Vincent
I wake up to find myself alone, which I suppose is for the best, if Isadora had any plans for the day. If it were up to me, I don’t think I’d ever want Isadora to leave our bed. I see that Nathan is also an early riser. Not surprising. I should join them, countries unfortunately do not govern themselves, and there are matters of state that I should attend to.
I rise from bed and head into the shower. As the hot water washes over me, I feel strangely hopefully. Never in a million years did I think this strange alliance would work. God knows I opposed it, but my sweet Isadora is nothing like the spoiled princesses I'd encountered before. She's smart and kind and actually knows how to govern. I didn't think I could fall so easily in love, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that my desire for Isadora is more than physical. I love her, and I think that Nathan may love her as well. When I see him look at Isadora, I don't see the usual guile in his eyes. I think Isadora truly allows him to be himself. I'm not sure that I trust Nathan completely, but if he is in love with Isadora that's best for all of us. If I can't trust him, I can surely trust his love for our wife.
I step from the shower and wrap a towel around my waist, before walking into the dressing room I now share with Nathan. He's staring into a drawer as if staring is going to make whatever he's looking for to appear. Maybe he’s trying to silently manipulate the drawer into giving up his contents. I don’t bother to hide my chuckle.
"Lost something?" I ask. I walk to my side of the room and select a navy suit from the closet. I open the other side and start looking for a shirt.
"My cufflinks, and I see you're finally awake," Nathan replies opening another drawer. "Over exert yourself at the Bedding Ceremony last night."
His own yawn interrupts the barb. Though there didn’t seem to be any real animosity behind it.
“Not a bit,” I reply, “but it looks like you might need a nap.”
"Here they are." Nathan plucks a pair of cufflinks from the corner of the dresser. "I don't have time to sleep. I'm scheduled to have tea with our mother-in -law.”
"Tea, why?" I ask. I’m instantly on alert. I’m willing to give Nathan the benefit of the doubt, but any meeting with the queen that I'm not attending is suspect, at best.
Nathan turns and looks at me, considering. I suspect he’s trying to decide if he can slip out of the conversation without answering my question. I give him a stare that clearly says he won’t leave without answering my question. Nathan sighs heavily.
"The truth?" He asks.
“I didn’t ask the question because I wanted to hear one your colorful lies.”
“I prefer the term elegant deceptions,” Nathan replies.
Nathan is trying my patience. "Why?" I ask again, taking a deep breath as I button my shirt.
“I think Ileana is up to something?” he says.
“Up to something?” I say, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes, I don't know what, but all of this has been too easy. So I arranged to have tea with her, so I can do a bit of investigating.”
“I'm inclined to agree. Ileana resisted making an alliance for years, and now suddenly she changes her mind. It’s cause for concern, but if you suspect the queen of something, confront her out right.”
“Do you expect a woman like Ileana to simply tell me she’s planning to usurp the throne?” Nathan says.
“Of course not. And that’s exactly why I think having tea with her is a waste of time. She isn’t going to tell you anything but because you compliment her.”
“Oh my particular set of skills consists of far more than compliments. I’ve made many reveal their secrets without realizing what they’ve done.”
“You think you can charm the queen into a slip of the tongue.” I don't laugh in his face, but it's a near thing, a very near thing. Nathan must sense my disdain for his methods.
“What would you prefer I do? Twist her arm and demand the truth,” Nathan says.
“I don't twist arms, but I do prefer a direct approach.”
“I’ve heard rumors . . . But none the less, your approach only works with an honest opponent.”
“I’ve found properly applied force works as well on dishonest men as an honest one,” I say.
“Yes, but more truth can be bought with fondness than fear.”
Perhaps, for some but it takes time, and time is not always on our side. Persuasion doesn't take time if you master it. And threats lose their power if fear of death isn't behind them.”
“Who says the threat of death isn’t behind them?”
Nathan raises an eyebrow. “You can’t kill everyone.”
“True,” I concede, “but sometimes death is necessary.”
“Unfortunately that’s true, but if you don't mind, I'm going to refrain from threatening or killing the queen. It would be bad for diplomacy and no doubt get our marriage off on the wrong foot and frankly, upsetting Isadora is the last thing I want,” Nathan says, pulling on his jacket and looking away from me as though he feels he’s said too much.
I put my shoes on and give myself a quick glance in the mirror. “You love her don’t you?”
He turns and looks at me. “Is it so obvious?”
“Yes, but I suspect that’s only because I love her, too. I suppose then we have something in common.”
“It appears that we do.”
“And would you happen to know where Isadora is this morning?” I ask.
“I believe she said something about a calming walk in the gardens. I imagine you'll know where to find her,” Nathan says with a slight smirk.
“I imagine I will,” I say with a smirk of my own.