Three men congregated in Delrik's office. The first was Felux, who had recently returned from his red herring trip and was furious after being caught up on the goings on of the castle. He was brooding menacingly in the corner, leaning against the wall, watching with careful eyes every micromovement the other's made.
The second was, of course, Delrik himself. He sat at his desk and pretended he was calm, cool and collected. Internally, he was anything but.
Lastly, kneeling on the floor in front of Delrik's desk, was the indigent Sutter. Not only was he denying the fact that he had failed his assignment, but he was infuriated by everyone getting in his way. He was certain that if it had just been him and the maid, he would have gotten the intel.
In his indifferent way, Delrik said, "I thought perhaps she knew something, it turns out I was wrong."
Delrik tossed a bag of gold at Sutter's feet. This was a bribe to shut up, stop asking questions and move on. Sutter could tell that much.
Sutter said, "She knows something. She has to."
Delrik said, "Sutter, get out."
Sutter hesitated for just a moment, considering his options. He wanted that intel. Hearing Felux stir in the corner, Sutter grabbed the bag and made his way to the door.
As Sutter passed, Felux glared and said, "I'd be best if we didn't see your face around here again."
Sutter said, "You expect me to leave the Duchy just like that?"
Felux brought his hand to his sword as he said, "Aye. I do."
Sutter left the room, a mumbled insult under his breath.
Felux moved to the center of the room and glowered down at Delrik, who began to squirm in his chair.
Felux said, "You paid Sutter to threaten Tilda."
Delrik moved his way towards the window and gestured a sweeping movement with his hand, saying, "Please, I didn't know he would go that far."
Felux cut him off, forcing Delrik to face him straight on, and said, "You hired Sutter. Sutter! You know how far Sutter'll go."
Delrik took a step back. Emotions were whirling inside. Shame. Guilt. Anger. Envy. Indignation. Contempt. He was confused and he didn't know how to process any of it.
"I…" Delrik swallowed, "There is perhaps a chance that I have made a mistake. It seems my actions, as guided by the dictates of my conscience, have led me to act, perhaps rashly."
"Rashly? I'll tell you what's rash. Don't be surprised if you find my resignation on your desk."
"You wouldn't quit over an incident like this."
"Give me a reason not to."
"I-" Delrik started, but he didn't know what to say. He couldn't give Felux a reason.
Delrik knew he was a terrible man. There never was a good reason for anyone to stay with him. Not Felux. Not Cosaria. He couldn't help but feel anguish at remembering the look on Cosaria's dainty face when she left the shed.
With nothing else to say, Delrik conceded, "Cosaria is mad at me."
"And I."
Exasperated, Delrik said, "And you and that maid. Everyone is mad at me."
Felux nodded. Admittance. This was a big step for Delrik.
Collapsing back into his chair, Delrik said, "What do I do?"
Felux's anger towards Delrik began to trade itself for pity. He said, "I don't know. But maybe there's a way to start."
"And what would that be?"
Felux smirked, "Summon all the strength you have, internalize every manly mantra you know, and apologize."
Delrik scoffed, "Apologize? Nobles don't apologize."
"The weak don't apologize. The strong do."
Delrik matched Felux's unwavering gaze. They were at a standoff, each one daring the other to give in. Finally, Delrik couldn't stand it anymore. He turned his face to the window, saying, "I hate you."
Felux sat back on his heels, folded his arms in triumph and said, "You hate me being right."
༻✧༺
In the castle library, Cosaria sat on one of the lounge chairs reading while Tilda busied herself reshelving a stack of books.
Like a shadow, Delrik crept into their vision and hovered by one of the shelves.
Cosaria put her book down as soon as she saw him, saying, "Delrik."
Delrik took a deep breath and asked, "May I sit?"
Tilda stiffened as Cosaria said, "Of course."
Putting her books down, Tilda stood behind Cosaria as Delrik went and sat across from the women.
After a moment of tense silence, Delrik said, "I feel I need to apologize. It seems I have offended the lady. For what offense, there are many."
What is this cheap apology? Tilda thought.
Cosaria said, "Of course you're forgiven."
Looking up with hopeful eyes, Delrik said, "Thank you."
Delrik glanced at Tilda.
"What?" Tilda said.
Delrik responded, "I must also ask for your forgiveness as well. I have not acted well."
Tilda folded her arms as she asked, "In what way?" She didn't believe this apology had any real sincerity to it.
Delrik said, "You put your trust in me and I sent someone to test and to threaten you."
A few insufferable seconds passed with the ticking of the clock on the wall. Finally, Tilda sighed. He wasn't perfect, but for a brat like him, this was probably the best he could do and she could appreciate the effort.
Tilda said, "I need to apologize as well. I told you that I would accept my fate and then I got mad that you chose to test me."
Delrik said, "Yes, that was quite obnoxious."
"You-!" Tilda's temper flared. She paused, took a deep breath, then continued, "I don't like you, but I can forgive you."
Nodding, Delrik said, "You're a better person than I am."
No duh, Tilda thought, while she said, "What an odd thing to say, your Lordship."
"If someone had tried to threaten or test me, I would have had them killed."
Tilda stared at Delrik blankly. Had he just put himself in her shoes? Also, why? Did he even realize that she had no power to retaliate even if she wanted to? Was he that much of a self centered prat?
Cosaria couldn't hold back anymore as she rushed to sit next to Delrik and stare into his eyes. Leaning towards him, she said, "I'm so glad that we can all get along. Delrik, you're so amazing."
The show of affection made Tilda want to puke as she resumed putting books away. Delrik looked away and brought his hand to cover his blushing face.
Glancing at the couple in her peripheral vision, Tilda thought, I can't tell if he was being manipulative or genuine. Or both.
༻✧༺
It was evening, and the sunset lit up the sky like fire in the clouds. Tilda and Felux had hidden away, snuggled on the roof of one of the watchtowers. They had both found moments to escape the mundane duties of life and enjoy a blissful moment together.
Staring at the hills in the far distance, Tilda said, "I really hate Lord Delrik."
Felux said, "He'll grow on you."
"Will he?"
"Aye, he's one of them tormented souls, needs mothered."
"So he's a loser cause he can't figure out his life."
Felux laughed, "That's a way to put it."
"Why do you choose to serve a guy like that?"
"This'll be hard to believe, but he's a dear friend."
Tilda sighed, "I guess I should try to get along with him then."
"Naw. The less interactions between you and he, the better."
"Why's that?"
Felux lifted Tilda's chin as he said, "He'd come to see yer amazingness and fight me fer your affection."
"You think he would fall for me?"
"I know he would." Felux's expression was soft as he stroked her face with his thumb. His eyes seemed to say, I know he'd fall fer you, just like I have.
Tilda blushed and looked away, saying, "Oh. Then are you worried I would fall for him?"
"Naw, I donna think so. He's lacking certain amounts of healthy self image," then as an afterthought Felux said, "But a heart can change."
Tilda took Felux's hand and began to trace its creases as she said, "So long as you remain yourself, I know that my heart will be attracted to you."
Felux smiled and said, "I donna know I's so charming."
"You are."
Then Felux leaned in, and they shared a kiss.
༻✧༺
Delrik stared out his window at the stars dotting the sky. The night was cold and it was only growing colder.
He said, "Enter," when a knock rapped at his door.
Cosaria entered, asking, "Are you ready for me to try to heal your curse?"
Delrik turned, exposing his unbuttoned shirt and cursed body. He said, "I've been expecting you."
Cosaria blushed furiously.
Smiling, Delrik took a few steps towards her and lifted a strand of her hair. He asked, "Do I make you uncomfortable?"
Cosaria stammered, "N- No. Not at all. I'm just… I'm so proud of you today."
Delrik dropped her hair, asking, "For what cause?"
"You were so strong, when you apologized to me and Tilda."
"I was?"
"Why yes, of course. Tilda is a maid and sometimes even she can make a mistake. Promise me you won't kill her."
She was pleading to him with those entrancing sky blue orbs. Delrik said, "I promise."
"She's the closest thing I have to real family."
Delrik thought, I'm tired of hearing all about this maid girl.
Delrik pinned Cosaria against the wall and towered over her saying, "What does that make me? I thought I was your husband."
Cosaria couldn't meet his eyes as she stuttered, "You… you are. It's just… she. She kept me alive. She cared. And when things are uncertain, she's there."
"I see," Delrik said as he pulled away and moved to the window.
That maid has both Cosaria and Felux wrapped around her fingers, Delrik thought, How? How is it a commoner, as low as her, could have the power to take away everything I hold dear?
Cosaria interrupted Delrik's thoughts, saying, "Are you… are you ready for me to heal you?"
Delrik nodded.