Page 60 of Fortress of Snow

Berenger had always enjoyed the sound of the pounding waves against the shore, the sight of the ocean stretching as far as the eye could see, the majestic views both from high rocks above the shore and from the sand below. Just beyond the rise where Bristow Castle sat was a high, rocky place that overlooked a narrow shore beneath.

“A pity they did not build the castle here,” Berenger said as he and Lady Bristow stood enjoying the vast ocean view. “It’s not far, after all, barely five hundred feet away, I’d say.”

“You do not approve of the castle, then? I suppose you will want to build another here.”

“I did not say that.”

“You will refuse to marry me because the castle does not have a better view of the ocean, won’t you?” Lady Bristow’s face crumpled, as if she was about to cry.

“Of course not. Not at all.”

“I am accustomed to this sort of thing, of not pleasing... If only I could tear down the castle and rebuild it on this spot.” She was wiping her eyes and sniffing.

Berenger patted her on the shoulder, not sure what to say. Was she sincerely worried or only trying to manipulate his emotions?

He stared out at the ocean. More snow clouds hovered overhead, making the sea look ominous and dark.

“The castle is built with a good view and prospect. You need not worry about such things. I am not so shallow or petty as that, and the walk from the castle to this spot is quite pleasant.”

Lady Bristow sniffled some more and dabbed at her eyes with the back of her wrist.

“You must think I am silly. But I only want you to be happy with everything, to fall in love with the views of the sea, with the castle and the land and... to fall in love with me.” She turned her head away as her voice cracked on the last word.

He wanted to fall in love with her as well. But truthfully, he wished Mazy was the one saying these words to him. If she said them, he would believe in her sincerity. But he simply didn’t know Lady Bristow very well, and he was still wondering if he could trust her.

He almost felt as if he should apologize to her. It was unfair that he was thinking about Mazy.

“I don’t think you’re being silly,” Berenger told Lady Bristow.

“Will you promise me one thing?” Lady Bristow wrapped her arms around his arm and leaned against him.

He gazed down into her eyes, feeling pity for her. Having had a cruel husband, she must be desperate for love. Was she the woman he’d always dreamed of loving, cherishing, and protecting?

“Promise me you will not take too long to make your decision. Every minute you make me wait is a pain in my heart.” She pressed a fist to her chest.

“I will do my best to decide quickly.” He smiled down at her, half-amused at her dramatic emotions and declarations, and half-spellbound by them. She was as intriguing as she was beautiful.

But something kept him from saying he would marry her. She was beautiful and she had the approval of the king, but he did not feel peace when he thought about marrying her.

***

“I would like to have Juliana take her meals with us. I need to get to know her as well.”

Berenger watched for Lady Bristow’s reaction to his request as they sat by the window watching the sun in the late afternoon sky.

She took a breath and let it out. “I haven’t told you how difficult the girl is. She is very unpleasant and has a very bad habit of lying. I never know what she will say.”

“That is all right. I wish to see more of her.”

Lady Bristow raised her brows. “Very well. I cannot deny you anything.” She smiled and placed her hand over his.

When the evening meal was served in the Great Hall, Juliana’s nurse brought her in and seated her across from Berenger. Lady Bristow sat in her usual place at the head of the table.

The child was fair of face, but she kept her eyes cast down.

“How have you been occupying yourself today, Juliana?” Berenger asked. “It was a beautiful day. Did you take a walk along the seashore?”

The child looked up and stared at him but did not open her mouth.