Chain of Iron

Chapter Thirty-Three

Matthew sat in the living room of his childhood home, trying to drown out the sound of his older brother's voice. Charles had been going on about his and Grace's wedding for the past half an hour, stating how many important people from the Clave had been present. Charlotte was listening closely to what he had to say and Grace Blackthorn, who was sat beside Charles, looked quite bored. Matthew found that he could not blame her; she would certainly have a very boring life being married to Charles.

"At this rate," Charles finished, looking proud. "It seems as if I will be appointed as the next Consul, wouldn't you say, Mother?"

"It does seem so." Charlotte smiled at her eldest son. "If all members of the Clave agreed with me, I would appoint you as the next Consul when I eventually step down."

Charles grinned, looking giddy, and Matthew resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He had always believed that Charles had been much too concerned with becoming Consul after their mother. He glanced over at Grace, who was staring off into space, and felt odd to be sitting so near her after everything he had heard about her from James. Matthew knew that she had a cold heart and did not care for anyone or anything besides herself. She had not spoken one word throughout their whole conversation.

Charlotte then looked over at Matthew. "James and Cordelia Carstairs make a very pleasant couple, wouldn't you say, Matty?"

Matthew saw Grace shift in discomfort at his mother's words and Matthew could not help but do the same. He really did not wish to speak of James and Cordelia's marriage with his mother and especially not in front of Grace Blackthorn.

"They do." Matthew agreed simply. "I am very happy for them."

"You must settle down and marry soon too, Matthew, just as James has." Charles piped up, sounding condescending. "You cannot act as a wild teenager for the rest of your life."

Matthew narrowed his eyes at his brother. "I did not realize that you were in charge of my life, Charles."

Matthew did not even wish to think about marrying someone who was not Cordelia. He could not imagine being in a marriage with someone for the rest of his life, knowing he would never love them. Matthew had never wished to marry even before he had met Cordelia.

"I am only saying, Matthew, that one day you must grow up." Charles looked exasperated.

Matthew stood up then, feeling finished with his visit with his family. "Why would I do that? So I can become just as pretentious and pompous as you are, dear brother?"

Charles glared at his younger brother and Charlotte sighed.

"Stop it, both of you." She commanded in what Matthew could only describe as her Consul voice. "Matthew, where are you going?"

"Back to my flat." He replied, as he picked up his coat. "I am afraid I have had enough of Charles today. Goodbye, Mother, I will come back to visit soon."

Matthew then left before his mother could object and he walked out of the house. As he walked to his flat, he could not help but think of how unlike his brother he was. Charles had always been concerned with following the rules whereas Matthew enjoyed breaking them. He and Charles had had quite a close bond growing up, but as his older brother became more and more interested in becoming Consul, they grew further and further apart.

Matthew became lost in his thoughts all of the way until he reached his flat, and stopped as he saw someone leaning against his front door. It was a girl and Matthew knew exactly who she was at the sight of her pointed ears. Asteria. He had met her at the Hell Ruelle sometime ago and occasionally enjoyed her company several times since. She was a Faerie and sought him out every time she left the Seelie Court. He wondered how she had been able to find his new flat.