Looking at himself in the mirror, Ivan fixed his clothing carefully. Everything had to be perfect. Slicking his hair, he flashed a perfectly white smile at himself and left. In the halls, he gave polite nods to all the servants and walked into Alexei's office.
"Father." Spreading his hands wide, he waited for a hug that never came. Shrugging, he took a seat and poured himself a drink.
"You've heard?" Raising an eyebrow, he looked at his son with worried eyes. Kissing his lips, he swirled the drink and scoffed, shaking his head.
"Dimitri is a funny guy. Two imperial bastards." Taking a sip, he hid his chuckle. "It's quite a good joke."
"He doesn't lie, Ivan. Not about these things and not to me." Alexei seriously said. Ivan smiled strangely and brushed the hair that fell over his eye. "Do you." Pausing, Alexei licked his lip and sighed. "Do you think he played us? Offloading a cripple onto us?"
"Cripple, bastard. Is there much difference?"
