Chapter Seventeen

"Those men were paid by him," Remus whispered as soon as they were in Sébastien's rooms. As usual, guards were in place outside the doors, and they were familiar faces.

"Come out on the loggia. Do you think I don't know that?" Sébastien was paler than normal in the morning light when they stepped outside, and his hair wasn't as neat as usual. "They must have been desperate for money or they were guilty of a crime worthy of the rope. I'm sure my Uncle promised them that they'd go free after this, and they wouldn't be hurt. The traveler was paid, and I'm sure the werewolf was conveniently killed by one of Uncle's favorites before this and placed to be ‘found.'"

Remus could see that. Someone might walk all night if they were eager to get somewhere and didn't feel safe sleeping in a particular area by the side of the road, but it was a bit odd. He'd likely been paid to come to the gate at a particular time and say he was being followed.

As for the others, they'd been dressed up, given weapons, and allowed to slip in. The real Palace guards didn't notice anything amiss. "They must have been told they'd be arrested for murdering you, and once they were in the prison and the normal protocol was followed, they'd be secretly released. Everyone would think they'd been privately hanged in the prison. Except they were killed because the Regent wouldn't let anyone live with such knowledge. Also, you weren't in your rooms, and they couldn't find you, so I'm sure they panicked. Failing would likely result in death so they hoped to fight their way out."

"The fit was luck." Sébastien sank into a cushioned chair and stared out between two pillars. "Then again, I could have had a chance against four."

Remus sat in another chair a distance away. "That's a bit bold."

The Prince's eyes snapped to him. "I've killed before. You probably view me as some milksop who didn't even fight in the war, but that's because I wasn't allowed. I've bloodied my sword before, and I'm well-trained. Maybe I wouldn't have made it, but it's not guaranteed I'd lose either. I would have taken a couple out."

With some wits, it was possible since Sébastien had his magic, and if he'd been able to get to his privy room and bottleneck them at the doorway, that would have helped. It still would have been quite difficult. "It's harder without armor to block or absorb magic."

"I'm aware."

"Who'd you kill?"

"None of your business."

Was it whoever had abused him? Maxime thought it was some dead lord, but that didn't mean he was correct. Remus wouldn't dare ask, especially since the attitude was returning.

"Tell me again what happened."

Remus did, and the Prince glared at the brightening sky. The way he sagged in the chair spoke of his exhaustion. A yellow chuckle chickie came to perch on the railing and giggle at them before it flew off with its bright wings flashing.

"I left because I didn't feel well," said Sébastien. "Normally, I wouldn't say a fit is lucky, but I didn't know what was happening."

"You had one before, right?"

"It came on faster, and I barely remember that part. With the fit itself, I don't remember any of it."

"Oh."

"I didn't think I was poisoned. I only drink water from my tub pipe now in my room."

"You do?"

"It's not impossible to pay off the owner of a winery to bottle a nice red with something extra added," Sébastien snapped. "The Regent wouldn't care if they had a little accident later to keep them quiet. I keep my cup hidden too, and I don't trust the glasses the servants leave for me. Uncle and I ate the same thing at dinner, and I don't know of a poison that would only cause a fit."

"So it was probably stress?"

"Mhm." The Prince shifted in his chair. "I left, and Eworn made sure you were locked up so you couldn't do anything. He likely planned for you to be killed, and if you lived, oh well. He tried to kill Noel to keep him out, and he failed. Lucky Noel. I didn't think he had it in him to stab someone. He fetched you and brought you to me. You and Maxime took me to the attic space. Those men must have come to my quarters to check, and since they didn't find me, they went to look elsewhere. They couldn't get in the attic space and decided to keep searching. Or maybe they were ready to flee and risk the Regent's wrath. Our actual guards found them, so they panicked and fought."

If those paid men had slaughtered the Prince, they would have attempted to leave. The Regent must have had a location that they were to go to where they'd wait and expect payment for a finished job.

Except the Regent had never planned to let them go or pay. They would have died either way to clean up the loose ends.

"Luck was on my side," said Sébastien. "And Noel ensured you weren't useless."

"Let's not rely on luck."

"I'm not," snarled Sébastien.

"You owe me again."

"Consider that payment for another family member, although it hardly fixes anything."

Remus leaned forward in his chair. "You can take your shit logic and shove it up your ass. I'm not responsible for your family. It was my thinking that saved you because Maxime had no clue. Or he's a good actor. I don't know who to trust at this point since the Regent's got a web, but you're alive because of me. I could have strolled off."

"And you could be dead this morning or locked up for ages because the Regent doesn't care about you. This will be used to attack Rowland in the future. He'll shift the story so that Quintus is responsible instead of a few idiots who wanted revenge."

"I'm aware, but I didn't save you just to save my skin."

"Like I believe you." Sébastien stood. "The sins of the Father go to the son whether you like it or not. You're Giorgio's spawn, but since you have some use, you can accompany me when I go to Midland."

Remus laughed. "Because you know you need me even though you won't admit it, and I'm not so low as to let you die due to your treasonous Uncle. I'm not paying off anyone's sins. I know you're going through shit, but when I help you, you're so damn nasty, and I hate your attitude."

Sébastien marched over and drew his dagger. Remus stood and tensed, ready to grab him, get him to the floor, and wrestle the sharp object away. Sébastien stopped and held it out.

"Go ahead and kill me. Take it and put me down like a dog. Would you rape my corpse like your Father did to mine?"

With his flashing fangs and narrowed eyes, Remus almost expected him to flip the blade and drive it into him again.

"My Father was drugged just like yours," said Remus.

"The darkness was still there," snarled Sébastien. "You're all savages, but he was the worst. Do it if you hate me so much."

"No, because I'm not going to stoop to what you expect just because you think you can prove something. I'm also not your Uncle. I don't think you want to die anyway, and you know damn well I'm not that savage because if I was, I could have held you down by your wrists in your room that night, covered your mouth, and done whatever. You might be fast, but I have a little more raw power, and I also could have killed you that night and done whatever with your corpse."

Honestly, he had reason to kill the Prince. It still didn't feel right to completely ditch him like everyone else had.

"You're more afraid of being locked up." Sébastien stepped back and tucked the dagger away again. "Killing me means the end of your life or at the very least, any minor freedoms you currently have. What remained of your life would likely be unpleasant."

It was partly true, but Remus had something the Prince seemed to lack in general: Empathy. Whatever crap he'd been through wasn't an excuse either. Being hurt and losing people didn't give someone the right to hurt others. The entire realm would turn to pure shit if everyone was like that, and people who'd been through terrible didn't all end up like Sébastien.

"You might kill me anyway at some point because you feel like it," said Remus. "I'm more worried about the future of my people, and if you give a shit about your life and Kingdom, focus on that instead of starting petty fights with the person trying to help you."

"You'll kill me if you get a chance."

Remus didn't get a chance to respond to that since he heard a door slam.

"Sébastien?"

The Prince turned to his chair. "Kneel."

Remus was on his knees when the Regent stepped out. "Why aren't you in bed yet?"

"Excuse me if I sit for a while." Sébastien sat.

"Playing with your slave shouldn't be your focus now." The Regent paused by his nephew. "Have you been suffering from fits?"

Sébastien rested his elbow on the armrest and lifted a hand as he leaned back. "Don't you think the physician would have said something? He's supposed to tell you if I so much as sniffle."

"You've never had one in private and said nothing? The one at fifteen was supposed to be a one-time thing too. I know it's been years, but-"

"No, I haven't had them in private."

Corentin pursed his lips as he gazed at his nephew. "Why are you in yesterday's clothes? They're all wrinkled."

"I fell asleep on the couch while reading. I woke up and didn't feel right."

"That's probably why you had a fit. Sleeping with your head all crooked can't be good for you."

Sébastien raised an eyebrow. "Do you think my brain tilted?"

"Go to sleep properly in the future. The physician thinks you'll be fine, but make sure you rest today. Tomorrow, we'll have the ceremony, and you'll leave the day after. Go to bed before you worry me even more. A lack of sleep isn't healthy either, and you'll only wear yourself out even worse."

"Of course, Uncle."

The Regent left, and Remus waited until the door closed. "Are you sure he doesn't suspect that you know?"

"If he does, we won't speak of it."

It was probably stupid, but he went for it anyway. "Any reason your eyes were red earlier?"

Sébastien looked at Remus like he'd grown an extra head. "What the fuck are you talking about?"

"The physician said your eyes turned red when you came around a bit after the fit."

"I suppose my hair turned purple too. Do you think you're funny?"

"No. I-"

"Get the fuck out of my sight."

***

Remus didn't think he'd be brought to the Temple the next day to watch the ceremony. Usually, being made into a Duke involved an edict sent throughout the Kingdom so everyone knew. Perhaps there would be a special dinner.

The Regent must have decided to do a little extra so he'd look good. An Uncle that would plan a nice ceremony and allow the people to see it must be kind. Why go through the expense and trouble for someone he didn't like or planned to kill?

Remus got to take a good look at the Temple since they'd chained him to a pillar. The vast, open space only had four, partial walls, and pillars supported most of the structure. From his spot, he could sit, and watch the ceremony, and unless he leaned way out, he wouldn't be noticed by the crowd outside since he was sitting by one of the wall segments on the southwest portion.

Red paint made pleasing lines along each ridge of the columns, and fine silver chains with bells hung the length of each one. Each time a breeze filtered through, the bells tinkled. The Mages ignored him as they spread rose petals around the floor and across the altar. Swathes of gold silk had already been hung around the circular temple.

Outside, voices floated in since people had come early to get a good spot and see the Prince.

Remus tipped his head back to look up at the sun and lynx that had been painted on the ceiling. Tiny roosters decorated the edge. Stories said that a talking rooster named Gaul had lived in the area with a flock of chickens before the fairies came. Gaul and a lynx fought since the cat wanted to eat the rooster's hens, but they were too evenly matched.

The lynx respected Gaul for his bravery, strength, and the love for his flock. He said he would no longer bother the hens. They were not friends, but they were not enemies.

As time went on, they slowly grew closer. When a great danger came, they agreed to work together. Gaul, unafraid to fight head-on, challenged the danger directly, and the lynx, the invisible hunter, snuck up behind and attacked it. Together they defeated it, but the lynx died in the battle. The hens and the rooster wept for their friend and said they'd never forget him or the sacrifice he'd made.

What the danger was varied. Some said it was fairies, a bear, an imagined monstrosity, or some other big animal. Remus was sure that the first rulers had owned lynxes as pets, and that's why the crest had been chosen. There weren't any talking roosters or other animals.

Remus missed the Temple back home with the wolf painted on the ceiling. He'd see it again. One day.

He had to wait for a good hour. A few guards stood near the wide steps that led up to the Temple, and the people knew to stay out. On the east and west sides, bush walls acted as a hall and concealed carriages that would arrive and park in the back. Couples getting married would come through the hall on opposing sides if they did the old tradition of not seeing each other the night before the wedding.

The crowd had grown quite large once Sébastien came through the left hall with the Regent. As usual, he'd dressed in black and the only color was his purple cloak. The Regent didn't look too pleased. He'd probably insisted his nephew wear something bright and pretty.

Remus tried not to yawn. If his family hadn't been fractured, and Quintus had decided to take the position of Duke over a part of Rowland, Father would have simply done a little speech before a dinner at home after making an edict. Since a Rowland ruler or lord was supposed to go to a Temple and thank Elira for the privilege of watching over people, Quintus could have done that whenever. It was the same in Soleil for Dukes.

Remus wasn't sure what Sébastien was praying for when he kneeled before the altar. He was probably plotting against his Uncle who was doing the same thing.

Remus had barely slept the night before, wondering if some last-minute event would happen before they left. Something so soon after the last failed attempt might be suspicious. Still…

When Sébastien stood, Remus watched the Regent just in case. The High Mage stood behind the altar and prayed for the Prince to do well in his position and care for those under him as Elira would. Sébastien finally went to the top of the steps, and the crowd cheered for him. Even in mostly black, he presented a striking image.

The Regent approached Sébastien on his left who had to get on one knee for him. Corentin placed a hand on the Prince's head and loudly spoke. "With the people of Midland under your rule, remember that Elira calls for those in power to think like a common man and care for their needs before your own."

Sébastien's head was bowed, and he had a rather blank look as he focused on the red marble that made up the floor of the Temple. He was a good actor to remain so calm under the hand of the one who'd kill him right there if he could do so with no consequences.

"Rise, Crown Prince Sébastien Cadieux, Duke of Midland."

Sébastien stood to more applause. Remus thought they'd head for the hall, and someone would bring Remus back. He'd been brought by four armed guards in a carriage to make sure he didn't try to make a run for it.

Instead, the Prince went down the steps toward the crowd. Nobody came forward since the few guards at the bottom were discouraging enough.

Remus peeked around to see what he was doing.

"Sébastien, get back up here," called the Regent.

Either Sébastien couldn't hear over the racket of the citizens, or he didn't care. A little girl with wings too tiny for flying yet and only one pigtail was waving a piece of parchment. Her dress had a patch on the side, and the hem was tattered and a bit too short.

Remus couldn't tell what if anything was on the parchment. As Sébastien approached, she held it out. Remus was sure he could make out faint lines, so she must have drawn something, and her parents had decided to humor her and let her bring it, not that they expected she'd get to give it to him.

She practically vibrated with excitement when Sébastien crouched and motioned for her to come over. The guards had to bark at the crowd because a few others tried to get closer while they cheered and applauded. The girl ran to the Prince who took the drawing to examine, and he spoke to her while she stared at him like he was a god.

Remus squinted at the pair. Was this another act to get people to like him? How sweet. The Prince made time for a small child. Maybe he had no solid plan and was hoping for the support of the people later despite going away. The physician said the people liked him, and some thought he'd end slavery.

A nice act would keep the commoners happy, and they didn't get to see the real him in private.

Sébastien tucked the drawing in his cloak pocket and reached for the simple leather tie keeping his hair back. It shimmered in the sunlight as it came loose to flow down his back. When she turned around, Sébastien gently gathered the loose hair from her lost pigtail and bound it with the tie.

A woman fought her way to the front to watch. After a gold coin was slipped into the girl's hand, Sébastien said something, and with equal pigtails once more, the girl ran to the woman who scooped her up and waved to the Prince.

The rest of the crowd clamored, although if they expected their hair to be fixed and to get a gold coin, Sébastien was out of hair ties at the moment. He headed back up the stairs to the Regent who turned away.

Whatever Corentin said to his nephew, Remus didn't catch it, but his tone wasn't pleasant. The Regent certainly didn't like Sébastien sullying himself with dirty commoners.

Remus peaked again and managed to catch the woman who was working through the cluster with her daughter. The girl must have earlier slipped off and been lost in the crowd, which would terrify any parent.

Sébastien hadn't needed to give her that tie or fix her hair. The shiny coin would have been enough, and her Mother could buy her cloth for a new dress.

But Sébastien would need more than that to make the citizens of Midland respect him.