Yarif held tightly to the “one day.” Family. He had more family. “Why have you never remarried?”
“I now have heirs, so there is no need. My mother fills the role of lady of the castle.”
“That sounds lonely.” Yarif would be lost without the twins to care for. Still, he had longed for a loving mate, though understanding the odds of such a possibility weren’t in his favor.
Niam laughed, an honest sound. His pleasant mood lifted Yarif’s spirits. “I have lovers occasionally, but I must be careful or ambitious mothers will start scheming.”
“Yes, you wouldn’t want some social climbers throwing daughters your way.”
Again, Niam laughed, adding a wink. “It’s not only daughters I have to worry about.”
“Oh?” Did Niam like men and women?
“Yes.Oh.So no, I’m not lonely, and soon I hope to have a dear friend”—he coughed “cousin” into his fist— “to visit.” Niam’s voice took on a wistful quality. “It’s been so long since I’ve been out of the kingdom. I’d like to see all the empire's territories, once more view the oceans from flat land instead of a cliff, and reconnect with our other cousins. Have you seen any of them?”
Yarif shook his head. “Sadly, no. Once Mother died, Father cut all ties with her family. Not by any dramatic act. He just simply stopped inviting them or accepting invitations.”
“I see. He not only cut ties with family but possible allies. Do you know what’s the first thing you must do if you wish to control someone?”
What an odd turn of topic. “No.”
“You cut them off from family and friends who might intervene, anyone the person listens to. Once the victim is deprived of loving guidance, the controller proceeds with the manipulation until the victim is a puppet.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that I wonder if your dear emperor had a hand in that. I’m told your father hadn’t gone to court in the past few years. If King Lleval conspired with another, any propositions didn’t come from me.”
The shock on Draylon’s face spoke loud and clear. “Yarif, you said your father didn’t include you in any plans.”
“No, he didn’t. So, if this is true, I’d no way to know about it.”
Niam’s serene expression never changed. “Unlike King Lleval, I keep up with gossip and willingly tell you I have spies in other lands. I call them uncles and cousins, but you get the idea. I also know the emperor has spies in Delletina. Perhaps in my own household.”
How awful it must be not to trust anyone around you. Then again, how many people did Yarif truly put faith in?
“But let us not talk of such things now, cousin.” Niam crossed an ankle over his knee in a very unregal pose. “I’d like to hear about you. I understand you’re recently wed…”
The sun fell early in the mountains. Aunt Nera had covered the windows with shutters for the night. She quietly shuffled from the room, not interrupting the conversation. There had to be servants, for Yarif spotted them in the courtyard from his window, but Aunt Nera tapped on the door and reentered herself, Bert following behind. “Set those bowls on the table yonder.” An aroma drifting from those bowls made Yarif’s mouth water and stomach rumble. His increased appetite must mean healing.
Nera scowled at Niam. “You’ve been talking for hours. While I understand the need to exchange information, they’re not up and leaving tomorrow. Yarif and Draylon both should be resting.”
Color crept up Niam’s cheeks. “Yes, Mother.” To Draylon and Yarif, he said, “You have my sincere apologies. We’ll speak more later. Sadly, meetings with a few nobles and village leaders will occupy most of my day tomorrow. I hope you understand that I cannot let them see you. Not yet. You’re free to move about the upper floor but don’t come downstairs. I’m also keeping the servants away. As I said, there might be spies in my own household.”
“We understand,” Yarif and Draylon both said.
“Good. Now, eat, rest, and let Mother or Bert know if you need anything. I’ll check in on Captain Rufe.”
“I want to see him,” Draylon said.
Niam exchanged looks with Aunt Nera. “Tomorrow. Let him rest today.”
Draylon’s clenched jaw said just how little he liked the idea.
“I promise, our good captain is safe and healing nicely. Tomorrow, you can see him. You have my word.” With that, Niam left the room, herding Aunt Nera and Bert before him. Bert stared with wide eyes, an abundance of unasked questions etched on his face.
Finally, Yarif and Draylon were left alone. By unspoken agreement, they moved to the small table, where Nera had poured them each a glass of wine. For all Yarif had fantasized about a warm, soft bed, now he longed to sit again, though he kept his wounded back away from the chair back.
“Is this stew?” he asked, uncovering the dish. Ah, yes. Stew with chunks of meat, potatoes, carrots, and onions. Crusty bread accompanied the meal. Simple fare, so unlike most noble families’ repasts. Nera and Niam didn’t appear to put on airs. No, they seemed simple and down to earth.
