Carlisle rubbed his jaw slowly, words still absent from his mouth. His silence became more pronounced by each passing moment.
Brand rose, went to the side bar, poured three glasses of wine, and brought them over. "Your expression and manner keep the duke silent, Your Majesty. One might think he knows that you are not elated to be marrying the lady."
Alexander turned his eyes sharply to Brand. "Your words are foolish. I am most joyous and can hardly contain myself."
"Indeed?" His brother sat down and clinked glasses with Carlisle. "Surely you jest, for you look as His Grace that morning in his study at Carlisle Crest when you commanded that he wed Lady Carlisle."
"I look nothing of the sort." Alexander retorted, his tone clipped. He looked away, taking a great gulp of his drink but not quick enough to avoid Brand's snide smile. He cussed silently.
