“It’s complex. He was horrid, of course. Guilty of filicide and much more.” Lukios had spilled a lot of blood to extend his own life – and blood magic loved a resonant sacrifice, one that mattered. He was glad that Enzo didn’t quite manage to offer an apology for the old man’s loss.
And yet.
Tiberius hadn’t seen his own father since he was sixteen years old, shipped off with every other magic-gifted brat in his year. When he’d returned from his service, Grandfather had filled the role of parent and mentor, teaching magic and politics both. He’d respected him as much as he hated him. That all without even contemplating the last six years.
Ordered away. Engaged to one woman and now another, her sister. Living in deepest despair for an interminable stretch of awful, gray days. Believing he’d never be home again — never touch this hand again. His fingers twitched but he let Enzo withdraw, a trifle numb. All of it seemed so useless now.
At least his mother and his seneschal were happy. And Lyric would be safer here than with her parents.
“Oh, fuck honor. Come over to the house sometime. I’ve got the old man’s journals.” Enzo had always had a good head for ciphers. “He was up to something -- I want to know what.” Forbidden magic, no doubt. Tiberius wouldn’t risk showing that kind of thing to anyone else.
And yet.
Tiberius hadn’t seen his own father since he was sixteen years old, shipped off with every other magic-gifted brat in his year. When he’d returned from his service, Grandfather had filled the role of parent and mentor, teaching magic and politics both. He’d respected him as much as he hated him. That all without even contemplating the last six years.
Ordered away. Engaged to one woman and now another, her sister. Living in deepest despair for an interminable stretch of awful, gray days. Believing he’d never be home again — never touch this hand again. His fingers twitched but he let Enzo withdraw, a trifle numb. All of it seemed so useless now.
At least his mother and his seneschal were happy. And Lyric would be safer here than with her parents.
“Oh, fuck honor. Come over to the house sometime. I’ve got the old man’s journals.” Enzo had always had a good head for ciphers. “He was up to something -- I want to know what.” Forbidden magic, no doubt. Tiberius wouldn’t risk showing that kind of thing to anyone else.
05-16-2024, 07:59 PM
