Fostering Faust 2, page 36
part #2 of Fostering Faust Series
Care and love would do perfectly.
Eleanor blinked several times, the smile still stuck on her face from earlier.
“Make lo—alright, my lord Alex, I can do that. And… no, I won’t join you in your bed tonight,” Eleanor said. “You’ll join me in mine, and I want to experiment a little with my hands and mouth. Seven can sleep in your bed.”
Alex chuckled and rolled his eyes.
There was a soft tap at the door that broke the flow of his thoughts.
“Count, the duchess has offered an invitation to visit her for lunch,” called a voice through the door.
Alex didn’t need to think about it at all. He needed to make moves, and he could only do that if he had access to Clark and the duchess.
“I’ll join her. Would we be leaving immediately?” he called back.
“Yes. Please only bring one of your retainers.”
“Right, give me two minutes,” Alex said, getting to his feet. He needed to change his tunic.
“I’ll remain and guard the room,” Eleanor said, looking uninterested. Then she smiled, and it had a bit of a feral edge to it. “It would go better without me, anyway. I tend to make the guardsmen nervous.
“Do be a good Master and let Seven know she’ll be sleeping alone tonight. You’ll be… making love to me instead.”
Alex wasn’t about to argue with any of that. The fact that she’d used those words meant she was willing to accept what he’d said.
Moving into his bedroom, he found Rebekah idly toying with her hair in a large vanity mirror.
“Duchess wants to see me. She told me to bring someone,” Alex said, going into his wardrobe. “You’re my date for lunch. Though you look cute enough to be lunch.”
“Oh? I wish you would devour me. As for lunch, delightful. I do enjoy going out with you,” Rebekah said, getting up from her chair. “And I’m feeling just a little jealous at how pretty the other Numbered are. I thought it was bad enough competing with One.
“It’ll be nice to have you to myself.”
“Compete? I think you’re looking at the Numbered differently than you should,” Alex said, pulling out the tunic he wanted.
“No I’m not, baby. And put that back, I’ll dress you,” Rebekah said, patting his hand away. “It’s fun.”
It took ten minutes for them to get ready and make their way over to the garden the duchess tended to frequent.
Marcos was nowhere to be seen.
Only the duchess was there, and a young woman Alex hadn’t met yet.
“Count, please, come over and have a seat,” the duchess said, waving to the chairs across from her. “I’m having fruit and cheeses brought in shortly, as well as some tea.”
Alex nodded politely and sat himself down. Rebekah took up her position directly over his right shoulder, folding her hands in front of herself.
“No, please, seat yourself child. Today there isn’t any rank,” said the duchess.
Except that she’d never formally given her name to Alex or addressed him as Count, which meant this was more of an “I’ll be nice to you” play than anything.
And it seemed to fly against the fact that Alex was her loan shark.
Though Alex would be happy to have Rebekah sit, and he’d be thankful for the courtesy extended to her. Pushing the chair next to him out a bit, he looked up at Rebekah.
She gave him a warm smile and seated herself quietly, rearranging her dress.
“There. That’s better,” the duchess said. “I understand you heard about my step-son’s misfortune?”
“Indeed. It would seem someone robbed him blind of all his worldly wealth. I must commend you on a job well done, Duchess. I didn’t know you had it in you,” Alex said, inclining his head to her.
It was a simple thing, but assuming to her that she was the one responsible could never hurt.
“Ahhh? I’m afraid I had no part in this one, even though I wish I did. It would have been rather sweet to rob him blind and then pay off my debt to you and your father-in-law with it,” said the duchess.
Alex glanced at the young woman seated next to the duchess. There had been no introduction, and she seemed to be included in this rather delicate conversation without a concern.
She shared some similar features with the duchess, which meant she was probably a relative of sorts.
“Hm. I wonder who pulled it off then. Any idea how much he lost?” Alex asked. He hadn’t gotten a chance to corner Valeria the previous night and find out how much he’d increased his wealth by.
“I truly don’t, but I can guess. His father had already given him his inheritance, along with Marcos’s. If he had spent none of it… the bare minimum would be at least several hundred thousand Imperial gold coins,” the duchess said.
Oh… shit. How the hell did they get that much coin out of the temple and to Master Ulles without being seen?
Maybe I’m not being half as clever as I thought.
“All the more reason I’m impressed that they have no idea who did it, or how,” the duchess said, and then she sighed. “I had hoped it was you, but it seems my desire is misplaced.”
“Duchess, even if it was my Master, I’m afraid he wouldn’t be able to speak to it,” Rebekah said, ducking her head down toward the older woman. “The oaths all nobility hold themselves to would prohibit such a thing from being done to another noble.”
The duchess and the young woman both stared at Rebekah. In saying what she had, she’d called the entire situation to a dead stop. There was nothing more to be said without it looking strange. Especially since she’d invoked the pin oaths.
“Yes, quite right, child,” the duchess murmured. “With that being said, should I assume you’re playing money lender to my step-son as well?”
“That’s a fair assumption. Business is business, after all. The assurances and guarantees one could get from the heir of a duke would be substantial, I imagine,” Alex said with a shrug of his shoulders. “I’m afraid I can’t confirm or deny that, though. As with any deal of that nature, I assume there would be an oath of secrecy.”
Frowning at him, the duchess shifted in her seat. Apparently she wasn’t used to being in the position she was in. If Alex had to describe it, she looked singularly insulted and nonplussed about the entire affair.
“Hm, yes. I imagine there would be quite a bit of profit to be made off a fool and their money,” the duchess said, which prompted a nod from the woman next to her. “I’d like to take another line of credit out from you and your father-in-law.”
“Oh? I’m sure we could arrange something. Are you sure, though? The interest isn’t something to ignore on the previous marker, and I’m sure it’s only adding up,” Alex said. “I’m happy to do business with you; I’m just making sure you understand it isn’t advisable.”
“Of course it isn’t advisable,” snapped the woman. “But I have no choice. Clark junior claims he sent that army to the front, but I think he sent it to my family home. I’m sure I’ll get the news in a few days that my family tree has been hacked to the ground and the stump dug out.”
Her paranoia is definitely in a different league than even my own. But… this works to my advantage.
“Alright, and how much do you need?” Alex asked.
“Two hundred thousand,” the duchess said immediately.
Sighing, Alex pressed a hand to his brow, leaning to one side in his chair.
She wasn’t going to just be in debt to him—she was going to be drowning in it. He was going to need to assume she wouldn’t be able to pay it back anytime soon, if at all.
“I’m willing to add this loan to the previous one, and change the interest to forty percent,” the duchess said. “On top of that, I’ll cover the entire thing with land deeds as collateral.”
Alex was struck by how quickly she’d modified the deal. It meant she was a bit more than desperate.
The question was: did he want to press her further, or make a friend here?
“Who’s she?” Alex asked, pointing at the young woman.
“She is… she’s my niece. She’s third in line for my familial titles, but it’s unlikely she’ll inherit,” the duchess said, downplaying the woman.
Except that it was so obvious, it just made Alex more curious.
Didn’t even give her a name.
“She’s your niece by blood? Directly related to you?” Alex asked, wanting to confirm it.
The duchess gave him an angry frown, but she nodded her head.
“Yes, she’s my brother’s second born.”
“Fine. I’ll take her as a lady-in-waiting for one of my wives,” Alex said, indicating the young woman. “She can serve as part of your collateral, but with no value attached. I can swear an oath that she’ll be given all the common courtesies that could be expected for a visiting member of the peerage with full guest rights.”
“You do not know what you’re asking for,” the duchess hissed.
“Yes. I do. Let’s play this out, Duchess. You want me to fund you an army. If you lose, I won’t get anything back. If you win, I still might not get anything back,” Alex said. “I want assurances. Collateral is great, but I still have to make that work.
“I prefer land, but if the two duchies are at war, I’ll never be able to collect. So… I’ll need further assurances. She can serve my common wife, Anna Ulles, or my peerage wife, Baroness Mary Margaret Tilly.”
The young woman was shaking her head, her eyes wide. Her head turned toward her aunt, obviously to plead for this to not happen.
“Fine, I’ll take the deal,” said the duchess, not even bothering to consult the woman. “Full peerage guest rights, and she’ll be a lady-in-waiting to the baroness.”
“Grand,” Alex said with a smile, then looked to the other woman. “You can go on ahead of me tomorrow morning. I’ll catch up with you once I’m freed. I’ll provide you with a writ with my signature and seal authenticating what you’re doing there, since I figure you’ll get home before I do.”
“This… this isn’t… no. No, I won’t—”
“You will, and you’ll do it without complaint,” the duchess said, interrupting the girl and ending the conversation. “Now, what about my step-son? If I build my army, I’d be sending it to protect my family, not remain here.”
Tilting his head to one side, Alex thought for a few moments. Everything was turning in his favor. He was making deals that would be quite profitable to him in the long run.
Providing he survived the short term.
And that meant taking out both the Clarks. First, though, Clark the younger.
“Yes, he’ll be a problem for you. It’s a pity you can’t do much about it. I imagine it’d be quite worthwhile for you,” Alex said, resting his elbows on the arms of his chair. Tenting his fingers in front of him, he stared at the duchess.
The duchess lifted her chin fractionally, seeming to contemplate what to say. He could only imagine what kind of mental gymnastics she was going to have to do to get her point across without violating her oath.
Alex waited patiently; there was no need to hurry her. She’d respond when she was able.
“I think… I think if that were to happen, I’d be willing to donate to the temple. Something like two small baronies my family owns that we have no need of. Though the current title holders would have to remain,” said the duchess.
“That’d be very profitable for the temple, I imagine. What baronies were you thinking of?”
“Funny you should ask that. They both just happen to lie next to what you now call Northern Ridge. They’re not de jure, but I’d be willing to forswear those to yo—the temple.
“The first is an interesting little place you might be interested in. They recently spent a great deal of money on technology but fell into debt. I thought for certain my family would have to replace them, but they somehow came up with the money out of nowhere. The Lin family.”
Alex kept his face blank, neutral. He’d be very interested in acquiring the Lin family. It’d be worth his time to bend and break Katherine after he acquired their family lands. With as much pride and intelligence as she had, she’d be well worth it, and so would the power behind it.
“Interesting,” Alex said without emotion. “And the other?”
“A minor barony of little note. It’s held by the Rift family,” the duchess said. “Honestly, I include them only because I tire of dealing with their family head more than anything.”
Rift. As in… Eleanor’s family?
This is simply too much. Far, far too much. This isn’t just coincidence—this is practically providence.
Is this your doing, Leah?
No. As unlikely as it seems, it really is just coincidence.
Oh. Alright. You coming by soon? I’d like to see you, I’m sure you’re beautiful as a mother-to-be.
Stop it.
And… yes. I will. Thank you.
“That sounds like a very reasonable price. But let’s stop such talk. I’m sure no harm will befall him, and we’re just being morbid,” Alex said with a chuckle. “It’s as if we’re somehow expecting him to die in a strange accident or something.”
“Yes, quite,” the duchess said with a chuckle as well. “Oh, did anyone tell you why you’re not being allowed out of your room as of yet?”
“No. I just assumed Clark was unhappy with me,” Alex said with a shrug.
“On the contrary. Both he and I issued orders that you were to be watched and kept stationary for your own safety,” the duchess said, a faintly scandalized look coming over her face. “An earl, a vassal of my family, died, except… it looks like an accident, but there are rumors it was foul play. He wasn’t very important, honestly, and it’s actually a blessing in disguise, but still.
“An assassination! We haven’t seen the like in quite a while. And since someone tried to have you killed as well, it seems like you might still be a target.”
Hah.
I’d be the first to admit Coffin will probably cause me some harm at some point, but I doubt it’ll be endangering my life.
I’ll have to tell Eleanor that her family is more than just safe tonight. So safe they’ll be part of Brit.
I bet she’ll go from caring for me a little to loving me.
Chapter 33
Alex was being walked around the town center by Clark the younger.
The man had been treating Alex more and more like some sort of badge of honor, bringing him around with him wherever he went.
Rebekah was dressed immaculately today. Wearing a dress and a fur coat that showed off every bit of her without being immodest.
She looked the part of a lower-end member of the peerage who was one of the count’s women.
She’d been rapidly turning her self-image around since he’d picked her up. This was the latest iteration of Rebekah.
There had been no end to her questions for Valeria and Sylvia about everyday noblewoman things. From big to small.
The end result being that she was doing a remarkably fair impression of Valeria and Sylvia. Alex wouldn’t have guessed she was little more than a commoner thief.
Somewhat odd, I suppose. They’ve divided themselves into two groups. Bodyguards and information gatherers.
Riley is more… team mom… I guess, at this point. Even Carla humors her now when she chides her.
Though that kinda makes it weirder that she still wants to watch everyone else sleep with me.
Clark was talking with a foreman about the platform being built next to the spot where the bonfire was going to be.
It was a large crisscrossing thing, reinforced with lashing, iron nails, and multiple reinforcement beams.
All in all, it looked so overbuilt already that the idea of it collapsing seemed impossible.
Valeria and Sylvia had reassured him a number of times in the two weeks up to this point—the platform would collapse in just the right way.
“It’ll work, baby,” Rebekah murmured, her fingers lightly stroking his forearm. “It’ll work perfectly, and it’ll look completely accidental.”
“Care to make a wager on that?” Alex asked, watching the people moving around them.
“Silly man, I have nothing I own that you don’t already have a claim on,” Rebekah said with a soft chuckle. “Besides, you really would lose the bet. It’ll work.”
Alex only sighed and nodded. He’d trust his people. Much as he’d done every time up to this point.
“You’re right, of course. And did I mention yet how lovely you look in that dress?” Alex asked.
“No, but I’m glad you like it. It really pushes my boobs up, but I don’t look like a whore. At least I don’t think so. Do I?” Rebekah said with a bright smile, looking down at herself.
“Not at all. You do look like a noblewoman-turned-concubine, though,” Alex said honestly.
“That’s fine. I’m alright with that image. Besides, I think that’s what I want to be anyways. I’m really enjoying this lifestyle you’ve provided me with. A bit dull at times, but nothing terrible,” she said. “Think I could tempt you with my soul soon?”
“When you’ve figured out your own wants and desires, yes. As far as being a prisoner is extremely boring… yes. Good thing I have my comfort wife with me.”
“Comfort wife… I like that a lot. Comfort wife. Any news on the ransom?” Rebekah asked.
“No. The ambassador from Regina hasn’t gotten a word out of Clark the younger, and Clark senior isn’t responding to communications anymore.
“Either he’s in transit or being an ass,” Alex said. “I’m betting on the former, personally. In transit and still recovering.”
Clark came back over then, and smiled widely.
“Sorry, I just wanted to confirm the height,” he said, gesturing to the platform. “Supposedly this is only halfway done. They’ll be finished in time tomorrow, but with the amount of reinforcement they’re putting in, it’s taking a while.”
Alex nodded, looking at the platform again. It already looked like it was thirty feet tall. Doubling the height would definitely make the whole thing a bit more precarious. Especially if they weren’t expanding the base further to accommodate a ramp.
