The Fairest Beauty

Sophie’s heart sank. She knew how hurt Gabe must feel to hear his father call him irresponsible. She searched Duke Wilhelm’s face, praying, God, please let him not forbid our marriage. Please let him understand. Make him say he forgives us.

 

“But you also showed fortitude and bravery in saving her from her enemies, and in being truthful about your love for Sophie.” He paused as he looked Gabe in the eye. “When I consider what could have happened and the alternatives, falling in love and being determined to marry is not the worst thing you could have done. In fact”—his voice softened — “it shows that you have returned to us as a responsible man, Gabe. Taking all the circumstances into consideration, I’m proud of you.” He was almost smiling as he gazed tenderly at his son.

 

“Thank you, Father.”

 

“So what do you propose to do about Brittola?”

 

“I shall write her and her father a letter begging to be released from our marriage agreement.”

 

Duke Baldewin, who still stood at Sophie’s side, spoke up. “And I shall offer them an inducement if they will break the agreement.”

 

Duke Wilhelm nodded. “I see you have thought this through and acquired an ally.”

 

Gabe gave a hint of a smile.

 

“Have you thought about what you will do if Brittola’s father refuses your offer?”

 

“I have. But perhaps it is best you do not know.”

 

Duke Wilhelm gave his son a very stern look. “I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t want to know.”

 

“I shall marry Sophie anyway.”

 

“Are you prepared to deal with the consequences?”

 

“I am.”

 

“The count could make a complaint to the king against you, even though no formal papers were signed. The king could punish you in any way he chooses.”

 

“I am aware of that, Father.”

 

“Very well.”

 

Gabe’s mother and father began talking to him in hushed tones again.

 

Sophie wanted to go to Gabe, to talk with him, touch him. It was painful to stay away from him, to see him staying away from her, but she admonished herself to be patient. He probably wanted to talk to her as much as she wanted to talk to him, but he was being discreet and self-controlled.

 

Her father turned to her and began speaking. He told her what little he knew of her escape from the duchess. Forcing herself to look away from Gabe, she began regaling her father with the stories of Gabe’s bravery and strength.

 

“I am so sorry I wasn’t there to protect you,” her father said with pain in his eyes, “from all the terrible things Ermengard must have said and done to you.”

 

Sophie put her arms around her father, hugging him tight. “Don’t be sad, Father. God is healing me … God is healing me. And He will heal you too.”

 

They held each other for a long time, and she knew from a few sniffs that her father was most likely crying, or at least holding back tears. She and her father broke away from each other, her father drawing out a handkerchief and dabbing the corners of his eyes.

 

Just then, Sophie noticed a messenger enter the room and hand a sealed piece of parchment to Gabe. Gabe broke the wax seal, then clutched the parchment with both hands, his eyes quickly scanning the text. Sophie watched Gabe’s throat bob as he swallowed, still staring at the letter.

 

When he tore his eyes from the piece of parchment, his gaze went straight to Sophie, a strange look on his face.

 

He tossed the letter over his shoulder, strode across the room toward her, his eyes alight with triumph. He grabbed Sophie around the waist, tilted her backward, and kissed her passionately on the lips.

 

Finding herself off balance, Sophie held onto his shoulders. Her heart soared at his sudden display of affection.

 

When he stopped kissing her and let her stand a little straighter, she stared into his eyes for a clue as to what had come over him. Gabe smiled at her as if they were the only two people in the room. His gaze shifted to her lips.

 

“God worked it out for you, son. And the timing could not have been more serendipitous.”

 

Sophie peeked around Gabe’s shoulder and saw Duke Wilhelm handing the letter to his wife while he grinned and shook his head. “Valten always did say you were the luckiest boy alive.”

 

Lady Rose scanned the letter then looked up, smiling at Sophie. “This is from Brittola’s father. He is offering remuneration to Gabe because Brittola has married someone else. The betrothal is broken!”

 

Before Sophie could say anything, Gabe dipped her backward and kissed her again. And she kissed him back.

 

That night, at supper in the Great Hall, Sophie felt bad enough for Valten that she asked Gabe to not touch her hair or shoulder or arm in front of everyone, to behave himself and eat his dinner without staring at her every moment. She couldn’t keep him from sitting beside her and decided not to begrudge him holding her hand under the table. And if his knee happened to brush against hers, well, he was her fiancé and they would be married in a few weeks.

 

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