Aftermath by Jaci Burton

much!” She would remember that for future arguments. Signaling one of the servants, the woman came forth with a tray of ale. Trista calmly took one of the cups and presented it to Braedon. “Here. Drink. You look thirsty.”
    Glaring at her, he took it from her and gulped the ale, then slammed the cup down on the tray, immediately grabbing another and doing the same.
    “My, you are thirsty,” she said, hoping he would drink several more in succession.
    “This party is over.”
    “No, ‘tis merely beginning.”
    “Celebrations are not allowed in Greenbriar.”
    A crowed had formed behind them and around them. A very quiet crowd who watched their discussion with rapt interest. And right next to her stood Erin and Donny.
    “Braedon. I understand what transpired the last time a celebration was held at Greenbriar. My heart breaks for your loss. But do not fear all parties will result in the same. I beg of you, do not do this.” She whispered the last so only he could hear.
    He opened his mouth to speak, but instead Nadine’s voice spoke beside him.
    “Dance with your betrothed, Braedon.”
    Braedon turned his gaze on his aunt. “Excuse me?”
    “You heard me, son.” Nadine signaled the minstrels to play with a short sweep of her hand. “Dance with your future queen. Now .”
    Though Trista had not spent long in Greenbriar, she had never heard the short, clipped, angry tone of Nadine’s voice that she heard just now. From Braedon’s wide-eyed look, he had not either.
    When the music started, Braedon placed the empty cup on the serving platter and pulled Trista into his arms. Granted, he did it roughly, but he followed his aunt’s command, frowning at the old woman who bore a smug, satisfied smile on her face. He continued to frown at her as he danced Trista into the ballroom, following the minstrels there. The crowed followed behind Trista and Braedon.
    She did not quite understand what had transpired between Braedon and his aunt, but it struck her that it had been somewhat monumental. Either way, she was grateful for Nadine’s command.
    The party had truly begun.

    Braedon fumed silently, still shocked by the tone of his aunt’s voice, a tone she had not used since he was an errant child. He would not embarrass her out of respect, but later he would have words with his betrothed.
    “I cannot believe you did this without my permission.”
    “I sought only your pleasure, Braedon,” she said, excitement and trepidation warring in her golden eyes.
    “We all only want your happiness.”
    “I am happy with the way things are.”
    Her smile did not reach her eyes. “No, you are not. You are caught up in the pain of the past, a pain that has you in its grip and refuses to let go. You will never be happy until you put it behind you.”
    “You know nothing of which you speak, Trista. Leave it alone.”
    “I know more than you think.”
    “You were not here when it happened,” he said, looking beyond her to the smiling faces, remembering that night so long ago when there was a similar celebration. Only then, his mother and father were here, laughing and dancing and enjoying the night’s festivities.
Until the wizards came. Then there was blood and screaming and swords and fighting. Then there were lightning bolts of pain and his father lying on the ground in a pool of blood. Then the celebration and the laughter died, never to return to Greenbriar.
    “When you lose your focus, people die. It is always best to be prepared.”
    “Bah. You and your guards are well prepared. You can relax a bit. All castles are prepared for inside attacks now, Braedon. Besides, you have me now and I have magic,” she said with a wink and a grin.
    He laughed. “You are a child and know nothing of these things. You can do nothing to help.”
    “I can help you fight the wizards. My people have done it before. My sisters have helped.”
    “You cannot help me. With this party or with warfare against the wizards. You are a small