Beautiful Lies

Chapter Seventeen: The Feud

Ooh looky more angst. And wouldn't you know it, we finally meet Medea Hart probably. Where's her partner? Only time will tell.... Anyway, be prepared for an ultimate family feud-😈

Logan had basically been his shadow for the rest of the week, something breaking inside of him at Janus's statement. Janus wanted to apologize, to say sorry, to say anything. But what was there to say? Here was someone who offered him hard earned trust, and he broke it without a second thought. Just another person who Janus left behind for the sake of a foolish promise.

Logan was sitting quietly on the bed, staring at his hands as Janus paced their bedroom, nervous again.

"You know, I don't hate you for what you did," He whispered. Janus looked up, glancing at him.

"What?"

"I understand. You had to choose between me and Mr. Prince. You love him. Of course he comes first. I don't need to come first," Logan said quietly. "I'm no one's first choice." Janus looked at him. Gods, Logan looked so pitiful. And it made Janus feel so much worse. But Janus knew an 'I'm sorry' wouldn't fix it. The sudden sound of trumpets broke the silence. Janus looked outside. A carriage sat out front, an older woman stepping out of it.

"Who is that?" Janus couldn't help but ask. Logan sighed miserably.

"My grandmother, Lady Medea." Logan stood up, ringing a bell for Roman. "Try not to annoy my father today, he's always more agitated with her around."

"How bad is she?" Janus whispers quietly. Logan laughed drily, his emotions disappearing.

"My father learned all his best tactics from her," he said. "And he's not even half as good as she is." Janus looked at him, feeling sick. "Oh hello Mr. Prince," Logan said, voice further away.

"Logan," he said venomously. "Mr. Hart." Janus noticed Roman's kinder tone for him. Perhaps he still cared...? No, impossible.

"We need to get ready for my grandmother." Roman nodded stiffly. "Thank you for helping me, and here's a word of advice. Avoid her for today. She can be very picky," Logan said lightly, but a dark tone behind his voice. Janus didn't like this. It felt like Logan was changing before his eyes.

Logan looked in the mirror, getting ready, as Janus was helped by Roman. Logan was too used to being ignored and neglected. "Thank you Mr. Prince. Alright, we must go now." Logan offered a hand to Janus.

"Thank you Roman," Janus whispered, taking Logan's hand. Roman didn't stop him.

"You're welcome, Mr-Janus." Janus's heart swelled. Roman said it, he said his name! He loves him, he loves him, he loves him, he's-legally married. Roman had started to forgive him though. And that was enough for him. Logan quietly pulled him along gently.

"This way," He whispered, Roman glaring at him. Janus waved goodbye gently, Roman doing the same. Logan sighed as he followed the guards out, who now followed him everywhere, never allowing Logan freedom, although it was funny to think he ever had any. When they arrive in the entrance hall, Logan isn't the only one surrounded by guards, Janus realizes. Emile Hart is just as trapped as his son, with the same broken look in his eyes.

Patton is beaming of course, arm wrapped around Emile, who leans into him desperately, needing human touch. Janus feels sick. These are Logan's parents. These are the people who were supposed to care for him. It feels all too real right now, Logan's pain, while they wait together.

Patton kisses Emile right on the lips in front of them, and it's all Janus can do not to vomit. Logan is unphased, he's seen this before. Janus can't understand. How could someone get used to this? This sickening feeling of dependence that radiates from the two? Before Janus can speak up, the doors open, Logan's grandmother sauntering in. Patton doesn't break the kiss and Janus wonders if that's intentional.

"Patton darling, come say hello to mother," her voice sings, but it is anything but kind. Patton breaks away, leaving the rest behind him, including his husband who reaches for him, something making him need to be there with him. Janus's sickness increases, disgusted by all this. Patton's hugs her, and breaks away quickly.

"Hello mother, lovely to see you! I'm so glad you could make it to Logan's wedding!" She smiles looking over at Logan.

"Anything for my favorite grandson!" Janus notices how she actively ignores Emile except to send him dirty looks. Clearly, something's up. "And is this young man his future husband?" She says, the tone almost disapprovingly. "Is he at least like the merchant's son?" Janus felt as though it was an insult, though he couldn't place how. Emile made a noise, no longer reaching for Patton Unfortunately, that's just when Patton reached back, pulling Emile forward harshly.

"No mother, he is not like my husband," Patton practically hissed. Patton's mother rolled her eyes and glared at him.

"No need for an attitude." Her eyes roved up and down at Janus. "So, why is he marrying my grandson anyway?"

"Because he was the leader of that pesky uprising I told you about," Patton said proudly. Janus wanted to hiss at him.

"What uprising? You have uprisings? Back when I was in charge, there were no uprisings, because everyone listened to me," Patton's mother prattled on. Much to Janus's surprise, Emile muttered a comment under his breath. He didn't know the other Hart had the guts. Janus was kind of impressed. Unfortunately, Patton caught him.

"Emi, don't be rude, share your comment with the whole room." Emile clamped his mouth shut, eyes wide. "Come on Emi, don't be shy," Patton cooed, stroking his head.

"I forgot what I said," Emile whispered, voice strangled, face paling beyond belief. Patton's frowned.

"That's a pity. Are you sure?" Emile nodded quickly. Patton's mother glared at him.

"Do you discipline him at all?" She muttered, rolling her eyes. Patton's smile became sharper.

"Logan, why don't you tell your grandmother about your wedding plans, hmm?"

"Of course father," Logan said quietly. His grandmother beamed genuinely, seeming to favor him over Patton. "Janus and I got legally married about a month ago, but we are looking forward to the official wedding this coming Thursday."

"I'm so proud, my grandson's all grown up!" She beamed. "Is the entire hamlet invited?"

"Yes, as is tradition."

"Oh I can't wait. Of course, it is a pity you won't be able to birth an heir, but I suppose no one's perfect," Patton's mother said beaming. Janus was contemplating punching her in the face. Roman would probably approve. But Logan...

"Don't," He whispered. "Whatever you're thinking, don't."

"Logan, we can fit you in your wedding suit-"

"Actually mother, he's wearing a dress." Patton's mother scoffed.

"Nonsense, a man should be wearing a suit."

"He will be wearing a dress," Patton hissed, squeezing Emile's hand so tight the knuckles turned white. Janus looked at Logan, who watched them miserably, escorting Janus to a small couch to the side. He sighed, sitting down.

"Sit with me. This is going to take a while."