The Truce - 6. Chapter 6

Kade Hawkins sat at the front counter of his father’s shoe shop, mindlessly polishing away at a pair of supple leather boots. They were part of a new line, intended to go to some high ranking Nabian that could afford such quality. Kade thought that it was unlikely that anyone would purchase at the list price, but his parents insisted that they display their best merchandise and keep it in pristine condition in the hopes that someone would. It wasn’t often that the upper class visited, but Kade supposed they were in dire need. Luxury goods were not in high demand during war times, and the Hawkins’ business had seen the effects of that.

Just a few good sales could make or break our livelihood… if it weren’t for my extra contributions, we would have gone under already. Kade thought back to his parents yelling at him for thievery, but felt justified because he was keeping his family afloat. They complain when someone gets suspicious, but never when their coin purses are padded… typical.

He set down the pair of boots that he was working on, and leaned his elbows onto the wooden counter. Placing his head in his hands, he gave a frustrated sigh. What am I doing with my life?

“Something on your mind, little one?” said a sultry voice from across the room. Kade jerked his head up, surprised at having not even realized that someone had entered the shop. It took skill to be able to sneak into the store like that, especially considering that the wooden floors had a habit of creaking. Kade thought for a moment that maybe he was about to be attacked but realized that was not the case when he saw the woman standing in the middle of the store smiling at him. Her smile wasn’t warm; rather, it made the hairs on the back of Kade’s neck stand up.

Who in all the hells…? The woman was beautiful, more beautiful than Kade had ever seen a noble look. She wore a flowing white dress with a tight, black leather corset on top of it, and her hair was pinned back into one sleek ponytail that went down her back. It was blonde, but had some pink residue in it from what Kade could tell would have been traditional Nabian war dye. This person was a fighter, or perhaps an assassin, he knew. When he regained his composure, he spoke up to address the customer.

“I’m sorry. You caught me off guard. May I help you, miss… madame… lady?” He was at a loss for what to call her, and wanted to use the appropriate title. He hoped that she would forgive his transgression and stayed quiet for her to inform him.

“General,” she said casually.

Shit, Kade thought, panic flaring up in his mind. His world felt shaken, and his heart began to race at the idea of a Nabian general standing just a few feet away from him. He gave the figure a once over, and hesitated when he saw her hands. On one of them was an elaborate contraption of metal and mechanical work, the most complex that Kade had ever seen. It looked like she was wearing a set of war claws that could sheathe and unsheathe themselves based on manipulations of the user’s palms. War claws were Kade’s best guess, though he wasn’t sure what they would really look like in action. Only one general was known for using such a weapon, and her reputation preceded her as being murderous after just the slightest provocation.

“My apologies, General Clarion. I had no idea that we would have a visitor of your… caliber today. May I help you find something?” Ysabel smiled at that, clearly pleased at having been recognized. Kade gulped as an unconscious response to her change in expression.

“No, dear. I’m quite able to browse on my own.”

“Of course, General. I didn’t mean to imply – “ Ysabel cut him off with a raise of her hand, signaling for him to stop.

“On the other hand, my friend here would certainly like to take a look at your assets.” She had a hint of amusement in her voice, but Kade didn’t understand why. Further, he was confused at not having even noticed the second figure in his store. This stranger presented himself even more strangely, but Kade quickly realized that this was not because of his clothing or stance, but because of how he actually looked biologically.

What in the world? The other occupant of the shop was tall, and generally handsome in Kade’s view. He wore all white and pale blue, and had an emblem of three icicles stitched onto the breast of his tunic. The most striking thing about him was that he was white – whiter than Kade had ever seen someone be naturally. His skin and hair were shockingly pale, and even his eyes seemed to be a mix of blue and gray that felt transparent. He wore a crown of silver and crystal that rested on his head in a dignified way, and was quite possibly the most strange person Kade had ever seen. Kade did note that he was dressed in fine silks and velvets, and that he absolutely had some money to spare.

He almost looks like what I would imagine someone who was frozen would look like. It’s as if there is no blood under his skin… he’s hot, I’ll give him that. But how weird… who is this?

“Of course,” Kade replied to Ysabel. “What can I help you with sir?” The stranger never looked away from Kade, slowly taking in every inch of his appearance. He looked like he was searching for something, but not in an unkind way.

“I mostly came to… peruse. What’s your name?”

“I’m Kade,” he said plainly. “Kade Hawkins.” General Clarion looked sharply at him again when he said his name, but eventually moved on to looking at wares again.

“It’s nice to meet you Kade. I’m Adrian.”

“It’s nice to meet you to. May I ask your title, so I know how to refer to you?” The pale man looked a little embarrassed at the question, and rubbed the back of his neck.

“Let’s not worry about titles today, if you don’t mind. Err. It’s really not necessary.” Kade nodded.

“Very well sir. I didn’t mean and don’t mean to offend you. I just… I can tell you don’t come from Nabius, and I wish to remain respectful.” Adrian smiled at that, and gave a nod.

“I understand. Thank you for your courtesy, but you may feel free to refer to me as Adrian.”

“Very well, Adrian,” replied Kade. When neither of Kade’s guests spoke up, Kade felt a little awkward. He could feel Adrian’s gaze taking him in, and cleared his throat as a way of prompting further conversation, or at least another inquiry.

This has got to be the weirdest pair of people to have ever walked into the shop.

“How is work here? Do you like it?”

“I… suppose, sir. Adrian. I don’t really have much of a choice. My parents are the cobblers, and I help out at the shop to help them out.”

“I see. So you don’t like it then?” asked Adrian.

Well that was direct, thought Kade. Why does he care? I don’t really know how I’m supposed to answer this.

“The work is steady, and I don’t mind it,” Kade said diplomatically.

“Don’t lie,” said Ysabel demurely from across the shop. Kade reddened a little, which prompted another smile from Adrian.

“It’s alright if you don’t,” said Adrian. “I think life has many paths that one can take, and it’s alright to explore as many of them as you please. Would you agree?”

“I suppose,” said Kade.

“Excellent.” Kade smiled and nodded doing his best to provide good customer service, but was feeling a bit strange about this conversation. After another awkward silence, he spoke up to reply to Adrian.

“So, did you need help with something?”

“Ah. Well, we mostly came in to browse, but I’d be open to recommendations if you think you have wares that might do me good?” Kade nodded, and walked around the counter.

“Here,” he said holding up the pair of boots that his parents had just finished. “We have these in many sizes, and they’re some of our finest work.” Adrian took a look at them, and rubbed a hand over the goods.

“Do they hold up in water or in the snow? I spend most of my time near or in it, so I would need something reliable.”

“Oh, I see. This pair isn’t waxed, but we could certainly proof them for you… a lot of snow? Where is that?” Kade looked down at the boots that the man was currently wearing, which felt equally out of place in Nabius as the rest of him. He pointed at them, and asked “What are those made of?” Adrian looked down, and lifted a foot.

“Ah! These are sealskin. That’s what a lot of our clothes are made of in the Illjard.”

“Oh, the Illjard,” Kade said aloud. “I’ve heard of it before.”

The Illjard… the Illjard… where have I heard about that? It’s one of the islands off of the mainland that does trade with us. I think that it’s in a cold zone… that would explain his garb. A thought struck Kade, and recognition flooded his brain. Oh gods… I’ve heard that the snow people were white, but I didn’t think those rumors meant literally!

“That’s good,” said Adrian, snapping Kade’s attention back to the present. “We’d like to make our presence a little more well known in the world around us, so I’m encouraged that you’ve heard us mentioned.”

“I’m… glad you’re glad?” Kade’s voice had a question in it, as if he didn’t know how to respond to that. This amused Adrian, who gave another warm smile.

“Come, Adrian,” said Ysabel as she held the door to the shop open. “It’s time we continue on for the day.” Adrian nodded his agreement, and turned back towards Kade before walking towards the general.

“Perhaps I can come back tomorrow, and tell you a little bit more about my homeland? That is, if you like. I’ll promise to buy something for your time as well?”

“Sure,” said Kade. “I’ll look forward to it.”

“As will I,” said Adrian. He turned, and walked out the door before Ysabel. Before she left as well, she gave Kade a conspiratorial wink. When the door finally shut behind her, Kade felt the tension in his body release.

What a weird day.

***

“He reminds me of Alex.”

“He does look my son. I agree.”

Adrian and Ysabel were now outside and far away from the Hawkins’ shop, having stopped at the nearest inn. While still in the northern territories, Adrian felt a bit less secure than he did when visiting Alexandre’s lands. The soldiers on patrol were not friendly, and there were guard patrols everywhere. Devan Di Coteau was known for being paranoid, and Adrian now felt that he knew why.

“I’m honestly surprised his cover hasn’t been blown before. Surely someone would recognize features that are so prominently Di Coteau?”

“I think the hair helps,” Ysabel replied. Adrian nodded, understanding at that. Kade’s hair was a dusty brown, not the jet black that most of that family line inherited.

Still… thought Adrian. If you dyed his hair black, I think he’d be a spitting image of Alex. There are some differences to be sure, but Kade is quite clearly of their bloodline.

“I think Devan has been careful about keeping the right people coming to the area as well,” Ysabel continued. “The Hawkins would have been told never to divulge the secret of their adopted son, if they even knew it. Come to think of it, I doubt that they realize even Kade is a fully legitimate heir of Devan. If they drew the connection, they probably just thought that he was a bastard. It’s what I would have thought, had I lain eyes on him independently. He’d be one of Devan, Damien, or Darion’s to be sure.” Adrian was a little shocked at that, wondering if there were other Di Coteaus that he didn’t know about.

“Did either of the others have bastards?” Ysabel’s eyes flashed at that, but Adrian hoped that she didn’t take it as a sign of disrespect.

“My husband and I took many lovers into our beds when he was alive, together and separately. With the females, we were always careful to never let that happen.” Adrian nodded. “As for Damien… I’m sure he has a few illegitimates somewhere. I remember that there once was a pair of twins born to a prostitute in his territory, and the rumor was that they were Damien’s.”

l“Where are they now?” The possibility of other bastard-born children intrigued Adrian, just in case Kade didn’t work out. They would have sufficient lineage to make a marriage but wouldn’t have the spoiled and cruel upbringing that was typical of a Nabian highborn.

“Jezebel killed them both in their infancy.” Adrian looked horrified at that, and gave Ysabel a probing look. When she shrugged her shoulders, he felt his mouth go slightly ajar.

“How… why would she do such a thing?”

“She was protecting her own interests. I don’t blame her.”

“General Clarion – surely you don’t mean that! You would condone the murder of innocent babes?” Ysabel shrugged again.

“It is our way. The top families of this country have operated this way for centuries.”

“That’s horrible.” They sat in silence for a bit, which was only broken by the innkeeper coming by to bring a hot meal and some ale. Adrian paid for the two of them, and the conversation resumed once she left.

“Do you think that Alex will be able to change things so that you all don’t operate in such a way?” Ysabel raised an eyebrow at that, clearly amused.

“When Alexandre is the supreme ruler of this land, he can do whatever he wants.”

“Supreme ruler?”

“Yes, of course. Don’t tell me you really believe his motivations are purely altruistic? The way that he was raised would not allow for such a thing.”

“I’m sure there are selfish reasons mixed in… his marriage to Prince Cathcart, for instance. I can’t think of a more personal reason than love. But I really do think that he has the good of everyone in mind. And I have to believe that he would never stand for the murder of children in the new world that he shapes.”

“I think you’re being naïve, Prince Fray.”

“All due respect General Clarion, I think you’re missing the point.” Ysabel seemed to reflect on that, strumming her hands against the table. After a few moments, she waved her hand as if to dismiss the thought.

“What are your plans with Kade?”

“I’ll visit him tomorrow, I suppose. I think it would be good to get to know him outside of the bonds of marriage first. I don’t have too much time before I should probably propose, but whatever small chance I can get to learn about him, I’ll take.”

“I see. And do you plan on telling him who he really is?”

“I suppose I’ll have to, so that he knows why he’s receiving my offer.” Ysabel nodded, her face stern.

“Just be careful about that. Make sure that no one around you hears, and he tells no one about the betrothal. My brother-in-law is a very dangerous man.”

“You think he would pose some kind of threat to me?”

“I don’t know. I imagine he’s protective of his only living son, despite the standoff role he plays in his life. Make no mistake that he will know of our arrival in his lands before the sun sets.” Adrian looked out the window of the inn and saw that it was almost sundown already. “Most of the threat will be from others, once they find out why you’re here and who Kade is. My brother originally set out to kill Devan’s children, and will not be pleased that he failed at the task all those years ago. It’s attacks from his people that you’ll really need to watch out for.” Adrian gulped, thinking of Yago. He had never met the general before, and hoped that he would never have a run in with the man.

“I’ll take him to General Alexandre’s estate as soon as I possibly can. From there, we’ll leave for the merchant’s coast and head to the Illjard as soon as possible. I’ve got a captain already chartered and waiting.”

“Good,” Ysabel said flatly. “Watch your back here, on the journey, and at home. I have no doubt someone will come for Kade.”

“We will. What are you going to do?”

“It’s been a while since I’ve been in the north. I need to check in on Damien and Devan, and discuss the war with them. Troop supplies from them have been lacking to say the least, and I want to make sure that there is no hold out. I’ll head out in the morning.” Adrian nodded.

“Good luck.”

“Thank you. Good luck to you as well.” Adrian gave a half frown at that.

“Let’s hope that I don’t need it. Not for this first part at least?”

“You mean seducing Kade Hawkins?”

“Precisely.”

“You will most definitely need luck.”

“What makes you say that?”

“He’s a Di Coteau. Maybe not in name, but in blood. I have no doubt he’ll prove to be a challenge in his own way. Besides, he’s already taken advantage of you once.”

“How so?” Ysabel smirked at that, and Adrian felt that she was bordering on condescension.

“It’s amazing that you didn’t notice. He robbed you, Prince.”

“What?” Adrian felt a sudden rush of nervousness, patting down his pockets.

“When he asked you about your shoes. He got you to look down, and took the coin purse that had been attached to your belt on the back right side.” Adrian patted at the area, and realized that Ysabel was correct. He hadn’t even noticed that it was missing, and felt raw stupor at the situation.

Well shit.

“Like I said,” continued Ysabel after she let the realization sink in for a bit. “Good luck.”

***

Alexandre was with Carl when his daily correspondence arrived, and he flipped lazily through the few letters that he received. Most of his business mail would still have gone to his estate, as he was usually on the move during times of war and very few people knew where he stayed at one time. Luca would handle all of that, and as expected Alex saw that Luca had sent a weekly update letter on the affairs of his generalship. There was another note from his mother stating that she and Adrian had made it up through the line into Devan’s territory, and had successfully run into Kade Hawkins.

That didn’t take long, he mused. Travelling north to south had been made easy once the wallfort was conquered, and Alex supposed that the prince of the Illjard had a kind of immunity to guerilla attacks. Not that many people would be stupid enough to attack my mother anyhow. Of all of the generals on our side of the rebellion, she was probably the least likely to be attacked due to her relations with Yago Clarion. Her reputation probably doesn’t hurt either.

After browsing through a report from the squad leader of his troops stationed in Elsa Torne’s territory, that concluded his mail for the day. He was glad of that, and was resolved to take a short break before getting back to work. He felt like he had played through every scenario of how this war could proceed, and had a response for every potential move. The worst case scenario was that the other generals would coordinate an attack across the country, and hit areas where he was spread too thin. Alex didn’t think that this was likely considering there weren’t many people who had the will to unite the opposing generals, but the possibility made him uncomfortable. I probably should run through a few more mock battles again, he thought with a sigh.

“Something on your mind?” asked Carl, giving his husband a kiss on the top of his head. Carl had approached Alex from behind, and wrapped his arms around the shorter man’s torso. Carl’s height made holding Alexandre easy, as Alex’s head only came up to Carl’s chest. Carl’s head could rest perfectly on top of Alexandre’s, and Alex loved the feeling of being grabbed this way.

“Everything is on my mind,” Alex grumbled. “Always.”

“Me too.” They stood in silence that way for a little while, before Carl’s hands began to wander. He groped Alex from behind, and slipped one hand down the front of Alexandre’s pants. Alex felt himself hardening at the touch, and pressed his backside up against Carl with a sharp breath.

“I could take your mind off of things,” said Carl in a low voice.

“That sounds nice…” Alex had just turned to kiss Carl passionately, when the door to their room flew open and Elsa Torne cleared her throat. The pair stopped their activities, and turned while smoothing out their clothes and trying to regain some composure.

“Sorry boys,” Elsa Torne said. She looked completely unphased and was attended by one of the servants that lived in the maze that was her home. “Urgent news.” This made Alex go serious immediately, and he strode forward quickly towards the other General. She held out a letter that boasted the remnants of a fine wax seal, and Alex took it from her quickly to begin reading it. “This came overnight for you. My assistant flagged it, and we brought it as soon as possible.”

As soon as possible after reading it first, you mean, Alex thought slightly annoyed. He read it over once, and then passed it to Carl. Once Carl got through it, he paused and flipped the document over to look at the seal.

“This can’t be legitimate. Can it?” Elsa Torne nodded, and made questioning eye contact with Alex.

“I wasn’t aware that you knew Jared Coyne.” Alex frowned while thinking, and carefully spoke his reply.

“I wasn’t aware that I knew him either. Though, my love, I think that it is perfectly legitimate. He makes reference to a conversation that I had with him at the victory feast for the fall of the wallfort. He was the Ironian soldier that fought with us on the frontlines.” Carl’s eyes went wide with recognition.

“He was the one you saved. On the wall – he fell and you caught him?”

“Yes,” Alex said, “I think so. I distinctly remember the Ironian soldier, and he fought like a prince would. Come to think of it, he looked similar to his uncle and cousins…”

“The Monciets that you executed,” Elsa said dryly.

“Yes.”

“I can also confirm that this is a legitimate invitation. I have done business with the Coyne family before – this is their seal, and the handwriting is Jared’s.” This raised a huge question in Alexandre’s mind, and he couldn’t help but immediately grow suspicious of Elsa Torne.

How does she know them? Why would she have worked with them before?

“I see,” said Alex plainly. He didn’t want to give his incredulousness at her statement away, and decided to respond as shortly as possible.

“What are we going to do? This has got to be a trap, right?”

“I don’t know,” said Alex. “I have no way to tell. He could have killed me several times already, and didn’t. That’s a good sign.”

“If you go, I go too. The Cathcarts and the Coynes still have good relations. I’ll help to ensure no foul play.” Alex nodded, already accepting this idea.

“Very well. If we do decide to go, we need to keep this an absolute secret. We can head up the main line back home, and stop by the manse on the way. It’s easier to get into Ironia through the north anyway, and we can bring Luca and Eamon to negotiations.”

“That sounds like you’ve already decided,” commented Elsa Torne.

“I haven’t. But I need to be prepared for all cases,” retorted Alex.

“Let me know when you decide. I’ll make it seem like you’re still here in the Capitol while you travel, if you do decide to go.”

“Thank you. I’ll let you know.”

He picked up the letter, and read it over one last time:

To the Honorable General Alexandre Di Coteau,

I, Prince Jared Coyne, invite you at the behest of my cousin Marion Monciet to visit us in your recently conquered territory of the former Monciet Kingdom. We seek to negotiate the release of these lands, an apology from yourself, and reparations for the damage that you have caused. Otherwise, expect full military engagement from the remaining forces of the Monciet and Coyne territories combined.

I do not intend this to be a threat or incite your ill will. We ask this because we believe that this will be mutually beneficial to both parties involved. You will get your men from these regions back for the war effort, and we will have an ancestral home returned to us. Should these negotiations prove successful, please know that you will have the full support of the powers of Ironia for your uprising.

I must admit that I was skeptical of your claims about your vision for the future when I first heard of them. It will not be easy for Marion or I to forgive you for the harm you have done our family. I very recently had the chance to kill you myself, and would have done so had it not been for the fact that you saved my life beforehand. Where I failed as an assassin, I hope to succeed as a diplomat. After all, you told me yourself that it was the people of all nations that would form the bond you were looking for to change this world. Our conversation by the wine fountain gave me hope that you did want to inspire change, and I seek to hold you to your claims.

Meet with us three weeks from now, and let us all work towards a brighter future together.

Sincerely,

Prince Jared Coyne