Jackal Among Snakes

“She is too old,” Helmuth said, sitting just beside Elias.

“You’ve said this,” replied Elias, cradling his head with one hand. “You’ve said this many, many times. My father married late. This is no different. Stop talking about it.”

Elias, Baron Abraham, Stain, and Helmuth sat around a table, each eating quietly. Stain was more than a little uncomfortable in their company. He felt like he had traded one well-dressed noble family for another, but Elias insisted on having him return to Parbon. At the very least, his presence assuaged his sister Ridia’s fears about her new would-be-husband.

Helmuth set his spoon down, and it sunk into the bowl of soup. “It’s different now. House Parbon will need many heirs. She is too old.”

“I should marry half a child instead?” Elias lowered his hand. “I want someone to share life with, not someone whom I can make more children with.”

“Delbraun’s daughter would have grown older.” Helmuth crossed his arms. “After this war, Parbon will be at the peak of prominence. If you have fewer heirs, Parbon cannot capitalize on this advantage.”

Elias slammed his fist on the table. “Did you forget why my father started this war? This isn’t about benefits, isn’t about advantages or disadvantages. My uncle sits in the dungeons, bound in chains and starved. The people suffer under Vasquer, who grasps for power like no other.” Elias shook his head. “Get out, Helmuth. I don’t want to hear any more of what you have to say.”

Helmuth stared for a moment, and Elias held his gaze. He picked up his bowl of soup and went for the door, leaving quietly. Elias picked up his spoon, ready to resume eating, but Baron Abraham also stood.

“I’m going to go join him,” the Baron said quietly, then left just the same way.

Once the door had shut behind them, Elias lowered his head and sighed.

“You’re wound awfully tight,” Stain noted. “I guess I get it. Scary thing, marriage. My sister’s a nice lady, though. She’s shy, and that’s probably perfect for someone like you—all chivalry, all honesty, all sweetness. You’ll have her wrapped about your finger soon enough, don’t worry.” Stain held his fist up as though cheering him on.

“It’s not…” Elias was about to refute, but then sighed once more. “I suppose there is some of that in there. But the reality of what’s happening is setting in. War. One of my father’s vassals was slain by unknown assailants, half his village burned down. And…” Elias tapped his fingers against the table. “…I’m starting to question if being honest and good is even worth it at all if someone you trusted your future with can’t return the favor in the slightest.”

“Heh.” Stain rubbed beneath his nose. “You’re starting to see. It’s simple—trust yourself and no one else. That’s how I was raised. I turned out okay.”

Elias snorted, then crossed his arms. His brows furrowed as though he had a realization. “I guess… I can’t really know how Argrave was raised. He might not be a trusting person, and we haven’t exactly been close in the past… maybe….” He trailed off, and then shook his head. “Forget it. I need to put this behind me. These next months will be busy for me, I suspect.”

#####

Duke Enrico hunched over a book, his study dimly lit by candlelight. His blue hair was uncharacteristically disheveled, falling over his face in greasy strands. The book was a very old thing, veritably crumbling, and the Duke flipped to the final page. A few moments passed as he read through it. Once he finished, he closed it, sighing.

back into his chair, eyes closed as he lost himself in thought. The candlelight flickered, wax dripping down the tall white stick in the silent

The door opened, and his daughter, Nikoletta,

you busy, father?”

busy for you,” he said, some vigor returned to his tone at the sight of his daughter. He stood, gesturing to the chair opposite his desk. “Have a

the door, Nikoletta walked in and took a seat as her father had instructed. “I

Enrico picked one book up. “It’s…

believe it exists?” she questioned. “This

consistent with what we experience now.” The Duke set his elbows on the table and leaned in, bloodshot pink eyes glowing in the candlelight. “The only thing that isn’t exactly

question, father,” she insisted. “Do you think

thought on her question. After a long time of silence, he finally answered, “I think it would be best if we preserve and build our military strength.

she

on her, and eventually his gaze softened. “Speaking of concerning… why are you having

her tiredness. “Just… my mind won’t stop working. You’ve recovered, father. Why must I remain regent,

you should remain regent,” the Duke said firmly. “I am old, and grow older yet. One day, you will be Duchess in your own

if I

smiled. “If you are uncertain, or if you have doubts, I will impart to you all that I know.” Enrico rubbed his hands together, and then,

laughed awkwardly, lowering her

is a good thing, too. I… after the battle, after nearly dying… it would mean a great deal to me to be able to hold my grandchildren in my arms. I hope you know I’m proud

and Enrico noticed something was amiss.

head and met the Duke’s gaze. Her lower lip trembled as she proceeded. “I don’t think…

the matter?” the Duke insisted

Duke’s, examining his features. “I don’t know if I’m… ready for

out from behind the desk. “Listen. When I was betrothed to your mother, I had these exact same thoughts. It was stifling, it was overwhelming, and I felt unprepared.”

“Yeah,” she muttered weakly.

you,” he said with conviction. “Put it behind you. Move forward. Once you accept it, embrace it, you’ll realize that all your fears were for

“Okay,” she nodded.

up. “Maybe you should leave tomorrow to me, take a break. Some time to relax may do you some good. I am still here, despite my plans for the opposite,” the Duke assured. “Maybe you can enjoy some time with Mina? You two are still good friends, from

is going to be leaving soon,” Nikoletta said hollowly, staring at the ground. “She should probably go back to her father’s estate. It would be for

would be leaving.” The Duke walked back to his desk. “Such a thing would be sensible, given all that’s going on. She’s welcome to stay as long as she likes,

know,” Nikoletta nodded. “Even still, it