Post by opalgirl on Jan 20, 2011 13:20:27 GMT 10
Title: Only Fools
Rating: PG
Prompt: #16 -- Lies.
Word Count: 401
Summary: Duke Gareth believes he knows who is responsible for his sister's failing health, and confronts the man, because only fools believe in coincidences.
Notes: Duke G just came striding into my head the other day, on the warpath. I imagine that he and Roger would've had a bit of a power struggle: Queen's brother, King's right-hand man versus King's nephew?
The footman bowed out of the room, shutting the door behind him, and Roger turned his attention to his surprise guest. “Your Grace. To what do I owe this honour? Shall I have tea or brandy sent up?”
The man simply stared at him, eyes gone cold—an expression Roger had never seen on the son’s face. Perhaps father and son were more different than they seemed.
“This is not a social visit,” said the Duke of Naxen, stepping further into the parlour
“I had thought as much. Business, then?”
The old swordsman’s jaw clenched, the only physical suggestion of his anger. “Leave my sister alone, Your Grace,” he nearly hissed, his hand going for a sword he didn’t carry.
“Her Majesty is my aunt,” Roger answered, mildly. “I have no idea what you’re implying, Duke Gareth.”
Gareth of Naxen didn’t waver, didn’t move, and didn’t apologize. “My nephew, perhaps even my brother-in-law, may be fooled by this, by you. I am not. I am not the first to notice that Lianne’s health worsens when you return to Court.”
“An unfortunate coincidence. I am no healer, and I offer my prayers for my aunt’s welfare. She mothered me when--”
“Only a fool believes in coincidences.”
“Perhaps. Have you proof of these accusations, Duke Gareth?”
“No. But I certainly know it would not be beyond you. An idiot would realize that Lianne’s death would break His Majesty, and who stands to benefit if the King is incapacitated—or dead?”
Roger glared at the old man. “Perhaps His Royal Highness, your precious nephew? He, after all, is first in line.” He leaned back in his chair and continued, “I wish no ill to Her Majesty, long may she live.”
“Jonathan does not have the command of sorcery you possess.”
“No, he does not. But there are surely ways for him to obtain such power.”
“He would not kill his mother. Not after she nearly died giving him life. He does not crave power, as you do—the inheritance was not taken from him.”
Roger rolled his eyes, impatiently. “Your accusations have no basis. I am not a murderer, I assure you, and I would not harm the woman who took it upon herself to mother me.”
“If she dies….”
“Then I shall mourn with the rest.”
“If you are still alive to mourn. Roald will break. I will do no such thing.”
Rating: PG
Prompt: #16 -- Lies.
Word Count: 401
Summary: Duke Gareth believes he knows who is responsible for his sister's failing health, and confronts the man, because only fools believe in coincidences.
Notes: Duke G just came striding into my head the other day, on the warpath. I imagine that he and Roger would've had a bit of a power struggle: Queen's brother, King's right-hand man versus King's nephew?
***
The footman bowed out of the room, shutting the door behind him, and Roger turned his attention to his surprise guest. “Your Grace. To what do I owe this honour? Shall I have tea or brandy sent up?”
The man simply stared at him, eyes gone cold—an expression Roger had never seen on the son’s face. Perhaps father and son were more different than they seemed.
“This is not a social visit,” said the Duke of Naxen, stepping further into the parlour
“I had thought as much. Business, then?”
The old swordsman’s jaw clenched, the only physical suggestion of his anger. “Leave my sister alone, Your Grace,” he nearly hissed, his hand going for a sword he didn’t carry.
“Her Majesty is my aunt,” Roger answered, mildly. “I have no idea what you’re implying, Duke Gareth.”
Gareth of Naxen didn’t waver, didn’t move, and didn’t apologize. “My nephew, perhaps even my brother-in-law, may be fooled by this, by you. I am not. I am not the first to notice that Lianne’s health worsens when you return to Court.”
“An unfortunate coincidence. I am no healer, and I offer my prayers for my aunt’s welfare. She mothered me when--”
“Only a fool believes in coincidences.”
“Perhaps. Have you proof of these accusations, Duke Gareth?”
“No. But I certainly know it would not be beyond you. An idiot would realize that Lianne’s death would break His Majesty, and who stands to benefit if the King is incapacitated—or dead?”
Roger glared at the old man. “Perhaps His Royal Highness, your precious nephew? He, after all, is first in line.” He leaned back in his chair and continued, “I wish no ill to Her Majesty, long may she live.”
“Jonathan does not have the command of sorcery you possess.”
“No, he does not. But there are surely ways for him to obtain such power.”
“He would not kill his mother. Not after she nearly died giving him life. He does not crave power, as you do—the inheritance was not taken from him.”
Roger rolled his eyes, impatiently. “Your accusations have no basis. I am not a murderer, I assure you, and I would not harm the woman who took it upon herself to mother me.”
“If she dies….”
“Then I shall mourn with the rest.”
“If you are still alive to mourn. Roald will break. I will do no such thing.”