It was afternoon before Drake had any news regarding the fate of his previously employed consorts. Alice returned first, with Fox, and the news was as Drake had feared.
Fox had been dismissed from his house for the same reasons River had left hers. Unfortunately, Fox had no savings, so the man had spent the last few days sleeping in the street. The first thing Drake ordered was to get him a shave, a bath, and a change of clothes.
Waving off the loudly grateful words of Fox—whose real name was Hector—Drake considered just what he was going to do about this new gambit by the other manor lords to fuck with the little people. He’d never considered how people outside his manor might be affected by his actions, and he would from now on.
Yet in this case, the damage was done. Neither Hector nor River was ever going to be able to work in the capital again, and that made Drake furious. Yet he had no recourse since the manor lords weren’t acting directly against River and Hector. They had just made it clear that they expected everyone else to leave them out in the cold.
Once Fox was being taken care of, Drake gathered Lydia, Marissa, and Emily in his bedroom for a quick strategy session. Nicole was once again training the JV team today, with the help of Valentia. Drake didn’t want to interrupt their training for something like this.
“So,” Drake said. “It seems I’ve fucked up some lives.”
“You could not have known the other manor lords would react like this,” Lydia said.
“Not true. I should have considered they’d take any opportunity to strike against people they thought I might care about, especially those without the protection of my blood pact. So? What are my options? Can we get them a job somewhere in the capital?”
“I am a friend of the noble court, as is Lydia,” Marissa said. “If we were to request a position for River or Hector, I am certain we could get them an interview. They, however, would need to show themselves capable of filling the post. It would not be honorary.”
“That’s a good first option,” Drake agreed. “What else have we got?”
“You could bring them into your blood pact, lord!” Emily said. “You and Lark... I mean, River... truly seemed to bond when you spoke over drinks, and I imagine she is incredible at sex. Since you have no bed warmer—”
“I don’t need a bed warmer,” Drake interrupted firmly.
“I’m just saying, if you did need one, I’m certain she would be eager to serve!”
Drake cleared his throat. “So other than Emily’s horrifying suggestion, can we use them for anything else?”
“Like what, lord?” Marissa asked.
“For anything. I mean... I guess that’s our fallback, isn’t it? If we can’t get them jobs in the capital, I can take them as part of my blood pact.”
“They have no rarities,” Lydia said.
“That was a requirement for the old Lord Gloomwood,” Drake reminded her. “It’s never been one for me, and Lord Brightwater recruits those without rarities, doesn’t she?”
“Primarily sailors, and only those with tremendous skill,” Lydia reminded him. “The sailors she brings into her blood pact are skilled enough at sea that their rarities might as well be sailing ships.”
“Well, maybe River and Hector have skills equivalent to that. River certainly seemed badass enough during Darion’s rescue. We’ll just... interview them. Like a job interview.”
Marissa frowned. “The upper limit of a blood pact remains around one-hundred. While it is my understanding we are well below the cap, we must always consider our space before adding anyone new. Once a person joins the blood pact, they remain until death.”
He was tempted to remind his mother that his blood pact didn’t do anything but prevent people from being compelled to join other manors, but... that was the rub. He actually couldn’t trust anyone who wasn’t in his blood pact, since they could be abducted, forced into another blood pact, and re-inserted into his manor with a compulsion to kill him.
“I understand that, Marissa.” Drake had to focus so as not to call her Mom. “Still, those two wouldn’t be in this situation if I hadn’t forced their hand. I can’t just leave them homeless.”
“Most lords would not feel that way,” Lydia said.
Before he could protest, she lightly touched his arm.
“But you are not most lords,” Lydia reminded him with a smile. “And I do recall being impressed with River’s poise, grace, and ability to rapidly adapt to unfamiliar situations. So we will interview them both and see what they can do for us.”
“Good,” Drake said. “Then we’re agreed.”
“Today is a great day,” Emily said wistfully.
Drake frowned. “How is any of this great?”
“We already have Darion. If we get Hector as well...” She had that hungry look again.
Drake couldn’t believe how horny Emily was right now. What had gotten into her these past few days? Perhaps the warm air up here also overheated her brain.
“Which shall we do, lord?” Lydia asked. “Will you take them into your blood pact, or shall we ask for them to be interviewed in the capital?”
“Either,” Drake said. “Preferably the latter, but if we have to, the former.”
“Shall I have a set of interviews and tests prepared?”
“You’re talking about getting a feel for where their talents lie, correct?”
“Yes, lord. We have often offered the same tests to those of middling rarities who request to join our manor. Those with powerful rarities are often spared the basic tests, but we have ways to gauge talents for everyone else.”
“That’s perfect.” Lydia always seemed to have the answer he needed, and he once again smiled at his steward.
She smiled back. “Should I speak to Hector now?”
“No. Give him a day to relax and recover. I wouldn’t want to take a bunch of tests that might determine my future after spending three days starving on the streets. Once Darion returns with River, we’ll put them both up for the night and then ask them what they want to do tomorrow. If they’re interested in joining my manor, we’ll test them.”
“As you say, lord.”
Marissa crossed her arms. “Do you know yet when we will return to the manor?”
“We could get rolling tomorrow,” Drake said. “Unless anyone has a reason not to?”
Lydia hesitated, then spoke again. “Actually, lord...”
“What is it?” He’d rarely known her to hesitate like this.
“Well... my new title presents a possibility regarding one of our prior discussions.”
“You mean as a friend of the noble court?”
“Yes.” Lydia glanced at Marissa. “Lady Marissa has the same privileges, however, I think this request might come better from me. If you wish me to ask about it.”
“About what?”
“There are large stretches of private beach reserved for the friends of the noble court. They are away from the capital and relatively easy to secure. Capital guards can even be tasked to assist with ensuring they remain secure.”
Drake felt increasingly excited. “Lydia, are you telling me everyone could have a day to relax on a warm beach before I drag them back to our cold and gloomy manor?”
Marissa chuckled. “It’s not that cold, and the silverwood has always made me feel safe.”
“I’m sure it does,” Drake said hurriedly. “But Lydia, are you serious right now?”
“Of course,” his steward said. “I thought back to our conversation in the carriage during our ride to the temple after we arrived at the capital. About allowing the manor staff to have some... R and R, as you called it. And after all these stressful events...”
“We are one hundred percent doing a beach day,” Drake said with a grin. “That is not even a question. Maybe I can even set up my summit with Sky while you do all that.”
“Do you mean you would not wish to attend, lord?”
Drake stared. “Could I?”
“Lord,” Marissa cautioned. “I would not necessarily recommend—”
“I came this close to getting my head chopped off a week ago,” Drake interrupted. He looked to Lydia again. “What about the security concerns?”
“Those were only for a public beach or touring the capital itself. There are far too many public roads and alleyways to secure. However, the private beaches reserved for friends of the noble court only have a few guarded approaches. We would want to handle your security arrangements ourselves, but you could safely enjoy a day out if you wish.”
“Yes,” Drake interrupted firmly. “We are all doing this. Beach day, here we come.”
“I imagine the past few weeks have been rather stressful,” Marissa admitted.
“You’d think. One dude literally tried to suck my blood out through my eyes.”
His mother paled. “And we are all very glad you are still with us.”
“So where did you come from?” Emily asked curiously. “Lady Marissa?”
Marissa offered Emily a gentle smile. “I am an old friend of Lady Skybreak. I also have a great deal of experience in dealing with the noble court and in manor lord affairs. After I spoke with the Judge, and she told me that she owes Lord Gloomwood a debt for the actions he took on her behalf, she agreed I could be useful as an advisor to Lord Gloomwood. ”
His mother had just told the absolute truth without revealing a single thing about her true identity. Drake needed to get better at lying by telling the truth. The fact that he could lie normally in this world was counterbalanced by the fact that if the noble court ever learned he could lie, they would try to execute him again.
He knew now he would need to be very cautious with his unique gift. But still.... beach day! Finally, he would have a chance to relax without being abducted, arrested, or attacked.
“Could we invite Lord Skybreak and her folks to join us?” Drake asked.
“We could invite Lord Skybreak and possibly Lady Skybreak as our guests,” Lydia said. “Her bodyguards would likely attend if they chose to do so. However, the beach is not large enough for everyone in both manors, so sadly, I believe the rest would not be able to come.”
“That’s too bad,” Drake said. “Still, maybe we can do a barbecue with Skybreak Manor once we get back home.”
Lydia frowned. “Do you mean like... cooking meat together?”
“Exactly,” Drake said. “Though, I suppose our cooks would be cooking meat, and we’d all just be eating it and getting drunk while we get to know each other.”
“A banquet,” Marissa clarified. “And I think that is an excellent idea, lord.”
“Gee, thanks Marissa.”
Lydia nodded firmly. “Then with your permission, I will send word to the noble court that we wish to reserve a private beach for tomorrow.”
“Do it,” Drake said. “And tell them we’re bringing everyone, even the zarovians.”
Lydia hesitated. “The warm weather could make them a bit excitable.”
“Good! They’ve been marching or standing watch for weeks now. It’s time we let them cut loose and relax. Assuming we can trust the capital guards to handle security for us?”
“I would still suggest we choose some of our people as well,” Lydia said.
“That’s fine. Maybe we can have people take shifts so everyone gets time to unwind.” He looked around his quarters at his fluffy bed and his single wardrobe, which contained formal silverweave clothing and nothing else. “So, where can I get a swimsuit?”
“Drawers, lord,” Marissa corrected.
Drake snorted. “You call them drawers here?”
Emily leaned forward curiously. “What else would you call them?” She gasped. “Oh! Do you not wear drawers when you swim on Earth?” She smiled again. “Is this to be an Earth-style gathering? One without drawers? It is, after all, a private beach.”
“Settle down,” Drake said irritably. “What’s gotten into you, anyway?”
“I am not sure how you wish me to answer that question,” Emily said innocently.
“You know what... don’t.” Drake thought it over a little more. “Also, we’ll need some food for the beach, but let’s do something easy. I want Meryl and the cooks to have time to relax as well, not spend the whole time cooking for everyone.
From outside, a woman howled and then cursed loudly.
Drake was halfway to the door when Emily stopped him with an open palm to the chest. “Hold on, lord! You’ll interrupt the training exercise!”
“What training exercise?”
“Weight shifting,” Emily said. “I believe it was Valentia’s turn to teach the new thralls some of the basics of hand-to-hand grappling.”
From outside, a loud male howl matched the earlier female one, followed by Nicole’s hysterical laughter.
Drake frowned. “Just tell me we’re not breaking any limbs out there.”
“If such should happen,” Emily said patiently, “I’m certain we can heal them.”
Author's Note: Next week, beach day!
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Read Ahead on the Patreon
Chat On the Discord
It was afternoon before Drake had any news regarding the fate of his previously employed consorts. Alice returned first, with Fox, and the news was as Drake had feared.
Fox had been dismissed from his house for the same reasons River had left hers. Unfortunately, Fox had no savings, so the man had spent the last few days sleeping in the street. The first thing Drake ordered was to get him a shave, a bath, and a change of clothes.
Waving off the loudly grateful words of Fox—whose real name was Hector—Drake considered just what he was going to do about this new gambit by the other manor lords to fuck with the little people. He’d never considered how people outside his manor might be affected by his actions, and he would from now on.
Yet in this case, the damage was done. Neither Hector nor River was ever going to be able to work in the capital again, and that made Drake furious. Yet he had no recourse since the manor lords weren’t acting directly against River and Hector. They had just made it clear that they expected everyone else to leave them out in the cold.
Once Fox was being taken care of, Drake gathered Lydia, Marissa, and Emily in his bedroom for a quick strategy session. Nicole was once again training the JV team today, with the help of Valentia. Drake didn’t want to interrupt their training for something like this.
“So,” Drake said. “It seems I’ve fucked up some lives.”
“You could not have known the other manor lords would react like this,” Lydia said.
“Not true. I should have considered they’d take any opportunity to strike against people they thought I might care about, especially those without the protection of my blood pact. So? What are my options? Can we get them a job somewhere in the capital?”
“I am a friend of the noble court, as is Lydia,” Marissa said. “If we were to request a position for River or Hector, I am certain we could get them an interview. They, however, would need to show themselves capable of filling the post. It would not be honorary.”
“That’s a good first option,” Drake agreed. “What else have we got?”
“You could bring them into your blood pact, lord!” Emily said. “You and Lark... I mean, River... truly seemed to bond when you spoke over drinks, and I imagine she is incredible at sex. Since you have no bed warmer—”
“I don’t need a bed warmer,” Drake interrupted firmly.
“I’m just saying, if you did need one, I’m certain she would be eager to serve!”
Drake cleared his throat. “So other than Emily’s horrifying suggestion, can we use them for anything else?”
“Like what, lord?” Marissa asked.
“For anything. I mean... I guess that’s our fallback, isn’t it? If we can’t get them jobs in the capital, I can take them as part of my blood pact.”
“They have no rarities,” Lydia said.
“That was a requirement for the old Lord Gloomwood,” Drake reminded her. “It’s never been one for me, and Lord Brightwater recruits those without rarities, doesn’t she?”
“Primarily sailors, and only those with tremendous skill,” Lydia reminded him. “The sailors she brings into her blood pact are skilled enough at sea that their rarities might as well be sailing ships.”
“Well, maybe River and Hector have skills equivalent to that. River certainly seemed badass enough during Darion’s rescue. We’ll just... interview them. Like a job interview.”
Marissa frowned. “The upper limit of a blood pact remains around one-hundred. While it is my understanding we are well below the cap, we must always consider our space before adding anyone new. Once a person joins the blood pact, they remain until death.”
He was tempted to remind his mother that his blood pact didn’t do anything but prevent people from being compelled to join other manors, but... that was the rub. He actually couldn’t trust anyone who wasn’t in his blood pact, since they could be abducted, forced into another blood pact, and re-inserted into his manor with a compulsion to kill him.
“I understand that, Marissa.” Drake had to focus so as not to call her Mom. “Still, those two wouldn’t be in this situation if I hadn’t forced their hand. I can’t just leave them homeless.”
“Most lords would not feel that way,” Lydia said.
Before he could protest, she lightly touched his arm.
“But you are not most lords,” Lydia reminded him with a smile. “And I do recall being impressed with River’s poise, grace, and ability to rapidly adapt to unfamiliar situations. So we will interview them both and see what they can do for us.”
“Good,” Drake said. “Then we’re agreed.”
“Today is a great day,” Emily said wistfully.
Drake frowned. “How is any of this great?”
“We already have Darion. If we get Hector as well...” She had that hungry look again.
Drake couldn’t believe how horny Emily was right now. What had gotten into her these past few days? Perhaps the warm air up here also overheated her brain.
“Which shall we do, lord?” Lydia asked. “Will you take them into your blood pact, or shall we ask for them to be interviewed in the capital?”
“Either,” Drake said. “Preferably the latter, but if we have to, the former.”
“Shall I have a set of interviews and tests prepared?”
“You’re talking about getting a feel for where their talents lie, correct?”
“Yes, lord. We have often offered the same tests to those of middling rarities who request to join our manor. Those with powerful rarities are often spared the basic tests, but we have ways to gauge talents for everyone else.”
“That’s perfect.” Lydia always seemed to have the answer he needed, and he once again smiled at his steward.
She smiled back. “Should I speak to Hector now?”
“No. Give him a day to relax and recover. I wouldn’t want to take a bunch of tests that might determine my future after spending three days starving on the streets. Once Darion returns with River, we’ll put them both up for the night and then ask them what they want to do tomorrow. If they’re interested in joining my manor, we’ll test them.”
“As you say, lord.”
Marissa crossed her arms. “Do you know yet when we will return to the manor?”
“We could get rolling tomorrow,” Drake said. “Unless anyone has a reason not to?”
Lydia hesitated, then spoke again. “Actually, lord...”
“What is it?” He’d rarely known her to hesitate like this.
“Well... my new title presents a possibility regarding one of our prior discussions.”
“You mean as a friend of the noble court?”
“Yes.” Lydia glanced at Marissa. “Lady Marissa has the same privileges, however, I think this request might come better from me. If you wish me to ask about it.”
“About what?”
“There are large stretches of private beach reserved for the friends of the noble court. They are away from the capital and relatively easy to secure. Capital guards can even be tasked to assist with ensuring they remain secure.”
Drake felt increasingly excited. “Lydia, are you telling me everyone could have a day to relax on a warm beach before I drag them back to our cold and gloomy manor?”
Marissa chuckled. “It’s not that cold, and the silverwood has always made me feel safe.”
“I’m sure it does,” Drake said hurriedly. “But Lydia, are you serious right now?”
“Of course,” his steward said. “I thought back to our conversation in the carriage during our ride to the temple after we arrived at the capital. About allowing the manor staff to have some... R and R, as you called it. And after all these stressful events...”
“We are one hundred percent doing a beach day,” Drake said with a grin. “That is not even a question. Maybe I can even set up my summit with Sky while you do all that.”
“Do you mean you would not wish to attend, lord?”
Drake stared. “Could I?”
“Lord,” Marissa cautioned. “I would not necessarily recommend—”
“I came this close to getting my head chopped off a week ago,” Drake interrupted. He looked to Lydia again. “What about the security concerns?”
“Those were only for a public beach or touring the capital itself. There are far too many public roads and alleyways to secure. However, the private beaches reserved for friends of the noble court only have a few guarded approaches. We would want to handle your security arrangements ourselves, but you could safely enjoy a day out if you wish.”
“Yes,” Drake interrupted firmly. “We are all doing this. Beach day, here we come.”
“I imagine the past few weeks have been rather stressful,” Marissa admitted.
“You’d think. One dude literally tried to suck my blood out through my eyes.”
His mother paled. “And we are all very glad you are still with us.”
“So where did you come from?” Emily asked curiously. “Lady Marissa?”
Marissa offered Emily a gentle smile. “I am an old friend of Lady Skybreak. I also have a great deal of experience in dealing with the noble court and in manor lord affairs. After I spoke with the Judge, and she told me that she owes Lord Gloomwood a debt for the actions he took on her behalf, she agreed I could be useful as an advisor to Lord Gloomwood. ”
His mother had just told the absolute truth without revealing a single thing about her true identity. Drake needed to get better at lying by telling the truth. The fact that he could lie normally in this world was counterbalanced by the fact that if the noble court ever learned he could lie, they would try to execute him again.
He knew now he would need to be very cautious with his unique gift. But still.... beach day! Finally, he would have a chance to relax without being abducted, arrested, or attacked.
“Could we invite Lord Skybreak and her folks to join us?” Drake asked.
“We could invite Lord Skybreak and possibly Lady Skybreak as our guests,” Lydia said. “Her bodyguards would likely attend if they chose to do so. However, the beach is not large enough for everyone in both manors, so sadly, I believe the rest would not be able to come.”
“That’s too bad,” Drake said. “Still, maybe we can do a barbecue with Skybreak Manor once we get back home.”
Lydia frowned. “Do you mean like... cooking meat together?”
“Exactly,” Drake said. “Though, I suppose our cooks would be cooking meat, and we’d all just be eating it and getting drunk while we get to know each other.”
“A banquet,” Marissa clarified. “And I think that is an excellent idea, lord.”
“Gee, thanks Marissa.”
Lydia nodded firmly. “Then with your permission, I will send word to the noble court that we wish to reserve a private beach for tomorrow.”
“Do it,” Drake said. “And tell them we’re bringing everyone, even the zarovians.”
Lydia hesitated. “The warm weather could make them a bit excitable.”
“Good! They’ve been marching or standing watch for weeks now. It’s time we let them cut loose and relax. Assuming we can trust the capital guards to handle security for us?”
“I would still suggest we choose some of our people as well,” Lydia said.
“That’s fine. Maybe we can have people take shifts so everyone gets time to unwind.” He looked around his quarters at his fluffy bed and his single wardrobe, which contained formal silverweave clothing and nothing else. “So, where can I get a swimsuit?”
“Drawers, lord,” Marissa corrected.
Drake snorted. “You call them drawers here?”
Emily leaned forward curiously. “What else would you call them?” She gasped. “Oh! Do you not wear drawers when you swim on Earth?” She smiled again. “Is this to be an Earth-style gathering? One without drawers? It is, after all, a private beach.”
“Settle down,” Drake said irritably. “What’s gotten into you, anyway?”
“I am not sure how you wish me to answer that question,” Emily said innocently.
“You know what... don’t.” Drake thought it over a little more. “Also, we’ll need some food for the beach, but let’s do something easy. I want Meryl and the cooks to have time to relax as well, not spend the whole time cooking for everyone.
From outside, a woman howled and then cursed loudly.
Drake was halfway to the door when Emily stopped him with an open palm to the chest. “Hold on, lord! You’ll interrupt the training exercise!”
“What training exercise?”
“Weight shifting,” Emily said. “I believe it was Valentia’s turn to teach the new thralls some of the basics of hand-to-hand grappling.”
From outside, a loud male howl matched the earlier female one, followed by Nicole’s hysterical laughter.
Drake frowned. “Just tell me we’re not breaking any limbs out there.”
“If such should happen,” Emily said patiently, “I’m certain we can heal them.”
Author's Note: Next week, beach day!
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Read Ahead on the Patreon
Chat On the Discord
