The seneschal drank from his goblet before responding. With a small, upward curl on one side of his mouth, Koal shifted his eyes to meet Neetra’s terrible gaze. “Oh, shut up and sit down. He’s only said what the rest of us have been avoiding.” When Neetra didn’t immediately respond, Koal’s smile fell away entirely and he lost any hint of jovialness. The seneschal gave both Liro and Neetra a stern look. “Both of you, sit and be pleasant—or leave. That’s the last I’ll say on any of it.”
Dark and brooding, both Liro and Neetra sat down, side by side. When Mrifa grudgingly offered desserts, the rest of the company tried to feign interest but everyone knew the merriment was over. Gib humbly accepted both pie and custard which were both delicious, but he couldn’t find it within himself to enjoy either. His eyes kept darting back to the monsters who sat at the table, and he couldn’t help but feel the cool of the empty seat beside him.
As soon as each person was done eating, they asked to be excused. Carmen and the twins asked if they could go play for a while before Neetra and his family had to leave. Heidi made some lame excuse about not feeling well. Bailey jumped up and immediately began clearing the table which, of course, caused Mrifa to join him, begging for him to stop and sit back down.
When they were the last at their end of the table, Joel touched Gib’s shoulder gently to indicate it was time to leave. Gib pushed down the fluttering in his stomach and joined his roommate. Joel excused the both of them and Koal nodded. They received narrow looks from both Neetra and Liro, but Gib had expected as much.
As soon as they were out of the dining room, Joel looked around and wrung his hands. “I wonder where Nawaz has gotten to.”
Gib scuffed his foot across the floor and couldn’t bring himself to look his friend in the eye. “Joel? Is Nawaz—all right? Does Neetra always treat him that way?”
Joel paused, and Gib scratched the back of his neck. He knew before he asked that surely such a question would be taboo but wasn’t able to help himself. Gib couldn’t imagine a father approving of his son, adopted or not, any less than Neetra appeared to.
Joel’s voice was cautious. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”
“I’m sorry Nawaz had to be there for it.”
“Yes.” Joel glanced around, eyes alert in the event anyone should be listening to them. “My uncle isn’t a generous man. I have no doubt you’ve figured out as much on your own. He doesn’t give anything more than required, and he doesn’t show respect for anyone who is ‘beneath’ him. When I was a young child, Neetra married a woman who already had a child though she’d never been married before. I was too young to understand then, but I understand now why Father and Mother never required me to call her aunt or speak to her any more than in passing. They knew even then that she wouldn’t be a permanent addition to our family.”
Gib blinked. “Why not? Did they know she planned on leaving Arden?”
Joel smiled, but it held no warmth. He hesitated, and Gib could tell the mage trainee was holding back information. Gib was determined not to push, but he couldn’t deny his wish to understand more.
Joel finally conceded and hung his head as if admitting something terrible. “They knew the marriage was a ruse. Neetra was twenty-three when he married—and he only did it at all because it raised his credibility as a politician. There is no law that keeps unmarried men from joining the royal council but it’s just not done that way. The councilors are supposed to set an example for the rest of the country. The appearance they desire is for the councilmen to all be married with children while also being wealthy and successful.”
“That doesn’t make any sense. Why marry just for the sake of furthering your career?”
Devastated blue eyes met Gib’s own. “I would agree, but Neetra is—ambitious. He was willing to sacrifice his own happiness for success. Unfortunately, in his greed to paint a portrait of perfection for himself, Nawaz, Inan, and Inez were pulled into the mix.”
Gib grunted. He was trying to understand, but some things were just beyond his ability to comprehend. “I guess it’s a good thing Nawaz and the twins have Bailey then.”
Joel nodded. “Oh, yes. Father begged and the King reassigned Bailey to work fewer marks for him so he could take care of the children for my uncle. Father and King Rishi were so concerned for the wellbeing of the children that they even agreed to pay Bailey extra as an incentive not to abandon them like their mother had done—though I doubt Bailey could ever find it within himself to leave Nawaz and the twins now.” He glanced around. “I’m not supposed to know any of this, so you must keep it a secret.”
The more Gib heard, the less he wanted to know, yet morbid curiosity and the sense of injustice drove him on. “Are the twins as mistreated as Nawaz?”
“No. They’re Neetra’s own flesh and blood. He has always favored them. It’s just Nawaz. He’ll never be good enough. It’s like how the lowborn are treated. Or women. Or—” He paused and Gib knew where this was going even though Joel couldn’t bring himself to say it. “—anyone who is different for any reason. People like Neetra and Liro will never respect them. They’ll always only be servants, labor animals, soldiers for war.”
“The King won’t allow that, will he? I mean, the boy at the festival—”
Joel shook his head. “That was one person. King Rishi can only do so much without the council’s backing.”
The pieces clicked together and made Gib’s stomach turn sour. “So as long as there are people like Neetra on the council, the King’s hands are tied.”
“I’m afraid so. It has taken King Rishi’s entire reign to make any real changes and there is always the fear of falling back into the old ways.”
Gib nodded, full of melancholy. He didn’t know what else he could say and also knew he could do nothing to help change the situation. He was one farmer, an insignificant child compared to these learned men who ran the world around him. Gib sighed and stared down the length of the darkened hallway. “Should we—go find Nawaz?”
Joel forced a tight smile. “I would like to. I feel he needs to be reminded that not all Adelwijns are created monsters.”
They parted ways, hoping to find the shunned lord faster for their joint effort. Joel swept away toward the sitting room, and Gib wandered back toward the kitchen and storage areas.
His footsteps fell lightly as he crept past the dining room. The three men inside were still deep in conversation, and Gib shuddered at what was being discussed. Even now, Neetra and Liro were both going on about how servants shouldn’t be allowed to take rest on holidays. They talked as though these servants weren’t people. Gib frowned as he stormed past the door and toward the pantry leading into the other side of the kitchen. He hesitated when he heard soft sobbing.
Surely that couldn’t be Nawaz—could it? A nurturing voice cut through the silence from within the pantry.
“Heidi, calm yourself. This fuss won’t do you any good.” It was Lady Mrifa. Her tone was low and sweet. “Your father isn’t going to make any rash choices. You know that.”
Heidi sniffled. “I know, but Father doesn’t like Uncle Neetra. And if Neetra continues to be so foul, Father will surely say no to the marriage.”
Gib blinked. Marriage? Marriage to whom? Guilt bubbled up inside him. He shouldn’t be listening to this. He was supposed to be looking for Nawaz, after all. He began to creep away, but Bailey’s voice piped up.
“Seneschal Koal is a good and wise man, Heidi. He’ll choose whether or not the two of you should be married based on Nawaz’s merits. Not Neetra’s. Besides, dearling, there is still at least a year’s time before a lady in your position should be worried about marriage. How are your classes going?”
Gib decided to scuttle away while he was still unnoticed. A smile crept across his face at the thought of Nawaz, who was perfectly comfortable bedding prostitutes and drinking the night away at The Rose Bouquet, marrying straight-laced Heidi.
Laughter and tumbling footfalls spilled down into the empty hal
l from upstairs as Gib passed by. He could make out the soft giggles of Carmen and Inez as they whispered back and forth about finding hiding places. Gib smiled even wider when he realized he could also hear Inan counting and wondered once more what Tay and Cal might be up to. Would they have time for such simple games this holiday? Or would they be busy trying to stay warm and pushing snow from the roof to keep it from collapsing? He hoped they could be children for at least one day this year.
He wandered back toward the sitting room and stopped short when he heard more laughter, this time from a woman. Gib glanced in the direction he’d heard it and startled when Tabitha came bounding toward him, an empty dish in her hand. No doubt she was done with her meal and was making her way to the kitchen to help clean up. Upon noticing Gib, she stopped long enough to give him a courteous bow and inform him that Joel and Nawaz were waiting on the far end of the sitting room. Gib thanked her and moved forward.
As he drew closer, he could make out their voices. Nawaz and Joel were just beyond the bend of the hallway which led to the servants’ rooms. Gib opened his mouth to announce his arrival but fell silent when he heard his name.
Nawaz sounded tired but jovial, his voice dipping lower than typical. “So how are you and Gib getting on?”
A moment passed before Joel cleared his throat, and Gib could imagine his roommate wringing his hands. “We’re getting along well. Why do you ask?” Another pause, this one heavy with insinuation. Joel’s voice raised an octave. “Don’t give me that look! Say what you mean.”
Laughter blossomed from the other young lord. “You know damned well what I mean. Don’t think I didn’t catch the two of you sending doe eyes back and forth.”
Gib’s face went hot as he listened to Joel’s stammered response. “We—I have no idea what you’re talking about. Gib and I are friends. That’s all. I’m fortunate to have found such a pleasant roommate.”
“Enjoying one another’s company then?”
The question itself could have been innocent if not for the tone. Nawaz knew exactly what he was saying and Gib’s face went from hot to scorching. Why would the young lord say such things? Have I been so obvious? If Nawaz figured it out then Joel must surely know. The floor tilted beneath Gib’s feet.
The mage trainee gasped. “Stop it with your crude insinuations! You hardly have any room to speak, seeing as I just caught you in Tabitha’s room.” Joel gave a nervous laugh. “Gib and I are only friends.”
Nawaz chuckled. “Hey, Tabitha invited me in. And besides, you wouldn’t be turning so pink if I weren’t right.” Another silent lapse entered the conversation while Gib wondered how badly Joel was floundering. Nawaz filled the lull for them. “How serious is it?”
Gib pressed his face against the wall as he listened. Serious? Serious about what? There’s nothing to be serious about. We’re friends! Nothing more—
Joel’s voice was unsure. “Truly, we’re only friends—and I know it should stay that way. It’s just—” He stopped there. If the lump in Gib’s own throat was so caught in place he could hardly imagine how Joel must feel. “It’s lonely being so different.”
The sound of clothing rustling made its way to Gib’s ears. Someone was moving. Gib took a step back. He didn’t want to be caught spying. He never intended to eavesdrop. He heard a patting sound, one of them clapping the other on the back. An embrace, perhaps?
Nawaz’s gentle voice lent itself well to Gib’s theory. “Not as different as you imagine. Gib is a good boy. I like him and I’m sure he’d be good to you but—he’s thirteen. And you’re fifteen. I just want for you to be careful.”
Gib’s head was swimming. Nawaz was right. The two students were just that, students. Both old enough to be considered men by law but neither so experienced they knew of the world and its workings. Any relationship would be difficult at their age. But—had Joel admitted his attraction? Gib’s heart hammered, but he was unsure if he was excited or nauseous or a combination of both. If his feelings were his own, he could contain them, pretend they didn’t exist, but if Joel felt the same way, what would happen then?
Gib jumped back when Joel and Nawaz rounded the corner, nearly getting run over. Gib had been so preoccupied with his own thoughts that he hadn’t heard them coming. Nawaz made an ungraceful sound and Joel froze in place.
“G—Gib! How long have you been—what are you doing here?” the mage trainee clamored, face red and eyes wide.
Gib’s own racing heart took its time slowing. “I—Tabitha sent me. I ran into her in the hall.”
Nawaz cocked an eyebrow, white teeth visible as he grinned. “You’re pretty damned good at eavesdropping, aren’t you?”
“I didn’t mean to, I swear! I was only trying to find the two of you.” Gib thought to spare Joel—and himself—some embarrassment. “I only just arrived. You two startled me as badly as I startled you.”
Joel smoothed down his hair, loosening his rigid stance. Glancing around, the mage trainee’s face evened back to its natural color. “Sorry about that.”
“No, no. It’s fine.” Gib stood awkwardly, wishing he could think of something to say or do. His mind was blank. Any wit he normally possessed had abandoned him. Joel likewise seemed at a loss.
Nawaz broke the silence. Storming past Joel and Gib, he shook his head. “Pffft. A fine couple you make. Ask Lady Mrifa for a kissing bush, why don’t you?”
Joel shot a poisonous look at his cousin. “Nawaz!”
The young lord turned back, a mischievous grin in place, and mocked a quick bow. “No, no! There’s no need to dismiss me. I know when I’m the third wheel. You two have fun.” He wagged his eyebrows at them before bolting out of sight.
Gib’s knees wanted to give out and he wondered if this was what it felt like to die, with his heart pounding and lungs working overtime. His vision blurred around the edges but he could still make out Joel’s blush.
“I suppose we should join the others,” Joel said, clearing his throat. He was avoiding any sort of eye contact.
Gib’s voice jittered as he forced himself to speak. He didn’t want to ask the burning question, but he just couldn’t stop himself. He had to know if his feelings were returned. “J–Joel?”
The mage trainee held up both of his hands as though he were deflecting a blow. His voice was hushed and quivering as well. “I’m sorry, Gib, for all of that. Nawaz means no harm, but it still must be—uncomfortable to be accused of—” He trailed off, unable to say it. Gib raised a hand, reaching for his friend, but Joel took a step back and diverted to go around Gib altogether.
“It was inappropriate and I apologize.” The older boy raced off before Gib could respond.
Gib pulled his hand back to himself. So this was it then? He was destined to remain quiet and, therefore, alone. Why did his voice fail him when he needed it most?
The fire bathed Gib in drowsy heat. His eyelids were heavy as bricks, yet every time he started to nod off, the roaring flames would issue a crackle and he would be jarred alert. He raised a hand to his mouth as a yawn escaped his lips and tried to focus on the letters on the page before him.
It was late. The guests, Neetra Adelwijn and his family, had long since bid their farewells. Koal had returned to the palace shortly after, stating he had work to finish there, and that snake Liro had managed to slip away without so much as a goodbye. Gib had helped Tabitha and Lady Mrifa wash and put away the fancy porcelain dishes used during their meal and then he and Joel had retired to the sitting room to study.
Joel graciously declined to bring up anything pertaining to their relationship, and Gib had been more than content to sit in silence. He needed time to process the events from dinner and thereafter, especially the conversation he’d unwittingly stumbled upon between Joel and Nawaz. Was it true? Was Joel harboring feelings for his roommate?
Gib let loose a sigh. He tried again to focus on the book which sat in his lap but his attention seemed to be everywhere else. My feelings for Joel aside, I really need to work
on my reading. I’m so far behind the rest of the class. He swallowed. It wasn’t exactly his fault. He’d been busy with chores and sentinel training, but now that he had some free time he had no excuses for not dedicating time to his studies.
Joel stirred from across the room. “I’m going to retire for the night.” His tone was as aloof as it had been for marks now.
“I think I’m going to stay up a little longer,” Gib replied, watching out of the corner of his eye as the mage trainee stood and stretched his arms. “Lady Beatrice says I need to practice my reading.”
“All right,” Joel answered with a nod. “Be sure to snuff the fire on your way out. Goodnight.” Joel excused himself, and Gib was left alone, listening to the soft sound of the older boy’s footfalls as he retreated.
Gib turned back to the book in his lap and focused on the whimsical words in front of him. A smile crossed his lips. Joel had found a copy of Tales of Fae buried in the family’s study and had given it to Gib to read while he remained at the Adelwijn estate. Joel is always thinking of everyone else’s welfare instead of his own. What would I do if I didn’t have him?
Gib wasn’t sure how long he read, but the fire had nearly burnt itself out when the sound of a door opening caught his attention. He shifted wide eyes to gaze down the corridor, muscles tense. Who would be here so late? Surely not a thief of any sort? After all, what kind of criminal would be bold enough to use the front door? Gib glanced at the fire poker and wondered if he could reach it before the intruder made his way down the hall.
The soft steps didn’t shuffle or hesitate. Even in the dark of the home, the person seemed to know where he was going. The churning in Gib’s stomach subsided a little. Perhaps it was Otos returning. Gib had almost persuaded himself of this when the footfalls grew louder. The person was coming for the sitting room. The fire must have alerted him. It had to be Otos. A shadow fell across the room, and Gib knew he was no longer alone.
Gib sank into his seat, ice in his guts. It wasn’t Otos. It wasn’t a thief either. Seneschal Koal Adelwijn came into the room and went straight for the fire, muttering something under his breath—no doubt lamenting the flames being left unattended. He hadn’t appeared to notice Gib, who played with the idea of trying to sneak away. It wouldn’t work, of course, but it was tempting. He didn’t want to be a bother—he likewise didn’t want to be thought a deviant.
A Call to Arms: Book One of the Chronicles of Arden Page 20