Family of Lies: Sebastian

by Sam Argent

  “He came looking for me even though his wounds weren’t healed yet. I did not seek him out,” Sebastian swore.

  “Unfortunately, I believe you,” the captain said. “Hm,” he muttered.

  “What?”

  Captain Pembrost placed his hand over Turren’s stomach. “The prince has received more healing. Did you stop by a mender before coming here?”

  “No,” Sebastian said. “That is exactly how I found him.”

  A man pushed them aside, and Sebastian recognized the court wizard’s robes. Lord Pasley swatted at Pembrost’s hands and touched the prince’s wounds. “Captain Pembrost’s assessment is correct. What is your name, boy?”

  “Sebastian Orwell, and I have no magic.”

  “He’s my other rabbit,” Captain Pembrost said.

  Lord Pasley frowned. “Orwell?”

  Uniformed men and women streamed out of the castle, and in their midst, taller and broader than his son, was King Harris. Shit. “I should go, Captain. Lord Bast is expecting me.”

  “Harold will respect your reason for delay,” the king said. He turned to the captain. “Hold him until Turren wakes and tells his story.” King Harris lifted his son off the horse, and Pasley helped him carry the prince to the infirmary, leaving Sebastian alone with the captain and a group of guards.

  “I should have minded my own business,” Sebastian said.

  Captain Pembrost shrugged. “Doing the right thing does have its own consequences, but you’re in this mess because of the tavern incident. You and I need to chat.”

  “I only found the prince and brought him here as my duty,” Sebastian said.

  “Uh-huh,” Captain Pembrost said. “I’ll put you in the barracks tonight. You’ll be surrounded by guards without being a prisoner. You’ll also be protected from anyone who thinks you’re involved with the prince’s bad health.”

  “Save a man’s life and then face accusations of a conspiracy. I should have stayed home. When your prince wakes up, thank him for putting me in this situation.”

  Captain Pembrost smiled. “Only your deceit is responsible for this,” he whispered so the other guards couldn’t hear him.

  CHAPTER 5

  SEBASTIAN’S EYES drowsily opened to bunk beds and cabinets lining the walls from floor to ceiling. Steaming foods, looking more appetizing than military rations, sat on a nearby table. There had been nothing but interviews since the guards forced Sebastian into the castle. Sometimes the king watched, and Pembrost asked questions until night turned to morning. Sebastian smiled. Despite their efforts, his tongue didn’t slip from his original story. He quickly ate the biscuits and sausage so he could have energy for an escape. There were guards posted at his door, but the ones from last night weren’t mages. He opened his door to see if his bad luck still held, but the guards were gone. Sleeping Beauty has finally awakened. Looking both ways, Sebastian stepped into the hall and closed the door behind him. He turned around, and Captain Pembrost stood with his arms crossed.

  “A latrine break?” the captain asked.

  “Where else would I be going?”

  “With me to see the prince.”

  “Awake one morning and already making unnecessary demands. What’s in it for me?”

  “We forget the tavern incident and call it a simple misunderstanding.”

  “Which means I’ll be paid for saving the prince’s life twice?”

  “Maybe.”

  Sebastian mirrored the captain’s crossed arms. “Maybes are for weather forecasters and con men.”

  “An expert on the latter, are we?”

  “Insulting me increases my price,” Sebastian said.

  “Fine! You’ll be rewarded for saving the prince twice, but you have to be civil,” Captain Pembrost bargained.

  “That depends on you returning my book.” Sebastian thrust his hand out and waited.

  Captain Pembrost smiled. “I accidentally left it in the prince’s room.”

  Bastard. Sebastian waved his hand at Captain Pembrost. “Go on, lead the way to the eager puppy.”

  “And no calling him names,” Captain Pembrost said before turning on his heel and leading Sebastian to the pain in the ass who was responsible for ruining his peaceful week.

  A LONG bandage was wrapped around Turren’s bare midsection, but he still managed to smile. Sebastian rolled his eyes. No names, but I am tempted. Silence became uncomfortable in the room when neither man would speak first. The king drew in breath to break it, but Prince Turren cleared his throat. “You keep seeing me at my worst, Sebastian. Thank you for saving my life.”

  Sebastian shrugged. “Your death would have been inconvenient, to the country and definitely to my family if you died in my company.”

  King Harris sputtered, but Prince Turren laughed so hard he doubled over in pain. He sank back against the pillows and smiled at Sebastian weakly. “It amazes me how nothing intimidates you. I never did ask how your family is doing.”

  “Far more prosperous than they think or deserve,” Sebastian said.

  The prince yawned and shook his head.

  “Sleep now, son. Frederick can continue his work once you’ve built up more strength,” the king advised him.

  “I can stay up longer. I enjoy speaking with Sebastian,” Turren said, but another yawn wedged his mouth open.

  “Enough. Rest. Sebastian will be here when you wake again,” King Harris promised and gave Sebastian a stern look. The prince’s eyelids drifted down while Sebastian quietly stood by the door. After Turren’s breathing evened out, the king turned around and motioned for them to follow him. King Harris walked down the hall until they were out of Turren’s hearing. “Did you drop my son off in a tavern?”

  Sebastian crossed his arms and studied the two older men. “Yes, and that’s because I knew this situation would happen.”

  “Whoever harmed my son could have attacked him again due to your recklessness!” King Harris whispered fiercely.

  “In an establishment run by former City Watch? He was as safe as with your castle guards.”

  “Did you see the prince’s attackers?” Captain Pembrost asked.

  “No, only the prince came through the woods on our property.”

  “Are we supposed to take your word now after you lied for so long?”

  “Twice I saved his life when ignoring him would have been more sensible, and twice I’ve returned your princeling with all his coin intact except for needed expenses. I’m not a knight, but I do have integrity,” Sebastian said.

  “If you were like your siblings, I would have more faith in my ability to ascertain how much truth you’re speaking, but there is something of your father in you.” King Harris shook his head. “I almost envy his ability to twist the truth.”

  Sebastian stiffened at the insult even though he was lying. “Other than a sliver of intelligence, we have nothing in common.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that since he’s on his way. Your father sent word that your family will arrive tomorrow morning. It’s my duty to ensure that the subject responsible for saving my son’s life makes it home safely. Turren was ambushed and has no idea who the men were that attacked him. It would put us both at ease if you accepted our hospitality and left in greater numbers with your family.”

  “And if I don’t accept?” Sebastian heard Captain Pembrost groan behind him but didn’t back down.

  “Then I assume that such a rational young man making a hasty decision is too tired to travel or encountered the same poison as my son. I must have my cousin attend you at once.” King Harris pushed Sebastian back with a beefy hand, and Sebastian fell against Lord Pasley, who had quietly snuck up behind him.

  “That is unnecessary, Your Majesty. The prince is still wounded, and Lord Pasley should stay by his side,” Sebastian insisted, wishing he could strike the court wizard without reprimand.

  “He’s too weak to handle more healing tonight, as both of us know, and we should talk.” Pasley grabbed Sebastian’s wrist and dragg
ed him away from the smirking King Harris and Captain Pembrost’s shaking head. Sebastian caught the captain muttering “Too much pride,” and concentrated on staying on his feet while being pulled against his will.

  “What about my book?”

  “After I question you.”

  I HOPE you’re finally tired. For hours, Sebastian had been stuck in Frederick’s study while spells were cast at the illusion on his cloak.

  Lord Pasley threw up his hands and cursed. “For a family without much magic, you have in your possession one of the strongest enchanted items I have ever seen. Are you a hunchback that you go to such extremes of hiding your face? And your gloves are enchanted too!”

  “Perhaps I should have mentioned that both items were gifts from my sister, Ophelia.” Sebastian watched Lord Pasley’s hazel eyes narrow and smiled beneath his hood. “Did I forget to tell you?” he asked innocently.

  “The prince’s wound didn’t heal itself. Your sister made your clothing, but the healing was your magic!”

  “Maybe, or the prince could have performed magic while I wasn’t looking.”

  “Why do you hide your power?”

  Because my siblings are asses who would bug me for spells every second. “Why does it matter to you? The prince is safe, and I will have no further business with you when I leave. Besides, it’s costing you every hour I’m in your custody.” Sebastian folded his hands over his lap.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, my father insists that I need to be a better son, and nothing short of two purses of gold as a reward would satisfy him.” Lord Pasley’s eyes widened in shock. “I, of course, find payment for my actions mercenary and intend to talk my father out of being too greedy, but perhaps I should demand three purses instead. My father is dependable to exaggerate my good deeds to the point that I defended the prince from a hundred bandits, and I find my confinement annoying.”

  “You’re too young to be so cranky.” Lord Pasley crossed his arms. “What about Prince Turren? He’s worried rightly that you’ll be gone when he awakes, and as you said, the country relies on his health.”

  “The best compromise I can offer is that I will visit the prince before I leave. If he’s awake, I’ll speak with the stubborn ass.” Sebastian held up his hand to forestall the wizard from defending his prince. “And on the condition that you will not discuss ridiculous stories about me having magic with my family.”

  Lord Pasley’s bushy brows arched out of their V of anger and reached up into his sandy-brown hair in speculation. “I’ll see what the king has to say. But I want your word that you will not try to leave without permission.”

  “It’s yours… until it grows too late for my liking.”

  Lord Pasley shook his head in the same manner as Captain Pembrost and muttered, “I pity my cousin,” and shut the door behind him.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “I CAN’T believe you and Anne caught up with them but didn’t interfere,” King Harris said. “What if he hadn’t brought Turren to safety?”

  “Her Majesty felt confident that Turren knew what he was doing, and it gave us the chance to double back and catch a pair of the prince’s pursuers,” Captain Pembrost said.

  “Are either of them talking yet?” the king asked.

  “So far, they know very little,” Frederick spoke up. “Anne got the mercenaries talking, but she thinks we’ll find out more from who hired them. She’s sniffing around where they picked up the job. Turren seems happy about the outcome.”

  The king sighed. “You could have told me Turren has romantic designs on Sebastian. I don’t see this pursuit working out in his favor.”

  “Whether or not he succeeds, it’ll be a learning experience for him either way.”

  “I have no idea what to make of Sebastian. What did you learn from seeing the boy?” King Harris asked him.

  “He’s a strange one. I’ve heard no mention of anyone besides Ophelia and Diana possessing magic among the Orwell children,” Frederick said. “That’s part of the deal too. We let him leave on his terms and keep quiet about his powers.”

  “I still haven’t seen him without the hood,” King Harris said in exasperation. “What’s your opinion, Pembrost? He asked for you when he rode up to the gates.”

  Pembrost shrugged. “He’s cranky, secretive, and arrogant. Honest to a fault when it suits him, and has little patience. Damn good in a fight, loyal to his family but doesn’t bring himself down to their level. He is the main caregiver to his blind sister, Ophelia, and has eyes the color of peridot.” King Harris and Frederick stared at him in astonishment. “I’ve kept an eye on the boy because the prince’s interest never waned.”

  Two pairs of eyebrows were still raised. “Have you seen his face?” King Harris asked.

  “No, the part about peridot eyes is what the prince kept going on about after Sebastian hit him. I don’t think the cloaks held as strong enchantments then as they do today, so the prince was able to sneak a peek.”

  “He hit Turren?” Frederick asked, incredulous.

  “Against my better judgment, I allowed him to hang around Lord Orwell’s children. They were bullies, and Turren was no better. He made an unwise decision of joining them in making cruel sport of Sebastian,” King Harris explained.

  “He was always reading by himself, and the children thought he was an easy target. Sebastian showed them that it’s never a good idea to disturb the quiet ones,” Captain Pembrost added.

  “Who falls in love after being thrashed?” Frederick asked.

  “I suspect the prince fell for him before that mess, but Sebastian made a bigger impact by making him feel shame for the first time,” the captain explained. “It’s not that unreasonable.”

  “But Sebastian doesn’t return the prince’s feelings, so why are you intent on pushing him to see Turren?” Frederick asked.

  “Because the prince didn’t have a chance as a boy, and I have faith in the man he’s become,” Captain Pembrost said proudly.

  “Harris, how do you feel about Turren succeeding?”

  “Despite my power, I have no authority in who my son loves. I wish he’d chosen an easier goal, but I like Sebastian’s backbone.”

  Frederick threw his arms in the air. “You’re both crazy.”

  “YOU’RE LEAVING?” Damn, I sound too pleading. Prince Turren lounged on his pillows in the low candlelight and tried to look relaxed.

  “Yes.”

  The raspy voice still sent tremors down Turren’s back, but the deeper tone it had grown into sent tremors lower.

  “You should be sleeping. There was no reason for you to see me.”

  There’s every reason in the world to see you. “So you say,” he said.

  Sebastian stepped closer to the bed. “Why do you want me here?”

  Sex is a bad answer and not realistic in my state. “What price do I have to pay in order to see your face?” Turren asked instead.

  “I haven’t decided yet, on the price or who should pay it. You’re an odd man to be attracted to someone whose face you haven’t seen,” Sebastian said.

  Turren’s cheeks turned red. “That’s not fair. I haven’t made the proper overtures yet.”

  “I wasn’t trying to be fair.”

  “If I prove myself to you, do you agree to let me see your face?” Turren asked.

  “We’ve spoken about impossible promises before, Your Highness.”

  “Do you agree or not, Sir Orwell?”

  “No.” Sebastian stood over him, unrelenting as ever.

  Turren sighed. “Not even as a request from an injured man?”

  Sebastian shook his head.

  “You never told me what you thought of the present, or maybe I can’t remember.”

  Sebastian carefully removed the expensive book from his cloak. “Thank you for giving me what you already owed. Our kingdom might not be doomed after all.”

  “If I manage to find the right husband, I’m sure I’ll do wel
l as a ruler,” Turren whispered as he reached for Sebastian’s hands. He felt Sebastian’s muscles go taut because his fingers did not slide off, so he stroked them until they relaxed. “I won’t force the issue no matter what you think of me,” he promised.

  “My opinion of you was never that low.” Sebastian didn’t move his hands. “I really have no idea what you see in me. Teaching you common sense once in your childhood should not have left such a great impression. I am not a pleasant person.”

  “Harold Bast, one of the wizards who was considered for the court appointment, calls you his friend. Do you think I should disregard his opinion of you too? You have little tact, but you do the right thing when it counts. That’s all that I ask of most men,” Turren said.

  “Too bad you’re asking more from me.”

  “Isn’t it normal to have higher expectations of abnormal men?”

  Sebastian picked up the glass of water from Turren’s meal tray. “I’m offended to hear you throw around that word,” Sebastian said before he took a drink. “You follow me around like a puppy, and I’m supposed to be the strange one.”

  Turren stared. “The cup disappears into your hood.”

  “My sister does not do shoddy work.”

  As the cup disappeared into the hood again, Turren wondered if everything going into it had that effect. Turren swallowed hard and bent over in a coughing fit, clutching his stomach in pain. Sebastian frowned but poured another glass for him.

  “What brought that on?” Sebastian asked.

  “Nothing,” Turren said before he gulped down the water quickly.

  “Maybe I shouldn’t be here.”

  “I’m fine. I just need to watch my thoughts while I’m still healing.”

  “What thoughts?”

  “Nothing that would interest you,” Turren said.

  “As mouthy as you’ve been, you’re suddenly playing coy.”