Free Loyal Heart (The Von Wolfenberg Dynasty #1) by Anna Markland

women descended from the elaborate carriage. The emperor fussed over the bride, bestowing a kiss on her knuckles, putting his hand on the small of her back as he escorted her into the Dom.
    But it was Sophia who held Brandt’s attention. The golden hair shone in the sunshine. She seemed happy, laughing and chattering with her brothers, though from time to time she stood on tiptoe, her gaze drifting in the direction of the crowd. Was she looking for someone? For him?
    Duke Heinrich approached her and began a conversation. She curtseyed prettily. His spine stiffened and anger threatened to choke him. If the man put a hand on her…
    Beside him, Vidar cleared his throat. His adjutant was savvy enough to know that an offer to help his master dismount would draw attention, but the loyal soldier stood ready to assist if requested.
    Brandt’s mind was made up for him when he noticed the women had all entered the Dom and Graf von Wolfenberg was heading in his direction. He gritted his teeth and dismounted with as much dignity as possible. Löwe stood stock still, though he must be as thirsty as his rider.
    He held on to the saddle when his feet touched the ground, waiting for the tremor of pain to subside, and swallowed the tickle brewing in his dry throat. Coughing would be disastrous.
    He held his breath, let go and bent his head respectfully. “ Graf von Wolfenberg, my congratulations. A fine day for a wedding.”
    The count seemed out of sorts, perhaps missing the dogs who usually accompanied him everywhere. “The emperor expected you to pay your respects before we departed.”
    Brandt grimaced inwardly. When he’d first risen from his bed he’d concentrated solely on surviving the walk to the river. “I apologise. The lame horse,” he lied.
    The count adjusted his scabbard. “The ceremony won’t begin for an hour. The emperor and the duke are resting in one of the side chapels. It’s imperative for the maintenance of peaceful relations that Lothair not feel you’ve ignored him on purpose. We want to avoid another war between him and the Staufens. I’m confident your instructions were to act in the interest of peace.”
    A hundred bees buzzed in Brandt’s head. It seemed to him he wasn’t the one who’d been avoiding an interview with the emperor and the only instructions he’d received were to pick up the ducal pavilion on the way to Wolfenberg. He considered reaching out for Löwe’s saddle again until he realized Vidar had led the horse away. Fighting off dizziness, he tried to summon a suitable response. “I will take this opportunity to extend my humble apologies, if you will do me the honor of making the introductions.”
    Von Wolfenberg nodded, visibly relieved. He seemed ready to leave but then turned to face Brandt again. “Thank you for taking care of my daughter’s palfrey. She loves Mut. Now, come.”
    The notion he’d done something to please Sophia was strangely comforting. He gripped the hilt of his sword, squared his shoulders and set off towards the Dom, keeping pace with the count though he feared he might crumple at the emperor’s feet once he arrived. Duke Conrad wouldn’t be pleased if he ignited another war.  
    ~~~
    Sophia tiptoed out of the vestry feeling very elegant in the red silk gown. The dress was somewhat heavy for the sweltering weather, but it wasn’t every day a girl served as attendant at her best friend’s wedding. However, she’d be glad when the pins came out of the elaborate arrangement that felt like a heavy confection balanced atop her head. She preferred to let her hair fall loose.
    Word had come that her brother Johann and the bishop awaited Kristina at the door of the cathedral. Sophia had been dispatched by her mother to make sure the church was empty before the bride made her way to the entry.
    She cringed when the heavy wooden door into the church creaked painfully, though she’d opened it only a crack. Apparently the noise was enough to draw the attention