Dragons of the Valley - Donita K. Paul [138]
She walked more calmly to the balustrade that edged the tiled outdoor dance floor. The balls held under starry nights had taken place long before her father inherited this home. She’d never danced with her true love while a small orchestra provided the music and liveried servants served delicate sandwiches and daggarts.
Maybe Byrdschopen didn’t feel like a home to those who had dwelled here under such ostentatious wealth. But the now shabby house with two loyal servants and her besotted mother at the helm had always been a place of peace for her. She’d grown up under trying circumstances but nonetheless happy.
Now her father occupied all her mother’s time. Tipper had been unwittingly crowded out. She was supposed to go to Ragar, reside in the Amber Palace, and take up the scepter of queen. Her future was set before her. The past, the scrimping and saving and conniving past, held more allure.
In the past, she’d had no money, but she’d had purpose. Now she had money but no purpose. Once queen, she would have money and purpose. Where was the elusive contentment?
Footsteps pounded against the stairs, echoing through the cupola that covered the door to the main house.
“Tipper!” Paladin’s voice brought a smile to her face, pulling her out of the introspective doldrums that had plagued her all morning.
“I’m here.”
“Finally!” He appeared in the door, and just as he stepped out of the shadow, the sun peeked from behind a cloud. He wore white and seemed to reflect sunbeams of soft light.
“I’m looking over my life from the vantage point of the very tiptop of the place I’ve always lived.”
He came to stand beside her and put an arm around her waist, tugging her a bit closer. “I’ve been talking to your father.”
“I thought he was with Mother.”
“He was. She contributed quite a bit to our discussion.”
Tipper giggled and leaned her head against his upper arm. The top of her head just barely reached his shoulder.
“She assured me that after I asked my question, you would be properly befuddled and it was high time as well.”
Tipper leaned back and looked up at his mischievous grin.
“What question?” Her eyes grew wide as she deciphered her mother’s remark. “Betrothed? Properly betrothed and high time.”
“Don’t leap ahead of me.” He let her go and dug in his pockets, found the item he sought, and pulled it out.
Diamonds and sapphires sparkled in the sun.
He leaned forward and kissed her lips with a quick peck. “Stay right there. Continue to look ravishingly lovely. Don’t interrupt once I get started.”
He dropped to one knee before her. “Princess Tipper, I have grown to love you. I admire your spirit, your generosity, your tender heart, your practical approach to problems.”
“That last one wasn’t very romantic.”
“You aren’t supposed to interrupt.”
“Right.”
“I love your easy smile, your beautiful laugh, your singing, your cooking, your—”
“Hurry up. Get to the good part.”
“Your impatience and your bossiness.”
She arched her eyebrows but did not interrupt.
“Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
She held back the explosive yes and watched him as he waited. He was confident and amused. She still waited.
“My knee is getting sore.”
“Stand up.”
He stood and brushed his pant leg with his hand.
“Well?”
She grasped his forearms and looked deep into his sky blue eyes. Her heart grew exceedingly calm as she saw peace, maturity, wisdom, and love in the very depth of the man who stood before her. She’d found contentment.
A bubble of joy rose to the surface and burst as she stopped holding back her response.
“Yes!”
Epilogue
Hollee worried. She couldn’t help it. Her wizard said he was making fresh brain soup to celebrate. He’d gone for a walk and come back to the one-towered castle with a huge, lumpy bag. Then he’d taken over the kitchen, shooing everyone out except one kimen who would not go. The chief cook