Page 21 of Quest of Fools

"I'm certain," Warf said, glancing at the door where the prince was still speaking to whoever stood in the doorway with him."Rath, he… he slept with me.He's kissed me several times.He seemedhappy.He's been nothing but wonderful to the girls.Does that sound like a man who resents the situation and wants desperately to be with his lover instead?"

"No, it doesn't, even to my cynicism," Rath replied."I'll be the first to say just about any hoity toity will fuck anyone or anything as a means to an end, but people like that don't waste time and energy being kind to children.I believe you.I wish I could go with you, but I don't think they'd let me leave."

"No, mother and father would put their foot right down on that notion," the prince said as he rejoined them."However, I can provide horses, supplies, money, and guards to go with you."

Warf hesitated, then said, "I'd be grateful for the supplies.I don't want to trouble anyone else, though.I can travel just fine on my own."

"Have you ever been out of the city?"the prince asked."Can you read the road signs?Any notes that Lord Marian might leave behind in the hopes that someone is coming after him?"

Warf flinched back at the words, despising how well they hit their mark.

"Also safety," Rath said."What if you get hurt or lost?At least takeoneguard with you."

"You want me to inconvenience a stranger for possibly months?All because you think I can't travel without your precious book learning?"

"I want you to come home alive and well," Rath replied shortly."You know I don't think so low of you, Warf."

Warf sighed."I know.I'm sorry.Fine, yes, I'll takeoneguard with me, if it will make you happy."He couldn't deny it would help significantly having someone who could read, who knew more about traveling than he did.Will you come see me at Marian's house?Um, my house, so we can speak to the children together?"

"Of course.You head home, Warf.We'll get everything you need and bring it to you.I'm sorry Their Majesties were not more cooperative."

The prince snorted."I'm sorry my parents were complete and total asses.I'm afraid the royal court can be a trying place on a good day, and it's made them cynical."

"Not too cynical, given all the trouble you should still be in," Rath retorted."Tress."

Tress laughed and held up his hands."It all worked out, didn't it?You got a prince, and I got the love of my life."

Rath smiled and reached up to rest a hand against Tress's cheek."I suppose you're not so bad yourself."

Tress kissed the palm of his hand, eyes fierce as he gazed at Rath.Warf had no idea what had happened between them, and it was clearly more than anyone knew, but it was obvious Rath was right where he wanted to be.

Hopefully Warf could say the same one day, with Marian safe and happy in his arms.He didn't care who thought him a fool for doing this.

Standing, he cleared his throat and, when they looked sheepishly at him, said, "As you wish, then.I'll head home and start packing.Thank you for helping, Rath.Your Highness."

"Isambard, please, or Isam.Tress is fine too, though only Rath tends to call me that," Isam said with a laugh.

There was no way in the world Warf would ever so casually address a royal prince, even if he was Rath's beloved, but he only said, "As you wish.I'll see again shortly."

He fled the palace as quickly as he could find his way out of it, hastening through the gates that were now open and hurrying back home.

He hoped it was still home.

"Lord Warf!"Terro, the butler, exclaimed as he came rushing up."You're home!First Lord Marian, and then you vanished.We've all been quite worried."

"I need to speak with you and anyone else you think needs to hear this," Warf said."In Marian's study, perhaps?"

"Right away, my lord."

Ignoring that he wasn't even close to a lord yet, and may yet never be, Warf headed into the study.In short order, Terro and three other servants stood in a row waiting for him to speak: the housekeeper, the cook, and the head footman.

I'm sorry about this," Warf said, and gave them a quick version of all that had transpired, where Marian had gone, and what he was planning to do."Prince Isambard and Rath will be here shortly, and Rath will be coming by regularly to check on the children for me.Please, please look after them for me.They've already been through so much…"

The cook clucked her tongue."Don't you worry about that.Those girls will be watched closer than a drunk watches his drink."She narrowed her eyes."Poor comparison, my apologies"

Warf laughed."I take the meaning, Mistress of the Kitchens.I am sorry to leave so abruptly."

That got him scoffing noises from all four of them."Never liked that girl, if I'm being honest," the housekeeper said."She was trouble from the start.You bring him home, Lord Warf.We'll take care of everything here.Mercy alive, Prince Isambard himself coming to our home and with no notice."

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