, he just...he makes me so angry," he said.

Lady Maren nodded. "He's awful. What did he say?"

Donovan told her most of what Kieran said, but omitted the implication that he wanted to harm Maren. She already knew he wanted to harm her and did not need a reminder.

"Gods, that poor woman, I...well, I hope she's all right," she said.

Donovan sighed and shook his head. "He talked about missing her. I'd be very surprised if she was still alive."

He felt Lady Maren stiffen beside him. "Then I suppose I'm glad she isn't suffering. I'm quite sure I'd rather be dead than in Kieran's custody."

Donovan hated to hear that, but couldn't argue with her. He didn't know what Kieran would do if he ever got his hands on Lady Maren, but he didn't want to think about it. He had to get her out of the palace, and the sooner, the better.

He shook his head and sighed explosively. He had wanted one more night with her and was not going to let Kieran derail the evening.

"I don't want this to ruin our fun," he said. "Let's go back inside."

She looked surprised, but smiled and nodded.

They returned to the ballroom and kept dancing until they both complained their feet were aching. Donovan's face felt sore from laughing and smiling all night. But Lady Maren had had a nice time, so it was well worth it. He tried not to think about it, but he knew she would likely never go to a ball at Court again.  He was glad she had thoroughly enjoyed it.

"Well, that was a lot better than I thought it'd be," he announced when they returned to his apartment.

"Far superior to the first one, at the very least," Lady Maren said with a smile.

"I hope you don't mind me saying it again, you are gorgeous tonight," he said.

He couldn't help it. She blushed, but looked pleased.

"I had a very nice time," she said in a voice that made his heart throb.

Somehow they had ended up standing very close together and her hands were in his. He took them because it was the only way to resist the urge to put her arms around him.

"I know for certain it was the best ball I've ever attended," he said.

"I'll remember it for a very long time," she breathed.

Her voice was soft, and it felt like he could barely hear her over the sound of his pounding heart.

He looked into her eyes. He bent his head towards her, but then paused.

He couldn't kiss her.

He wanted to kiss her, but he wasn't allowed. But he thought she wanted him to.

He just had to wait.

Just another second and she'd ask.

He wasn't sure he could wait.

And then suddenly she pulled away. 

"Um...goodnight. Thank you," she breathed and rushed off into her rooms without looking back at him.

He was left alone, gaping at the place she had been and wondering what he'd done wrong.