You Can't be Serious

[Lord Daven St. Claire]

Once Marisa had been settled into her quarters, Daven decided to leave her to her own devices for a few hours. The man needed a bit of space to clear his head of her alluring nature and there was no doubt business that needed tending. Upon entering the study, he noticed several letters were waiting for him. They were ignored. Instead, he ventured over to his bookcase and pulled down a few volumes that contained the lists of the numerous businesses and merchants in the city. He was going to have to strike deals with them if the tournament was going to be successful. Marisa would be handling arrangements for other matters, but matters of business and economics were strictly his own.

He was unaware of William's desire to speak with him, becoming lost in his search and making a list at his desk. He would have to move swiftly, he concluded, but he ultimately felt he would be successful. Merchants always enjoyed making more money, especially if there was to be a large influx of courtiers. It would be a good time for Twinport, he concluded, even if it would be a little chaotic.

NPC Lord

[NPC Lord]

The longer the Duke tarried with the upstart de Vere wench, the more angry the steward became. The wench was an unwelcome distraction, hardly fit to be installed in the rooms given her, and he did not miss the bold manner in which she cast her lures towards their normally level-headed Duke. Outraged, he refused to consider that Daven St. Claire would entertain the idea of wedding such a woman, much less installing her as the new Duchess. Approaching the study, he reined in his revulsion and temper sufficiently to remember his place. A hand knocked firmly to solicit permission to enter, waiting with a measure of ill-concealed impatience. They needed to talk, even if His Grace was not likely to enjoy the conversation in the slightest.

What was the man thinking, passing over the Lady Julia for the likes of that one? True, the girl was attractive, but that was not a measure of worth in selecting a Duchess. William shook his head over the folly of men who allowed themselves to be swayed by such nonsense. He had not thought Daven St. Claire capable of that, yet here they were. Taking a deep breath, he squared his shoulders and prepared himself to speak with his duke on the matter.


Lord Daven St. Claire

[Lord Daven St. Claire]

William's displeasure over Daven's selection of a bride was a clear one, but the Duke said nothing about it. After all, what was to be said? It was Daven's decision, not William's, to decide who the new Lady of Twinport would be. As fond as he had become of Marisa, it was still a very difficult decision for him to make. Julia had been groomed for the position, given up her chance at being Queen, and now Daven had considerably altered her future. It was a decision that still drove him to drink. Indeed, he eyed the decanter of brandy settled on the heavy oaken shelf not a meter away.

No, he needed a clear head right now.

At the knock, Daven glanced idly toward the door and let out a breath. "Enter," the command was brusque.


NPC Lord