“Are you coming to sit or not?” Ben’s head swiveled to look over to me with a deep frown, and I realized that I had stopped in the middle of the room to stare. My cheeks flushed, and I was glad when he resumed staring at the steaming mug in front of him as I made my way to the table, taking a seat on the hard wooden bench across from him.
I swallowed hard and tried to work some moisture back into my very dry mouth, my need to fill the uncomfortable silence leading me to state the obvious. “You threw a knife at my head.” My statement sounded more thick than angry as the reality of my own mortality began to creep over me.
His glassy-eyed gaze flicked over to mine, his expression exasperatingly neutral. “Yes.” he grunted in reply, taking a sip of his coffee, barely able to sit upright and leaning heavily on the table.
“What if you had hit me?” I was beginning to realize that in his current state of utter inebriation, as good as he might be with combat and blades, him hitting me had been a very real possibility. I felt a shiver run though my body emanating from my spine right out to my fingertips as I finally realized that I might very well have died ten minutes ago.
He gave me a bleary, but certain look as he growled. “I do not miss my mark, Lady Carys.” He dragged his hand down his face before running his hands through his hair, glancing up to scowl at Madox as he walked through the front door. “I need to bathe.” He rose, wobbling a little before steadying himself on the table, nearly knocking his mug over in the process.
Ben grunted as he passed Madox, whose surprised expression became a look of concern as the hungover guard moved by him, nose wrinkling shortly after as he caught a whiff of stale whiskey and sweat.
Madox’s golden brown eyes followed after Ben until he was outside, head shaking lightly as he came to my table. “What happened to him?” He sat on the recently vacated bench, nudging the abandoned coffee out of his way as he looked me over.
There was absolutely no way I was going to tell Madox anything; not that I didn’t trust the man, but it would mean acknowledging things that I would much rather pretend didn’t exist. “I have no idea.” I said with a casual shrug. “I suppose he just had a rough night.”
Madox studied my face for a moment before nodding slowly, and I wasn’t sure if he believed me or not, though he made no comment either way, simply changing the subject and waving to the passing serving woman. “Well, we might as well have a bite while we’re here.”
I wasn’t hungry, but nodded, agreeing only to avoid going home.
CHAPTER 43
It felt like a week, but it was only the next day when I exited the tailor’s shop, adjusting my new coat as I spotted Rhian across the Silver Stag’s courtyard, talking excitedly to a young dark-haired man that I didn’t recognize.
She was beaming, gesturing and chattering like a magpie as Madox stood directly behind her with a growing frown. He was talking to Rhian, though it was apparent she was not paying him much mind. In fact, even at this distance I could tell she was actively ignoring everything he said. His frustration was growing, and when he caught sight of me approaching, beckoned with some urgency.
Oh great, what is she doing now? I groaned inwardly, having learned from experience that any bad feeling about what my sister was up to was usually justified. I headed towards them, lips pressing together with preemptive annoyance.
“Carys!” Rhian saw me approaching and bubbled. “Oh, thank goodness! Come and meet Darius! I hired him to work for us.” She said eagerly, grabbing the man by the elbow. “Darius, this is Carys, my older sister.” I blinked, my jaw dropping a little in shock. Hired?
His eyes found mine as he bowed with a little flourish. “Ah, the Lady Carys. I am most happy to meet you at last. Your sister is quite the friendly conversationalist and has told me of you and your family. I look forward to being a part of it.”
“Uh…” I stammered, not wanting to dash Rhian’s tiny shred of responsibility she had actually taken, but of all ways in which she could have proven her growing maturity, this was not the best choice. I looked from Rhian to the man called Darius, at a loss for words.
I closed my mouth as I cleared my throat, managing a faint smile for the man. He looked to be about Iolyn’s age, though his dark complexion proved he was even more of a foreigner than we were in these parts. His hair was a deep brown, longer than most kept their hair, neatly pulled into a ponytail to show off his sun-touched olive skin and chocolate brown eyes. He was tall, though not as tall as Ben, nor as broad-shouldered, though his wiry frame hinted at the agility needed to capably wield the knife tucked into his belt.
“Good afternoon, Darius. A pleasure to meet you.” I said politely before asking the obvious question. “So what did my sister hire you for, exactly?” I asked delicately, dreading the answer already.
Darius returned my smile with an easy one of his own, glancing back to Rhian as he spoke. “I believe she said you were in need of an Enforcer, and told me I had the job. I am new to Lund and have been looking for work, though I admit, I have never worked for a Noble House before. It sounds like quite the opportunity.” He flashed another smile, and behind him Madox rolled his eyes.
I gave Rhian a neutral look. It was rumored that some of the great Houses in Perinthas hired Enforcers to ensure their continued wealth and family legacy, providing such services that were unfit for public discussion, but the idea that we were in need of one was ridiculous, since we were in Lund where such political intrigues were non-existent.
I spoke over Rhian’s head to Madox, adopting a stern tone. “Take Rhian inside, please.” My sister frowned, her bottom lip pushing out into a pout and she crossed her arms over her chest defiantly, though Madox didn’t even give her a chance to protest. He took her firmly by the arm and propelled her forward towards the steps, murmuring to her as they headed off. “See?”
Darius cleared his throat and turned to face me completely with an expectant look once Rhian and Madox headed up the stairs. “I’m afraid she didn’t get to telling me what my wage would be or when I would start, and I have a few other questions about the role I’m to provide.”
I let out a little sigh, and motioned for him to sit on the bench next to the fountain. The sound of the trickling water was soothing, calming me slightly as I searched for the most diplomatic explanation. “Darius, I owe you an apology. Rhian has a good heart, but she is a teenager and as such, she has no authority to hire anyone.” I told him truthfully, seeing no other option but to be up front about it.
He nodded, his face falling as understanding bloomed. “Ah...I see.” He murmured, shoulders slumping a little. “I suppose she is a little young to hire workers.” He admitted with a long sigh.
I continued gently, trying to lessen his disappointment as best I could. “Here is the situation, Darius. We don’t know anything about you and we don’t hire people without having a good idea of their character, but even so, we don’t need an Enforcer; even if we did, our House is short on funds. You would be working for free for months.” Next time, I will make Rhian do the explaining. What was she thinking, hiring some random man with no money to pay him? She should know better. I rubbed my temple and shook my head. “I’m sorry, Darius.”
His posture straightened through his obvious disappointment, nodding dully before managing a weak smile. “I don’t suppose you could use anyone for any odd jobs? Maybe carrying messages or a handyman? I’m pretty hard up for coin, so I will take whatever jobs and whatever pay you can manage.” He insisted, adding afterward. “I just think working for a House such as yours would be fascinating.”
I eyed him warily, chewing on my lip. I was hard-pressed to turn him away completely, a few things springing to mind at the mention of odd jobs. Having someone taking care of some of the menial tasks around the cottage would free up our guards to do their jobs. “Actually…”I murmured, that single word causing Darius to perk up a little. “We could use a bit of help with a few small tasks, though paying you would have to come in the form of a co
t in the staff house and 3 square meals a day. At least for awhile. We had a bit of financial stress lately and coin is very tight. You will have a probationary time where we will see the kind of work you do and if we have a place for you permanently.”
He smiled and nodded emphatically. “Hey, with such necessities taken care of, I don’t have much need for more coin. It would be fine with me. So when can I start?”
As with Ben, he would have to earn a place among our House, though he wouldn’t be a guard who would hold our lives in his hands and so I felt it less vital to put him through the same hoops I had put Ben through. A wave of guilt passed through me, recollecting how much I had asked of Ben before finally hiring him.
Ridding myself of thoughts of Ben, I offered a smile to Darius. “You can start tomorrow, if you are able. Our House employs several different staff, such as guards, stable hands, and a cook, but we could use help around the house, managing supply deliveries, doing some inventory and heavy lifting and so on. I know it isn’t much, but it’s all I can offer as work.”
The short list seemed to satisfy him, the man smiling at me as he bobbed his head. “I can agree to that, Lady Carys. I will help out as much as I can, just let me know what needs to be done.”
I smiled back, though I was less enthusiastic than my expression would indicate. “Well, we are about to head home. Why don’t you join us and meet the rest of the family and we can show you around and get your paperwork settled?” He flashed me a grin and nodded, rising to his feet. I rose alongside him and motioned for him to get his horse ready.
Half an hour later, we were dismounting our horses in our yard, Darius looking around the yard and up to the small cottage with curiosity and bewilderment. “I thought you said you were a noble House.” He glanced to Rhian, who blushed crimson.
“We are.” She said with her chin tilted up regally. “This house and the ones next to us are temporary residences until we can find a manor that is large enough to house us all,” she explained to him as Madox helped her down from her horse. “Come, I will show you around the yard first.” Rhian looped her arm into his as she led him down the path towards the pond.
My brows lifted slowly before I turned to look down at Madox with a slight grin. “She almost sounds like a responsible grown-up.”
He smirked and rolled his eyes as he helped me down from Ffion. “Don’t worry, Lady Carys. I doubt it will last.” Truer words had never been spoken, but the fact that she had taken on even a little bit of responsibility was encouraging.
The entire family was there for what might be the first time in a long time, and the small house felt very crowded. Ben sat at the one end of the dining table, stone-faced and gripping a mug of coffee as Derryth fixed him a plate of food, talking his ear off about her own version of the “hair of the dog”. He had spent more time drunk than sober the last few days, and while I believed I understood why, I loathed the idea of having to lecture him about being inebriated while on duty.
I pulled my coat off and hung it up before heading over to the desk. Brynmor and Iolyn were at the opposite end of the dining table to Ben with a game of cards, laughing at something Brynmor had said. Father and Mother were on the couch nearest the hearth, Father glancing up from his reading to smile warmly to me while Mother paused in the letter she was writing to nod in greeting. Who would she be writing to? Everyone she knows is here. I was curious, but had no time to further consider the thought before Rhian came in with Darius.
All the activity in the cottage halted as everyone’s eyes fell to Darius, staring at the dark-skinned newcomer warily. I introduced him as Rhian led him further into the room. “This is Darius. He will be doing some work for us around the cottage in exchange for a cot in the staff house and meals. Darius, this is…everyone.” I gestured around the room and gave names one by one, each greeting him cordially enough, though once Darius’ eyes had turned from them, each one gave me a leery glance. No, I’m not sure about this, I wanted to tell them, but couldn’t. Ben was the only one who didn’t give me a look, though he wasn’t making eye contact with me at all, it would seem.
I couldn’t blame them for being uncertain, the events of the last weeks causing us all to be extra cautious. I had already decided to keep the nature of his tasks fairly simple and straightforward, not giving him access to anything vital until we knew he could be trusted.
Darius gave a quick grin once the introductions were done, nodding. “I am grateful for the work. Thank you.” Father motioned for him to sit, starting his usual list of questions for anyone that joined our staff. Taking a seat at the desk while I began to write up Darius’s contract and list his duties, I listened to the voices from the sitting room and absently eavesdropped.
Darius was answering one of Father’s questions. “From the Eastern lands of Ihan, specifically from a small village in the mountains. I worked my way West helping caravans and doing odd jobs in the towns along the way. None of it made me rich, but I had enough to keep me warm and fed.” He chuckled, my father letting out a laugh of his own, and I could hear the approval in his voice.
“A touch of wanderlust, hm? So how did you come to be hired by Carys? We usually discuss potential employees beforehand, and I’m afraid she said nothing of you. How did you convince her to hire you so quickly?” He didn’t mince words, a quality I both loved and hated.
“Ah, well...it so happens the Lady Rhian was actually the one that hired me, and it wasn’t until she introduced me to Lady Carys that I learned Lady Rhian had no authority to do so. Lady Carys was generous enough to hold to what Lady Rhian had promised, at least as much as she was able.” Darius responded truthfully.
Brynmor scoffed, breaking into the conversation. “If we let Rhian do the hiring, we would have more staff than the King himself.” Iolyn chortled, as did Madox, joined quickly by Brynmor who loved to laugh at his own jokes.
Mother chuckled and said to Rhian, “Don’t worry, darling. You will get to hire all sorts of staff once you eventually marry and have a household of your own.” I could picture Rhian’s scowling at the men before pouting at Mother, her comment about marriage likely stinging with Pedr’s recent departure.
Signing my part of the contract was the last touch, rising and returning to the main room with the finished paperwork in time to hear Rhian’s huffing. “If I ever get married.” She muttered. “I’m not holding out much hope at the rate I’m going.” She slumped a little, Darius turning to give her a curious look, though he didn’t comment, probably not certain what to say to such a statement.
Brynmor was less sensitive and snorted. “Maybe if you stop running off the ones that want to marry you, your luck would change.” Both Rhian and Mother glared at him, though Madox rolled his eyes and muttered something under his breath. Father growled something about minding his tongue, and Darius now looked baffled. I was quickly remembering why I preferred solitude to family gatherings.
I handed Darius the documents, giving him the space to review and sign them, glancing up to Ben who still sat stoically at the table with his plate of food. He was watching Darius with an appraising look, though I knew his expressions well enough to know he was less than impressed. His eyes flicked over to meet mine, holding my gaze with an unreadable expression. My heart skipped a beat as he locked eyes with me and I looked away, feeling the heat rising in my cheeks as the thought of his lips on mine sprung to the forefront of my thoughts.
I turned my gaze and full attention to Mother, trying to distract myself from those thoughts I couldn’t acknowledge. The woman lounged casually on the couch studying each person in the room, appraising each though I didn’t understand why. Whatever her opinions were, they were carefully veiled, and finally her eyes found mine. She gave me a smile and said, “It’s too bad you weren’t the eldest, Carys. You do such a wonderful job managing the household affairs.” A muscle in my cheek twitched at her comment, searching for the hidden jab that was usually buried in her apparent praise.
Surprised, Darius l
ooked up from his papers to look at Tesni before shooting a quizzical look in my direction. “Ah, I assumed you were the oldest, being the one that does the hiring and all.” He smiled at me before scrawling his signature at the bottom of the parchment.
Iolyn piped up, defending his birth order. “I am the eldest, actually, though I know what my skills are and managing a household is not one of them.” He laughed jovially, taking a drink from his mug.
Brynmor snorted and shook his head. “Your skills aren’t that great at cards either.” He grinned and laughed, Iolyn snorting and rolling his eyes before looking down at his cards again with a swiftly furrowing brow.
Rhian broke in at that point, scoffing lightly as she found her lute. “Cards are boring. There are too many rules to remember and then I never win anyways.” She sat on a stool near the fire and pulled the lute into her lap, starting to pluck the strings to tune the instrument.
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