Alexander's manservant bowed and escorted Brand to the king's private study.
He stepped into the chamber where Alexander sat at ease behind his table. Carlisle too was present, sitting in a chair near the hearth, one leg crossed indolently over the other.
"Your Majesty," he bowed. Then to the duke, "Your Grace."
"Your Highness," he inclined his head deeply.
"That is such a dispirited salute to a man on the verge of matrimony, Carlisle."Alexander remarked, particularly amused. "Perhaps something more exalted." He suggested, "If you would allow me," he gestured lazily toward Brand, "I present my brother who had formerly swore himself from women entirely, but now finds himself eager to wed."
Carlisle's brow lifted, "When I first heard the rumour, I confess I thought it a fabrication."
"Imagine my shock then," Alexander rose and went over to the sideboard, "One moment she was a guest, the very next she was his bride." He sat by the hearth too, away from Carlisle.
