Decree by Tricia Mingerink

Author:Tricia Mingerink
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sword & Cross Publishing
Published: 2018-11-13T00:00:00+00:00

Shad had his arms crossed and his eyes closed as he listened to the music filtering through the door to his father’s study. The few guests had to be arriving. The minister would be taking his place at the front of the room.

The wedding would start any moment. Shad forced himself to remain lounged in his chair when all his restless legs and body wanted to do was pace. Behind him, the curtains of the alcove rustled. Probably Leith, checking to make sure no one was trying to sneak into the manor from that direction. Near the bookcase, a paper whispered as Jeremiah turned a page in the book he was reading. They, at least, seemed calm.

The door opened. Shad cracked his eyes open as Father stepped inside. Father raised his eyebrows at Leith and Jeremiah. “I think it’s just about time.”

Jeremiah scrambled to his feet and left. Leith checked his knives one last time and followed him.

Shad eased to his feet and smoothed his white shirt, black vest, and black trousers. When he faced Father, he wasn’t sure what to say. His father wasn’t the invincible, strong figure he’d been when Shad had been little. Gray had replaced much of his brown hair. His left arm remained limp in a sling. Shad even stood a few inches taller.

Sure, Shad had swallowed his anger over some of Father’s decisions for Shad’s future more times than he cared to count, but in the end, that didn’t matter.

Father clapped his good hand on Shad’s shoulder. “Shadrach, I know I haven’t told you this near as often as I should’ve. But, I’m proud of you. Very proud.”

Shad cleared his throat. There wasn’t anything he could say to that. Not when he was thankful just to have him here. Jolene didn’t have her father at her side.

Father pulled Shad into a one-armed hug, and Shad returned the embrace. Then together, they stepped into the hall.

Mother and Esther waited at the door to the dining room. Shad swung his little sister around until she giggled. “You ready for another sister? Remember, you have to give her a big hug when the wedding is over. Can you do that for me?”

“Yes! Put me down!” Esther squirmed. “You’re messing my new dress all up.”

He set her down, grinning when she smoothed down her skirt with all the prim properness she could muster at seven years old.

Mother hugged him tightly enough to knock the breath out of him. “I can’t believe my boy is all grown up.” Letting go of him, she smiled a wobbly, wet sort of smile.

“It isn’t like I’m moving out or going very far. Jolene and I will be spending half our time at Walden.” Shad shook his head, straightening his vest yet again. He was the heir to Walden, and Jolene was heir to Sierra. They wouldn’t be going anywhere.

“I know.” Mother hugged him one last time before she and Esther entered the dining room to find their seats.

Leith limped down the hall toward him, Jeremiah trotting at his side.

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