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

father, brothers and the emperor and duke. Judging by the broad grin on the face of the Bishop of Naumburg, Sophia would guess this was likely the most important event he’d ever presided over.
    It was a mark of her family’s standing they’d been allowed to stand inside the doors for the exchange of vows. The remaining guests stood outside in the blazing sun.
    The passion smoldering in Johann’s gaze when he greeted his bride tugged at Sophia’s heartstrings. Would Brandt ever look at her that way?  
    It was a foolish notion.
    But where was he?
    Lost in her thoughts of the dark stranger, she was only half listening to Johann and Kristina’s pledges when she became aware her father had stepped back to stand beside her. “He’s outside,” he whispered. “But I believe he has been injured.”
    “Injured?” she repeated, suddenly chilled to the bone.
    Her father clenched his jaw. “If some ill befell him on my estate…”
    She stared at him, not understanding, until the truth dawned. “You think he was attacked?”
    He put a finger to his lips. “Let’s concentrate on Johann’s wedding then we’ll seek out your Franken .”
    Conflicting emotions swirled in Sophia’s heart. She loved Johann, loved Kristina, wanted to share every moment of their happiness with them, but somewhere outside, possibly only a few feet away, Brandt was in dire need. She’d seen it on his face, despite his efforts to hide it.
    Then her father’s words echoed in her mind. He had again sensed her attraction to Duke Conrad’s envoy, but there’d been no censure in his voice.
    Genuinely elated for her half-brother, she smiled and applauded with everyone else when the bishop pronounced Johann and Kristina man and wife. The emperor offered his congratulations, as did Duke Heinrich. Citing pressing affairs of state, the pair soon excused themselves and left.
    The bishop led the long procession into the cathedral for the nuptial mass. When everyone had traipsed in, Sophia risked a backward glance, seeking Brandt in the happy throng. But there was no sign of him. She wondered if he’d left with the dignitaries, but that didn’t make sense.  
    ~~~
    Brandt leaned back against one of the pillars at the rear of the crowded Dom, welcoming the relief the cold stone brought to his fevered body.
    He narrowed his eyes to watch the tableau playing out at the front of the church. Happy bride and handsome groom…jubilant family…Sophia, a vision in red with a golden crown.
    He clenched his fists. She was everything he’d ever dreamed of in a wife on the rare occasions when he’d allowed himself to imagine a future that didn’t include Dorothea, her holier-than-thou parents and his stern father.
    He was glad the emperor and the duke had left after the exchange of vows. Keeping his wits about him during the audience had been a struggle, though he hadn’t been included in the conversation. It was as if they were politely ignoring him after the emperor’s initial affable greeting. Lothair reminded him of engravings he’d seen of the Magi—a benevolent king with a kindly face and a luxuriant beard.
    Duke Heinrich the Proud on the other hand was pompous and arrogant. His pronounced Cupid’s bow mouth was startlingly feminine for a man with a reputation as a fierce warrior. He looked too old to be the father of a little boy who didn’t know enough about good manners not to pick his nose in public.
    Dieter von Wolfenberg was also a surprise. Brandt had expected another arrogant Saxon, puffed up by his heroic reputation, but his host struck him as down-to-earth and intensely committed to his family. He was a peacemaker who had treated Brandt cordially, with no hint of enmity. He’d wager the count would be furious if he learned of the treachery perpetrated by Heinrich’s men.
    He envied Sophia and wondered if she knew how lucky she was to have grown up in the bosom of a loving family. She was right. Her parents were soul mates. It was evident