Doves and Peacocks
An Appointment
Aleigh halted as he came face-to-face with Aligon at the foot of the stairs. His brother laid a hand on his shoulder the very instant he halted, preventing any attempt at a quick exit.
“It’s good to see you, Aleigh,” he began, immediately ensnaring him in a conversation, forcing his attention to return. “I would like to discuss with you the matter of official reconciliation now.”
He resisted the urge to frown. “I have a minute. What about reconciliation do you wish to discuss with me?”
“By now you must know that you have been wildly successful in garnering a reaction—to the Luzerno family’s rule, specifically. I must now attempt to reconcile my path with the one you have suddenly decided to forge, because blood will not let us separate our goals and desires. Not unless you intend to overrule my very eloquent defences of your actions and admit to committing high treason…”
“I do not appreciate the picture you paint of me,” he replied. “But I shall comply because I, too, desire the longevity of your rule. I would prefer that it be attained without moral compromise, though.”
“Moral compromise cannot be avoided,” answered his brother, and Aleigh did not further that debate: that, he would reserve for the council room. “Nevertheless, I do have a task for you, related to your recent...misconduct. It may promise a solution that involves neither of us looking like an idiot. I would like to appoint you an ambassador to the clergy and charge you with the delivery of a message.”
“What shall I communicate to the clergy?”
“A specific member of the clergy, actually. Please inform the new Blessed Lady that the Arcane Royal Family is pleased with her appointment, and would like to offer her our love and friendship. Have her announce it publicly, if you’re able.”
Aleigh let himself frown this time. Public relations were all about aligning oneself with whomever had the favour of the most people—even if it meant lying about friendships—and he supposed the dishonesty would not be nearly as flagrant in this case since she was his friend, technically speaking…
“I shall do so at the next appropriate opportunity,” he replied.
“I am sure those will come in plenty,” said Aligon, with a grin that Aleigh would almost believe was sincere. “She is very partial towards you.”
“I’m sorry, you might be mistaken. I do not know if she even is capable of partiality.”
His brother quirked an eyebrow. “On the day of her trial, she expressed unto me an unequivocal interest in your well-being,” he replied.
“She did?”
“If you find it any comfort to know, I think that she is, indeed, capable of partiality, although I wasn’t sure of it until she spoke of you.” He smiled. “Please, court her—I mean her goodwill, of course—for our sake.”