Naturally, both Brikitta and Kristian had been fully informed about the parallel universe—save Princess Finnie not being the real one, and Princess Cora not being the real one either, the same with Queen Circe, those were regarded as state secrets.
“Most unusual,” Brikitta agreed.
I said nothing, trying to visualize Noc’s attire and what he looked like “invigorated.”
I’d seen him “invigorated” once before, so just as swiftly as I tried to visualize this, I attempted to banish such thoughts from my brain (and failed).
“He shared with me his plan to take you back to his world after Brikitta safely delivers, and I wholeheartedly agreed.”
My mind was wiped of visions of Noc in loose-fitting pants looking invigorated and my eyes cut to my brother at his words.
“I beg your pardon?”
Kristian didn’t repeat himself.
He declared, “We decided that’s what you’ll do. Return with us Älvkyla. Once the baby comes, Master Noc will have concluded his explorations in our world and you’ll return with him to the other world. An excellent idea. We spent not much time with that world’s witch, but even in the short time we spent with her, she seemed most capable, and it was shared she’d be your champion. Not to mention, Master Noc shared he’d look after you and he may not be a prince in his world, but he still has a princely bearing. Thus I’m confident you’ll be safe with him and the witch.”
Although I’d been leaning toward the same decision, I found Noc’s sharing with my brother and my brother’s declaration more than a little vexing.
“I’m sure I don’t have to remind you that where I go next is my decision to make, Kristian,” I informed him tartly.
“It’s lost on no one that you’ve grown quite close with this man and he does not hide the fact that he holds great affection for you, Franka,” Kristian returned. “He’ll have your best interests at heart and seems to trust this witch. If you desire a complete change of scenery, this is much preferable to your other plans. Further, Master Noc informed me that you can return when you please for but a few gold coins and in but moments, not months.”
“I’ve not spoken to this witch so I’m actually not aware of what the cost of travel would be,” I retorted.
Though, that said, I undoubtedly had whatever the cost even if it was extravagant.
And this reminded me I had yet to speak to my brother about that as well for I intended to give him a healthy portion of what I had.
That would happen, of course, but at that juncture I wasn’t feeling the need to share my intended generosity.
Kristian pushed his chair back and began to move to the buffet, stating, “We’ll talk more of it later. Brikitta wishes to get to our boy and I wish to join them. He had a fitful night. Perhaps later we’ll all sledge into Fyngaard and get Timofei some liquid chocolate.” He gave his wife a tender look. “And my Brikitta as well as you so love the chocolate from Esmerelda’s.”
“I would enjoy that, Kristian,” Brikitta agreed.
“Then it’s sorted,” Kristian decided and scooped up eggs.
“Well, if you both will excuse me,” I announced, pushing my own chair back, having not finished my breakfast, not caring but instead standing, “I have some fuming to do and I’d prefer to do that alone.”
Brikitta grinned down at her plate.
Kristian appeared to be fighting his own amusement as he lifted his brows. “Fuming?”
“Don’t pretend you don’t know your dictatorial ways aren’t especially welcome, brother.”
His expression grew serious. “I’m looking out for you.”
“And this is annoying too,” I shared.
His amusement came back as he turned to the heated silver chafing dish filled with sausages, muttering, “You’ll get used to it.”
I sighed.
“Excellent, we thought we’d be late and miss company at breakfast.”
This came from the direction of the doorway, words uttered by Circe as she and Lahn came into the room, Circe first, Lahn needing to duck his head to get through the door, such was his height.
“Too late for Brikitta, as she’s off to see to our son,” Kristian declared. “And Franka as well as she’s off to fume.”
Lahn and Circe both looked to me but it was Circe who asked, “Fume?”
“I’ll allow my brother to explain as he feels free to discuss me and my activities and my future with just about anyone,” I replied then arched a brow to my brother. “Would you like me to go round up the servants? Send them here so you can ask their opinion about what I should expect my next days and months to contain?”
Kristian started chuckling as he took his seat. Brikitta looked away and made no noise but her shoulders were shaking.
Lahn gave Circe a severe look that would be quite frightening if I had not seen him do it before, not to mention their many moments of open tenderness and affection, this look I took as his version of confusion even as she smiled brightly at me.
Truly, wouldn’t anyone be annoyed by all this?
“I bid you all good day,” I stated, turned and began to flounce from the room, and I felt no shame whatsoever flouncing.
If ever there was a flouncing moment, that was it.
“We’ll see you at the sled to go for liquid chocolate,” Kristian called as I continued to do just that.
I made no reply even if I fully intended to go with them.
I’d spent no time with my nephew at all since they’d arrived.