In Which Mona Says What Is Allowed

December 25, 1179

"There!" Mona threaded one last flower into Anna's hair and brushed a fallen petal from her shoulder. She hadn't done anything too elaborate, but that was why it was perfect. Anna had opted for a simple gown rather than the overblown spectacle Devidra had suggested, but it made for a more graceful, elegant effect. She looked more of a princess than Mona had ever felt. "All ready."

But just to be certain, she leaned to the side and examined her work from what she'd feared would be the most troubling angle. Flawless. From the looks of it, Anna even wore a hint of a smile. "You're still sure about this?"

Mona nodded. "Very sure."

"Last chance, you know."

"I know." And with that out of the way, she lunged ahead and pulled her friend into a quick hug. "You'll make a fantastic queen."

"And if I don't, I'm sure Devidra will be more than happy to take back the reins."

"If she ever fully gives them up."

Anna laughed, even if the thought wasn't all that funny now that it was out of Mona's head. Perhaps her spirits had soared out of reach of any breaking force. "You know, you don't have to wait around here with me. I know the only fun you ever get out of weddings comes from ogling cute male guests."

Not that too many had had much of an effect on her lately. Nevertheless, she supposed it merited a smirk. "Indeed--and you ought to appreciate that even more now that you'll never know that joy again."

"Oh, I'll still have eyes, won't I?" She winked. In these past few minutes, Anna seemed to have been having more fun than she'd had in the entire rest of their acquaintance. Her scheme had been risky and she'd known it, but she'd never been given any indication that it hadn't been worth it. The laughing, joking Anna before her now and the beaming Adrius at breakfast had only confirmed the pay off. "Seriously, go on. I'll see you during the ceremony."

"All right, but I'm sure the boys will be disappointed to see only one of us."

She heard another snicker as she crossed the room and headed through the door, into the sitting room that sat before the bedchamber. She closed the door and chuckled to herself, but fell silent upon turning back around. She'd expected to find the room empty. "What are you doing here?"

She'd seen little of Zareth since Devidra had knighted him, but the rise in status had left him more or less unchanged. He donned a plain tunic, nothing scruffy but the sort of outfit she'd sooner expect to see on a steward than on a knight, and certainly not at a wedding. But he wore his hair loose, as he had that night on the ship; the way it fell, neatly combed and compliant, lent a lordly look incongruent with his garb but more than sufficient in making up for it. "I'm walking the bride down the aisle. Devidra couldn't find anyone more suitable."

"Oh. Right." Not that the presence of her father or brother would have helped with her plans, but their failure to attend was not met without injury. "The ceremony's not for another hour, though."

Zareth shrugged as he pulled himself upright. "I've already seen everyone I care to see. I'd rather wait than mingle."

"Well, you could stick with me; I never wait around long enough to mingle." He snorted, but she doubted it meant he'd take her up on that offer. Shame. There weren't many people she cared to see either. "You should visit more often."

His dark eyes gave an uneasy flicker and she wasn't quite sure why. She hadn't meant to make him uncomfortable... "I don't think it tactful to drop in unannounced for reasons short of urgent."

"Meet me in town, then."

Zareth sighed. "Mona..."

"Oh, come on! Apart from Anna, you're the only real friend I have in this kingdom." That seemed to shut him up, even if that twitchy blinking hadn't been intended. "I think I'm allowed to miss you."

His head cocked toward his shoulder, he crossed his arms and frowned, but it was difficult to read beyond that. Zareth had many frowns. Mona hadn't seen that one before. "I suppose no one else has the right to govern your emotions."

Was that all he could say? "You're an asshole."

"Then what does that say about you for missing me?"

Was her mind playing tricks on her, or was he a little nearer than he'd been a moment prior? Out of instinct, she took a half-step forward--and stumbled when he jerked away. "I can't do this."

"Do what?" She grabbed hold of his arm, but he broke loose as he stepped around her. Her fingers ached in their defeat, but she hardly noticed over the nausea welling in her gut. "Zareth--"

"Never mind. Just forget I was here, all right?" He reached the door and pushed it open, the corridor just ahead waiting for him. Never had a hallway been so hostile. "I'm sorry."

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