Noble Solutions

by Schinhofen, Daniel

  “I can fix it,” Andrea said, going to his side. She touched his hand and his nose healed in seconds. “There.”

  “He shared his healing with all of you?” Julian asked.

  “Yes,” Myna said. “Now, if you’ll follow us, the rule is one must be clean for dinner.”

  Julian and Bloodheart began to follow Myna, and all the staff were already going inside. Sean watched them go, still trapped by Hallie.

  “Uh, Hallie?”

  Hallie let go of him and backed away, her face going crimson. “I’m sorry.”

  “No reason to apologize,” Fiona said, approaching them. “You were happy. Come now, I’ll show you to the bath. You fought well.”

  “I was pressed hard by a few of you,” Hallie said. “Helga is quite possibly a match for my brother.”

  Sean stood there for a long moment, exhaling. He was glad he hadn’t caused an incident with the Bloodheart family. His brain nudged him a second later— he was about to bathe with the three of them. Exhaling, Sean shook his head and trailed the others.

  Chapter Twenty-one

  The Bloodhearts’ faces conveyed their emotions as Arliat drove them to the Oaken Glen. Julian and Toivo Bloodheart were excited, and had a soft conversation about how useful the vehicles would be in a battle setting. Hallie looked out the window, deep in thought.

  “Could you make one to seat more people?” Julian asked Sean, breaking away from his conversation with his son.

  “I plan to,” Sean said. “It’ll take a little more work, but I plan to be able to fit my family and staff into one eventually.”

  Julian looked a little stunned as he recalled how many women there were at dinner. “That many?”

  “Yeah. It’ll be a much longer vehicle, but it’ll work.”

  “Hmm... could you armor it, too?”

  “I intend to,” Sean nodded. “Safety in travel, especially since I have so many kids on the way.”

  “It could be a good way to move troops, too,” Julian said.

  “Does this world really have war?” Sean asked.

  “When two major houses come into conflict, it has devolved to that point before,” Julian nodded. “The East-West conflict, for instance. Terrible.”

  “I see,” Sean said. “It’d be expensive as hell to make them, more than anyone would probably spend, considering the cheaper alternatives.”

  Julian nodded slowly. “There is that, but even as a command center? A mobile command center.”

  “The association just started producing trucks,” Sean told Julian. “Cars will come in time. If it’s something you feel strongly about, talk to Fredrick. He runs the association.”

  Julian’s lips pursed. “That’s true? There is a rumor that he’s merely a figurehead.”

  Sean laughed. “No. He is in charge of it all. I just make things.”

  “Sean is the driving force, but he doesn’t want to deal with the politics of leading a group,” Bloodheart told his father. “Right, Sean?”

  “Pretty much. I have a hard enough time wrangling myself,” Sean grinned. “Luckily, my wives help keep me in line.”

  Hallie laughed, turning her gaze to Sean. “Seven of them, in fact, and all so varied. I was shocked, even having heard the rumors. But the rumor said that they had to be Life Bonded, and none of them have such marks…” Her brow furrowed. “Wait... They had to be Life Bonded to you. The fight outside the walls…”

  Bloodheart stiffened. “Oh, I hadn’t even considered it. How is that possible?”

  “Well,” Sean sighed, “we didn’t cover that earlier during my story. It’s still one of my secrets, though, so sure. I Soul Bonded them. Each has a Bond mark on their ring fingers that shows them as mine.”

  “Sharpeyes will try to twist that if it becomes widely known,” Julian said. “He’ll claim that the trial by combat was false.”

  “But their Bonds were verified before the combat by Babbitt,” Bloodheart said, “and everyone at the party saw the markings for themselves.”

  “Maybe the Queens are involved?” Hallie asked slowly, as if feeling her way. “Who else could shift Bonds with such casual ease? If that was presented, who would even question it?”

  “A smart ploy,” Julian smiled at his daughter. “As sharp as your mother. Hmm... how do we explain your foot?”

  “We don’t,” Hallie smiled. “Agreement binds us.” Her eyes went to Sean. “Strict Agreements. Will my suggested evasion serve you, Sean?”

  “Yeah,” Sean said. “If it comes to it, we can do that. Hell, we did that during the party last time when Fiona’s Shame came up.”

  The other three went still, and after a second, Bloodheart asked, “Sean, are you saying the Queen didn’t remove her Shame?”

  “I did,” Sean said levelly, “like I healed Hallie.”

  “Summer’s bronze buttocks...” Julian whispered. His idea of how strong Sean was, again, far too low. “You can change a Shame?”

  “It’s been just her skin so far,” Sean admitted. “I keep meaning to do more, but well... life has been busy.”

  “Sharpeyes has no idea the dragon he has caught,” Bloodheart breathed out in shock.

  “But dealing with a Lord is beyond an Aspirant,” Hallie said slowly. “A Knight could be challenged without it dragging the Lord down, at least. If Sean became a Knight of a family, then maybe he could provoke Sharpeyes into challenging him.”

  “Hmm, yes... that might be,” Julian nodded. “I’m sure that is the only thing keeping him from having done so already. Well, that, and the amount of nobles Sean has dispatched has to worry him at least some.” Julian leaned forward. “You didn’t fight me with everything you had, did you?”

  “No,” Sean said. “If I had, you might have been injured badly.”

  “Rumor says you can parry the strike of a troll,” Julian pressed. “I saw you flat stop Mithrilarm’s attack during the duel, as well.”

  “Yes. I temper myself during sparring. I want to learn to fight better, not just overpower my opponent.”

  “A trump card,” Julian nodded. “Smart to use it only when needed.”

  The carriage came to a stop and Helga got out first. “Clear.”

  Julian got out, and Bloodheart followed him. Sean looked at Hallie, who was watching him with a smile. He got out, then stepped to the side so Hallie could get out. When she stepped out, Sean reached back in and grabbed her cane.

  “Don’t forget your cane,” he said.

  Hallie took it with a pensive look. “Yes, not that I truly need it anymore.”

  When they entered the inn, everyone went quiet before whispered conversations sprang up. Joseph called out to them, and waved them over.

  “The Bloodhearts with MacDougal? What do…?”

  “Sharpeyes is going to have a fit…”

  “Is that Dame Bloodheart? She isn’t usi…”

  “Moving without trouble? What do…?”

  Hallie’s lips turned up at the corners as she moved smoothly across the room, her cane held loosely in her hand. She walked beside Sean behind her father and brother. Her smile grew wider when she caught one more snippet.

  “Do you think an alliance is…?”

  Sean blinked at that last bit before he got to the table. An alliance? Wait, isn’t a noble alliance a marriage?

  “Sean, it is good to see you,” Flamehair smiled.

  “Now that he’s here, tell us!” Joseph pleaded to Flamehair.

  “We need drinks first,” Knox said, watching Joseph sigh.

  Tabitha was already coming their way, having seen them come in. “Greetings. What can I get you tonight?”

  “Serumtrutous,” Hallie ordered.

  “Hmm, yes. I’ll have the same,” Julian nodded.

  “Dark Delight,” Bloodheart said.

  “Dark Delight for me, as well,” Sean added.

  “Hot cider, please,” Helga said.

  “And refills for the rest of us,” Fredrick said.

  “On me,�
� Julian was quick to add, flicking Tabitha a coin. “Keep the drinks coming, and maybe the desserts of the house, too.”

  Tabitha snagged the coin out of the air deftly. “As you wish, sir.”

  Flamehair nodded. “Something to celebrate for you?”

  “Yes,” Julian smiled softly, “but what of you?”

  “Ah, well, I guess we don’t need to wait for the drinks,” Flamehair said.

  “Oh, thank Summer for that,” Joseph exhaled, earning laughs from the table.

  Seeing Hallie’s questioning look, Sean explained, “Joseph’s patience is legendary. Legendarily bad, that is.”

  “At least I have a legend,” Joseph said proudly, earning more laughs and getting Hallie to giggle.

  “As for my celebration,” Flamehair said, “my great-aunt came to visit me.”

  Julian’s eyebrows went up. “All the way from Westpoint?”

  “Yes. She heard that I was failing to do right for the family and came to replace me with her daughter.”

  Flamehair paused as Tabitha came back to the table and started delivering the drinks.

  Once Tabitha left, Flamehair continued, “By the end of our conversation, she decided to not replace me and is, in fact, going to sponsor my ascension to Lady.”

  Julian blinked at her for a long moment and his eyes flickered to Sean. “I see... Your argument must have been very persuasive.”

  Having seen Julian’s look, Flamehair nodded. “Indeed. I believe we both got the help we needed. There is a new invention that I shall be producing for my family, and the patent resides with me alone…” She glanced at Sean, who nodded.

  “I’ll handle it tomorrow,” Sean said.

  “What is it?” Joseph asked.

  “A way for the nobility to clean themselves and their boxes without the need for a fire mage in their home,” Flamehair said.

  “Anyone could, if you wanted to go further,” Sean added softly. “The materials could be reduced to make it affordable to anyone. It’d need more care for them, but it’d be doable.”

  Flamehair nodded slowly. “We’ll have to talk it over later, but that device is what is going to push me to that new station.”

  Julian looked at Sean, lips pursed. “I see.”

  “Will we all be able to get in on it?” Joseph asked.

  “I’ll make sure that those of us fully vested in the association can have it at cost,” Flamehair smiled. “As I’m sure, Sean would want that.”

  “You’re not wrong,” Sean agreed.

  “What about those of us who are just lightly tied?” Henry asked.

  “Maybe a discount,” Flamehair smiled.

  At that point, the maids came to the table with trays laden with desserts. Tabitha oversaw the delivery, then smiled. “Enjoy. The cherry tarts are wonderful.”

  “I prefer the mousse,” Saret said, snagging a bowl as she said it.

  As people started picking desserts, Bloodheart cleared his throat lightly. “There is one more piece of news.” When everyone looked to him, he raised his gaze to meet Mageeyes’ eyes. “Amedee, my father has approved of my courtship with you. He put his approval on the line if I could best him, and I did so.”

  Mageeyes’ lips softened into a warm smile. “You are back with your family, Toivo?”

  “He is,” Julian said. “He’ll be officially named my heir tomorrow. I’d like to announce it and the courtship at the same time, if you accept his proposal.”

  Mageeyes took a deep, slow breath. “I was sure my heart had been frozen and broken beyond repair. You’ve melted the ice and have repaired it, Toivo. Please, be kind, as I couldn’t handle another betrayal.”

  “I would sooner cut my own throat than hurt you, Amedee,” Bloodheart said softly. “My vow said to the Queens— if I betray the love of Amedee Mageeyes, the Queens should strike me down.”

  Sean felt a sudden pressure push down on him and he inhaled sharply. Everyone else looked shocked, as well.

  Julian snorted. “Dramatic, but it does ensure that it will be upheld. I’m not sure if that was one or both of them, though.”

  Mageeyes swallowed and bowed her head. “My vow to the Queens— if I fail to honor the love of Toivo Bloodheart, the Queens should strike me down.”

  Another, but longer, bout of pressure pressed down on the table. When it lifted, everyone stared at the pair.

  “Well, it seems the courtship has moved straight to betrothal,” Julian said seriously. “Very well. Mageeyes, do you—?”

  “Amedee,” Mageeyes cut him off. “Call me Amedee, Julian. This is the way our group does things.”

  Julian exhaled slowly. “Very well. Amedee, do you need to send word to your family?”

  “Why? They sent me here to learn the ways of society. I have found that I’d rather follow the ways of Sean, instead. My life has been better doing so. I even found true love.”

  “I see,” Julian said slowly. “Very well. Would you like to come to dinner tomorrow so the rest of the family can celebrate with you?”

  “Gladly,” Mageeyes smiled. “Toivo, we’ll need to discuss many things. For instance, where the two of us shall form a home.”

  Bloodheart bowed his head. “Wherever my love wishes. I will follow my heart in all things.”

  Mageeyes blinked, her eyes sparkling. “Oh… Well, I would still like your input, my dear warrior.”

  “As you wish.”

  Chapter Twenty-two

  When the soft lips left his, Sean sighed contentedly. He was just about to say something when another pair kissed him. Blinking, he saw Myna pulling away from him with a smirk. “Myna—” was all he got out before Ryann appeared above him and kissed him.

  Each of his wives claimed a kiss before he was able to catch his breath and speak. “Good morning to all of you,” he chuckled. “It’s a pleasant way to wake up. Unexpected, but pleasant.”

  “Like last night?” Felora asked in her sultry voice.

  Memories of his wives manhandling him when he’d gotten home came back to him. Face heating, he coughed. “That was different. I’m not complaining in the least. Didn’t expect it, though.”

  “I doubt any other man could manage half of what you did last night,” Aria smiled. “We were all very happy when we went to sleep.”

  All of his wives agreed with her, and Sean blushed hotter.

  “Uh, I don’t know abo—”

  “I do,” Felora smirked. “Trust me, Sean, you are special in many ways.”

  Face feeling like it was now on fire, Sean covered it with his hands. “Oh, gods.”

  “Just one. You,” Myna snickered.

  “Okay, ladies,” Fiona laughed, “we got him nice and red. Let’s give him time to calm down. Come on, we’ll get dressed and meet him downstairs.”

  Sean heard them leaving and peeked between his fingers. He smiled and watched their asses as they left.

  “I feel that, Sean,” Felora laughed, glancing back with glowing red eyes.

  “Yes. He likes watching us even when he is rose-colored,” Myna laughed, her tail swishing faster.

  When they were out of the room, he exhaled slowly. I’m a lucky bastard. No idea how I keep them all happy. I’ll do my best to keep them that way, though. As he tossed the blankets off and got out of bed, he paused. The bathhouses need to be remodeled, but I want to finish the bows today, if possible. Hmm... see what they think at breakfast, I guess?

  ~*~*~

  Entering the dining room, he gave the nearly full table a grin. “Good morning.”

  “Good morning, sir,” the staff replied.

  “Fiona,” Sean said as he took his seat, “we’re working on the renovations for the two new bathhouses today. I was wondering if you can manage it without me?”

  “What’re you going to do?” Fiona asked.

  “I want to finish the bows and maybe tinker with the crossbows,” Sean said. “Once that’s done, all of our weapons will be finished... I can see about binding the throwing knives like we ha
ve with the other weapons. Then, none of us will look armed at all. We can do that tonight during sparring. I’ll get the cooks’ done before going to tinker.”

  “You do what you can and we’ll handle the bathhouses. Andie, we’ll need Felora to make it easier for us.”