“Good. Good. I’ll handle all that. So, you were saying about the trade in Croatens. I do wish to unite better, but my link with Askara is weak at best, I do admit.” Alluin stared at Stamel with genuine investment.
“Well. I had an idea. I am no longer in line for the throne, but I have redeemed myself somewhat. I was never dishonored, but I do not feel like I could contribute much to another family line—considering Croatens’ history.” Stamel traced a finger around the rim of a glass of wine, expression cold.
“Pity. You’re a very talented alpha.” Alluin did the same, sighing in pleasure as he sat the glass down.
“And Seidrik—we both know that he will not sire any heirs for the progress of Liaberos. After all, our goddess the sun has mandated Virion’s line would have that unique privilege.” Stamel tilted the glass and stared into it as if the bottom of his cup were of greater interest than his words.
“Mmm, yes,” Alluin said. His expression hardened at the reminder of Seidrik’s inadequacy, but his gaze did not turn his son’s way.
“Why not engage in a union? Since children are not necessary…” Stamel grinned and caught Alluin’s confused gaze.
“Excuse me?” He flustered, opening and closing his mouth a few times before waiting for explanation.
“I humbly ask for Seidrik’s hand in union before the goddess—if she wills, of course.” Stamel stood and bowed before Alluin, who stared at him with confusion.
Seidrik choked on his water, pounding at his chest with desperation to clear his airways.
“But he’s abeta! Beta males do not—”
“Engage in maritals? I’m sure you’re aware there are men of that persuasion. I could hardly deny your son is an attractive male. It would be no hardship.” Stamel tilted his head up toward Alluin. “If the goddess wills, of course.”
“I don’t—I cannot flaw your logic, but would Seidrik approve? I don’t know if it would stand, either.” For once in his long life, Alluin had thought to ask for Seidrik’s permission, and it was for this?
Seidrik coughed and held up his napkin, avoiding the answer.
“Oh, come now, Alluin. It’s the modern era. The time of the thalmway. If I’m not mistaken, it’s not against any laws for a beta male and alpha to wed.”
“Irregular, perhaps, but… I suppose if there’s no attraction, you’re free to have your dalliances…” Alluin’s suggestion made Seidrik want to fling his glass.No other male need lay a hand on my mate, you vicious middenweasel!
“And it would just complicate family lines if either of us had children beyond a few bastards.” Stamel snorted, and Alluin cheered his glass with a smirk of amusement. “Surely you have a few?”
“I do.” Alluin snorted.
“Oh, scandalous! Anyone I know?” Stamel leered and Alluin waved his hand dismissively.
“A few odd daughters. All given as conscripts to the conservatory, as has been tradition in Liaberos for many generations of royalty. I thought you knew that when we had Kimbel sent there for his ongoing education.” Alluin snorted, and rage boiled in Seidrik. His father had committed adultery against his mother. Had fathered bastards. He even had a step-by-step plan on where to send them. “I’m sure Tyran, is that the boy’s name? Yes. I’m sure he’ll do well there, too.”
Stamel nodded gently. “Tyran is a political pawn, not a bastard of mine. I harbor him as one. As long ashe’s under my care, his true sire does his due diligence. That said, I am quite fond of the boy, between you and I, of course.”
Alluin’s gaze lit with delight at the deviousness of it, a familiar conniving expression that Seidrik had grown accustomed to.
“So, what say you, Seidrik?”
“I don’t have to be fucked in front of an audience like you made Virion, do I?” Seidrik’s snap did not go unnoticed as his father glared.
“Of course not.” Alluin waved a hand.
“Good, because I’m certain that Seidrik is no virgin.” Stamel laughed heartily.
“Really? I was worried. With how many females I’ve sent around you and not an indecent moment, I was disappointed. Had me worried you weren’t your father’s son.” Alluin took another swig of wine, and it hit Seidrik in a flash of a too-blue glassine eye.
Father is drunk…
“I’ll do as I am instructed, as per the goddess and king’s will.” Seidrik cleared his throat.
“I do wonder, though, will you be consummating?” Alluin chuffed a half laugh.
We already have. Many times.Seidrik buried the short comment in his own prudence and glanced away.
