Until Further Notice

“Really, my lord. I do know the way.”

Argent thought it a token protest. Oh, his man was as poised and presentable as he could make himself, but a whisper of uneasiness slipped past wards that couldn’t quite contain … whatever it was Jacques had become. “We have added additional wards along this hall.”

“Are we pretending they’re set against me? You do realize I can see them now. Very friendly seeming.” Jacques’ smile was the same as always. He was really too good at keeping up appearances.

“Then the sigils are working.”

Jacques studied the palm of one hand, which Argent had labored over for the better part of an hour, Suuzu looking on the whole time. “Don’t you usually use crystals for tuning wards?”

“I was in a hurry.”

“Because Hisoka asked for me?”

“Not precisely.” Hisoka’s doors were barred to all visitors, but Argent was hoping that the cat would consider Jacques an exception. He wasn’t sure what else—or who else—to try. Perhaps Sinder?

“I’ve lost all track of the calendar. Is Hisoka due for a long sleep?”

“Past due.”

Jacques stopped walking. “What aren’t you telling me? Lord, he wasn’t injured, was he?”

“No.”

Rounding on him, Jacques searched his face. “I don’t need the fact that I’m a Smythe to tell that you’re hiding something. Is it awful?”

Argent sighed. “Hisoka is … in retreat. We are calling it a sabbatical. He has not left his rooms this whole time. Not even for Blessing’s whelping feast.”

“I was sorry to miss it myself. Akira and Nonny sent pictures, so I wasn’t totally left out.”

“Until we know more about the consequences of your inheritance, I cannot have you gadding about.”

Jacques shrugged that off, even though Argent’s restrictions were making him increasingly restless. “Why has Hisoka gone into seclusion?”

“I cannot speak for him.” Argent admitted, “I am hoping he will confide in you.”

“He might. But isn’t this disastrous? I’ve been confined to quarters—nay, confined to bed—by a fussy bird and his beautiful boy, so forgive me for being entirely out of whatever loop this is, but … who’s holding the world together if not Hisoka?”

“Canarian Evernhold is acting spokesperson.”

“Ah. That’s all right, then.”

Argent tended to agree. Hisoka’s nephew had been working closely with his uncle from the beginning, and Canary hadn’t hesitated to step into his new role. Even if he was only an understudy, all the world was his stage. But that was the political arena, and this was home.

It had been an all-around awful week, and the past two months had left much of Argent’s personal life in unaccustomed disarray. He wanted his man properly back, handling things in ways that were impossible to take for granted anymore. Especially with Tsumiko gently reminding him how much Jacques usually took on.

Argent touched Jacques’ elbow and tried to get him moving again, but a few tails slipped into the open. Traitorous tells.

“My lord?” Jacques prompted.

“I thought you found overprotectiveness adorable.”

A blank look. “Do I?”

“You even expressed an interest in seeing the whole process from the beginning.”

Recognition dawned. A conversation from more than a year ago, back when Eloquence Starmark was hovering over his pregnant bondmate’s every step. “Oh, lord. I did say that. But I meant Tsumiko!”

“Word your prayers with care, supplicant. Sometimes, the Maker gives you precisely what you ask for.”

Jacques’ gaze went soft and solemn. “I wouldn’t take any of it back, even if I could.”

“Apologies. I did not intend to make light of your … condition.”

“Non. You were trying to divert me. It hasn’t worked. Tell me what I’ll be facing.”

Argent felt more tails slipping free. “You are not the only one who came away from the recent ordeal with an impish legacy.”

“Mon dieu. Him, too?”

“No. Hisoka’s circumstances are entirely different than yours. I need to introduce you to Rhomiko.”

“Who is his …?”

“Yes. His.”

That earned a flat look. “If that was calculated to intrigue, your aim was off.”

“When Hisoka fled that island, it was with Rhomiko in his arms. That person is a unique existence, and we are uncertain about the nature of their relationship. Again, I have been hoping that Hisoka will confide in you.”

This time, when Argent indicated the way forward, Jacques matched him stride for brisk stride.

Officially, Spokesperson Twineshaft was unreachable. That hadn’t stopped either Harmonious or Lapis, and it certainly didn’t stop Argent. However, when he attempted to usher Jacques into Hisoka’s rooms, Rhomiko barred the way.

“Lord,” breathed Jacques. “You’re a star!”

“My mother is a star.”

Jacques belatedly offered his palms, and Rhomiko took him by the hands and drew him inside. Argent followed, swiftly scanning the room. Hisoka was abed, but the blankets stirred. Crossing to the stool that Rhomiko must have abandoned, Argent murmured, “I brought Jacques.”

“Did you? Why?”

There was so much suspicion in his tone, so much confusion, that Argent wasn’t sure how to answer. Hisoka wasn’t himself. Or perhaps he’d been changed. Either way, Argent was doing his best to sort out what his friend needed. “I thought Jacques might be a comfort to you. He has been your usual companion for so long …?”

“Will you use him to compel me?”

The low question startled Argent into silence.

Meanwhile, Jacques was being his charming self. “An impish crosser? You definitely present as a star, but I’m not certain … lord, I’ll just ask. What are you preferred pronouns?”

Their heads were together, and then Rhomiko slipped both arms around Jacques’ waist in order to lay their ear over his heart. Jacques was so good at inspiring trust. Argent watched closely and soon decided that Jacques wasn’t flirting. He was treating Rhomiko with the same care he showed to any of their children. Which was telling, in a way. Rhomiko was physically an adult, and they often made remarks that carried the weight of centuries. But there was an innocence in their manner that stirred Argent to protectiveness.

It would be interesting to hear Jacques’ opinion later.

He was saying, “So if your mother is a star, then your other parent … mon dieu. You’re another one of Dayith’s!”

“You met my father?”

“Briefly. Intensely. And with lingering consequences.” Jacques turned toward Argent, wonder in his eyes. “I can tell he’s one of Dayith’s. And here I thought his legacy would be more lonesome.”

Argent really needed to get Jacques to Michael—or vice versa—to see if the island’s former wardstones responded to him in any way.

“I did not meet the father who helped to protect me. Not even in dreams. I am not certain why.” Rhomiko’s hands trailed down to Jacques’ midriff. “Oh? Ohhh.”

“Long story. Did you know you have a half-brother named Solace? Both impish parents, as well. But tree instead of star.” With the slightest quaver, Jacques said, “You’re going to be … lord, is there a non-gendered version of aunt and uncle?”

Argent hadn’t told Hisoka about Jacques for the same reasons he hadn’t betrayed any of Hisoka’s confidences to Jacques. Their stories weren’t his to tell. But he’d brought them together, and Jacques wasn’t exactly being coy. But neither had he stated matters plainly. Argent glanced at Hisoka, curious if he’d caught on.

The cat spoke in an uneasy undertone. “That’s not Jacques.”

“It is.” Argent would have explained further, but Hisoka’s expression halted him. Low, urgent, Argent repeated, “It is.”

Jacques, newly attuned to such things, glanced Hisoka’s way, then calmly, pointedly took a step back. That put Rhomiko between him and Hisoka. And with just as much deliberation, Jacques took an apologetic posture. Even though he was innocent of any wrongdoing.

“So much has happened. For both of you.” Argent hesitated, hoping Jacques would jump in. “Should we take the time t–”

“I’ll go,” Jacques interrupted. He backed to the door, gaze still averted, voice carefully neutral. “It’s all right, Hisoka. I’ll go.”

The door clicked shut behind him.

Argent leveled a glare on Hisoka. “That is the man you have always trusted.”

Hisoka lowered his own gaze. “What happened to him?”

“What happened?” Argent echoed gruffly. “You hurt him.”

With a curt nod for Rhomiko, he hurried after Jacques, who’d stopped in front of a window partway along the hall. His perfunctory smile barely reached his eyes.

“He was afraid of me, Argent. I could feel it. Hisoka took one look at me and recoiled.” Jacques quietly asked, “Have I become something ugly?”

“No.” Far from it. Argent caught Jacques’ sleeve. “I handled that poorly. It never occurred to me that Hisoka might not accept the alteration to your soul.”

Jacques eased into an unnecessarily submissive posture. “Perhaps I shouldn’t be entering any more rooms unannounced.”

Argent admitted, “I have been reluctant to shutter you alongside Tsumiko. Who knows what the consequences of the proximity of two such souls might be? But to seal you away, simply because you are an unknown existence? Unthinkable.”

“I would prefer a caged soul to a caged self.”

“We only want to be sure you are safe.”

“Good intentions on every side.” With a small shake of his head, Jacques asked, “May I go to my own rooms for a while? I’ll stay put. I just need a change of view.”

Argent took his elbow again, then sighed and claimed his hand instead, leading him along. “I am sorry.”

“I know,” Jacques murmured. “I can feel that, too. Don’t worry overmuch on my account. More importantly, how are the children adjusting?”

“Their trust is in tatters. Most are wary of me.”

“Foxes again.”

“Yes. They are somewhat more receptive to dragons. Lapis is preoccupied with Council business, but Opulence is a welcome surprise.”

“The dragon bard.”

“Mmm. And despite Hisoka’s qualms where you are concerned, I am holding out hope that you will prove as popular as ever with the children.”

“Even though I’ve gone all reaver-ish?”

“You are brimming with your inheritances from Dayith and Solace, and that has left you with an impish allure. It really is quite affecting.”

Jacques laughed wearily. “Alluring, am I?”

Argent blandly pointed out, “You can tell.”

“I can. But for you to admit it out loud …? I’m touched.”

Outside the door to Jacques’ rooms, Argent asked, “Do you want me to stay?”

“Non. Leave me to potter in peace. I’ll call for Nonny if I need anything.”

Argent wasn’t quite ready to let go. “How much can you tell about me?”

Jacques hedged. “Usually, you want my opinion of other people.”

“I need to know.”

The man gave his fingers a light squeeze, then pulled away. “I know you’re fascinated and frustrated by turns. I know there’s a … a sort of greediness. And that you’re holding it back. Far less unsettling are the possessiveness and protectiveness. I think they’re your brand of caring. I’m also sure I was missed, and I feel needed. As more than a cog in necessary machinations.”

Argent went so far as to say, “I did not wish to lose you.”

“And so I am found.” Jacques quietly asked, “How much can you tell about me?”

Turnabout was fair. Argent answered, “You are uneasy and unhappy by turns, and I do not know how to make reparation for all you endured.”

Jacques smiled crookedly. “You aren’t very good at this, my lord. I was meant to be in the limelight, but partway through, you slipped into talking about yourself.”

Argent growled softly. “You are simplicity itself, yet impossible to define. Tell me what to do.”

“Trust Suuzu. At least, that’s what I’m doing. Although hiding in my own room might count as an act of rebellion.”

“Shall I ward the door against him?”

Jacques looked tempted, but he shook his head. “If he sweeps in and scolds me, he’s within his rights. Did you know he’s gone and made me a nestmate? I fear Suuzu will come to regret taking responsibility for his beloved’s erstwhile paramour.”

Argent frowned. “Avians do not usually share.”

“Suuzu did try to explain. Some of it boils down to his duty as a tribute, but Akira complicates things. He refuses to think of me as an uncle any longer. And in trying to sort out Akira’s less-than-familial attachment to me … well, I’ve apparently received special dispensation because I remind Suuzu of a tree.”

A supporting role. Needful cooperation. Argent grumbled, “You deserve better.”

Not for the first time, Jacques replied, “I know.”