Tipping the Scale

Chapter 21: Invading the South (Part 2)

A hand on his shoulder, made him look over to his father. He was still pale, but no longer shaking as he beamed proudly.

"Well done, my son."

Those words paused Valerian. How long had it been that he had received his father's unwavering approval for anything?

"I only acted as needed."

The King huffed in disregard as he moved to his throne. Not giving any attention to the High Priest, who stood awkwardly off to the side until he bowed gracefully and started down the steps. His prized scrolls in hand.

"Come, have a drink with me."

The King pointed Valerian at the second stone throne, one that had been his mother's long ago. Sitting down, his father waved over an attendant who offered them two cups of red wine.

"You managed to grasp the upper hand in a situation where you were at a disadvantage. An act that deserves praise."

Valerian simply nodded. Not knowing how to respond to the sudden compliment. However, he was glad to see that his father was not yet too far gone, to miss these kinds of political moves.

"So tell me. What is all this nonsense concerning that Valkyrea girl? I didn't entertain those groundless rumors, but now you are even escorting her? Is she truly carrying your bastard?"

Valerian sputtered in his wine. Ungracefully covering his mouth as he coughed the fluid out of his lungs.

"Don't you know me better, father?"

The King studied his face for a moment before breaking out in a boisterous laugh.

"I thought so. There was no way that a virgin like you would have slept with that fox."

Valerian tensed at the insult he hurled at Alana. Didn't she deserve some respect? If not for being human, then at least because she was the daughter of his best friend and a woman that Valerian considered a sister.

"But it is a pity. Though the girl was far from an ideal consort, it is about time for you to have an heir."

The Prince went from tense to anxious, as he licked his lips. Awaiting the conversation which he had expected to happen so long ago.

Most of his contemporaries were either married or engaged already, but his father had never seemed too hurried about setting up his son's love life.

For the longest time, Valerian had become convinced that his father had given him the freedom to find his own wife. Perhaps he had, but the lack of any progress on that front might have made him reconsider.

"Do you have any girl in mind? I can't give you either of those Valkyrea girls, but any other is free game."

The thought of marrying Alana or Lidea disturbed him, but as he looked at the ladies mingling in the ballroom, he couldn't raise interest in any of them either. Once again, he was keenly aware of how odd he was for not holding a fancy to anyone.

"Can we discuss this another day?"

He uttered in discomfort. Fully expecting his father to turn angry, but he didn't.

"Just give it some serious consideration, Valerian. War is dangerous and I won't live forever. You need an heir, just in case."

There was a warm concern in his eyes that the prince hadn't seen in decades by this point. Telling him without speaking that he didn't want to force his son into a loveless marriage like what had been done to himself. Even if he had grown to love his queen over time.

Valerian's throat felt thick as he struggled to swallow the emotion before replying softly.

"I will Father. Thank you."