Page 147 of House of Roots and Ruin
“I’ve no interest in that title, in this estate, or that house,” Julien said, casting a scornful eye back at Chauntilalie.
“But you can’t just abandon it,” Alex protested. “The ducal seat can’t be left open.”
“I can,” Julien insisted flatly. “What do you think an abdication is?” He studied Alex curiously, as a scientist might a strange, new insect. “I’d make all the provisions for the estate to transfer to you first, naturally.”
Viktor’s mouth fell open. “Now wait just a minute—”
Julien didn’t shy away. “I can’t imagine a worse candidate for a duchy than you. With your mood swings? With your…accidents? Alexander has been preparing for this role his entire life. Are you up to date on the trade agreements with the other provinces? Do you know what percentage of taxes are meant to be levied for the king?”
“Well, no, but—”
“He does,” Julien continued briskly. “You’d hate beingrestricted to such a confining position and if you truly stopped to think it through, you’d be the first to admit it. The title goes to Alexander.”
Viktor shut his mouth, his features wounded. “Fine, but I want my share of the inheritance. A man can’t wander the kingdom without something in his pockets.”
“Of course,” Alex agreed quickly. “And you as well, Julien. Both of you would always be welcome at Chauntilalie. I…I know we don’t know much of each other, and the circumstances are befuddling at best, but…this is your home. These doors will forever be open to you.”
Viktor appeared temporarily mollified. “So. If that’s settled, apparently,” he added, throwing a dark look to Julien.
“So,” Julien said resolutely. “You speak with Mother tomorrow.”
“I will do my best,” I promised, sounding braver than I felt.
“Why would you attempt anything less?” Julien blinked at me. “You’ve something in your hair,” he said, staring off to the side of my face, just above my ear.
“What?” I asked, reaching up. Something squirmed against my fingertips and I jerked them away, recoiling. “What is it?”
“Eucorysses grandis,if I’m not mistaken. Allow me?”
Without waiting, he reached out and flicked the offending bug, stunning it. His touch felt strange. He didn’t handle me as if I was a person of flesh and blood, only a problem to be solved. When he pulled away, I saw a cream and black beetle. Its shell was all sharp angles, like armor.
Julien brought it up for a closer glance, peering at it with concern. “Yes, it is. You ought to take care, Miss Thaumas.”
“What do you mean?”
He held out his hand. The bug crawled over the curve of his palm, displaying a set of gruesome markings. With its angles and spots, it looked like a grinning, grimacing skull.
“Some think these beetles portend a terrible death.”
“What a ghastly creature,” Viktor murmured, leaning in and brushing against my shoulder. He didn’t make a move to shift away.
Alex stretched as tall as he could in his chair to catch a glimpse of the cursed insect. Grimacing, he flicked it with a snap of his wrist, sending it off into the undergrowth. “Old superstitions. Nothing more.” He offered me a smile but it looked wan and worried.
I took a step to the side, backing away from my close proximity to Viktor. “Of course. I’ve never even heard of such a warning before.”
Julien’s gaze landed on me, sharp and quizzical. “You wouldn’t, I expect, coming from such a nautical clime. Regardless, I’m glad it wasn’t my head it landed upon.”
A chill ran down my spine and I desperately wanted to chalk it up to the damp morning air.
“Utter nonsense,” Viktor agreed. “And in any case, it last touched our little brother. I’d hate to be in your shoes right now.”
“Really?” Alex said, a flinty edge coloring his voice. “It seems my shoes are all you’ve dreamed of getting into.”
Viktor’s jaw hardened and I could sense the retorts building up between them, like water wearing down a dam. I wanted to step in, to somehow ease the rising tension. They might not have grown up together, but they were still brothers, flesh and blood. My heart ached as I thought of my own sisters, at how much Imissed them. I opened my mouth, ready to speak some truth, deep and profound, but every possible offering felt clichéd and small.
After a dreadful, long moment, Viktor shook his head and stalked away.
“Ignore him,” Julien advised as Viktor tossed a handful of rocks into the pond, trying to make them skip. “I always try to.”
