The Battle at Breakfast

The next morning Aarni had the servants help him get dressed, he wanted to look good for breakfast. Yrsa was going to be there and she would bring up the mentorship. He couldn’t wait to see the look on Mariss’s face, let alone Sune’s reaction. This kind of thing wasn’t uncommon at all in the old days, but with the influence of the church of Madaza, it had become less socially acceptable. Suddenly the appearance of virtue had become more important than virtue itself. He expected push back, but Aarni was certain Yrsa and he could pull it off.

When he arrived at breakfast only his brother was in the room. Sune was surprised to see him.

“Aarni, good to see you brother, tell me, how are you adjusting to life as a man?” Sune’s voice was condescending and mocking. It pissed Aarni off to know that his brother probably knew the details of his sex life. But oh, how the tables would turn when his wife arrived. Aarni smiled,

“It’s good, and there’s such promise for the future.” He tried to sound self-assured, but worried he didn’t pull it off.

“Just don’t impregnate all of them in your first month little bro, or you won’t have anyone to fuck this winter.” He winked and started eating his breakfast, Aarni was thankful for the respite from talking. His brother was ten years older than him, they had different mothers and Aarni had been considered a miracle, as his father stopped siring children only two years after Sune was born, his war injury and the strange illness that slowly consumed him had put an end to that. When his mother was found to be pregnant, she faced execution for cheating on the king, but she swore she hadn’t, even going so far as to face the Oracle. When Aarni was born and was confirmed of his father’s line, it was hailed as a miracle from the goddess. Sadly his mother didn’t survive his birth, and was buried before they absolved her fully of any guilt. He was thinking of her when Mariss entered.

“Aarni, my prince, so good to see you today.” She walked straight to him, he stood for etiquette, and she kissed him on his cheek, holding slightly longer than was customary. She took his shoulders in her hands. She looked him over as Aarni returned the favor, her dress was blood red, unornamented and yet it outlined her figure so perfectly any ornamentation would have detracted from the beauty of her natural silhouette.

“My goodness, Aarni, you are growing up into a fine, handsome young man. We’ll have no trouble finding a bride for you.” She released him, but her hand found its way down his arm and brushed over his hip before breaking contact. He was tempted to think she really found him enticing, but he knew too well that it didn’t matter if she did or not, Mariss didn’t love men, she used them.

“Have you given any thought to my offer, Aarni, I have several young ladies that would be perfect for us to begin your training with. They are eager to meet you, perhaps today if you aren’t too busy?”

With immaculate timing, Yrsa entered the room. While Mariss had glided into the room like a delicate flower petal, blown on the wind, Yrsa entered boldly, like a queen, not like a seductress.

“Sister, do you have time for such things with the negotiations going on? I’m sure your wisdom will be invaluable to our King, and therefore the whole nation.”

Mariss was put off by Yrsa’s entrance, her immediate command of the room and everyone’s attention. Off pure looks, Mariss was more beautiful than Yrsa, but Yrsa’s poise and **** of presence made her the center of attention in any room she entered. Mariss’s carefully controlled voice slipped, and hints of her displeasure came through her words.

“Believe me, Yrsa, I always have time for the men in my family, caring for our nations leaders is my only real passion.”

If her subtle attack at the state of Yrsa’s marriage landed, Yrsa didn’t show any signs, even though Aarni knew how much her husband’s indifference hurt her.

“Your diligence in serving the men of this family is famous, dear sister, everyone knows of your passions.” Yrsa was too bold, thought Aarni, that was far too blatant, Yrsa risked overstepping the protection of her position.

Yrsa continued, “I just fear that your passion for the future might overlook the need our nation has of your counsel now. The king needs you in these negotiations Mariss, Sune needs you too. Let me take care of young Aarni, I can teach him his duties as a prince of Mnozimar, after all, I had four brothers in Ognenstok castle, I know the duties our nation imposes on men of royal descent.”
Damn, Aarni thought, she went after her lack of family and nationality all at once, as much as Aarni feared Mariss and her cunning, it was clear that in a public setting she was no match for Yrsa’s poise and wit.

“Perhaps you are right,” Mariss **** a smile, “you do have plenty of free time, it makes sense that you do something to help.” Mariss was reduced to petty insults, Aarni had never seen anything like this, and it worried him. If Mariss was angry, and it sure seemed like she was angry, she would strike back, and it could be ugly. Mariss left the room, Aarni couldn’t remember if she had even eaten anything. Sune grabbed his plate and followed.

“Good to see you, my wife.” He said as he left. Aarni chuckled inwardly, for all the envy he felt over his brother’s way with women, there he went following Mariss like a kicked puppy, with nothing real to even say to his own wife, who had proved herself the better woman. Aarni turned to Yrsa in awe, she had bested her own husband and the Queen. Yrsa smiled and popped a raspberry into her mouth.

“Well, brother, we have plans to make for today.”