Page 55 of A Brat's Tale
But when Corrik outlines those measures, Father is not happy. “You plan to keep my son locked up indefinitely? That’s your plan? Tristan, pack your things.” And when I don’t move fast enough he says, “Now Tristan.”
I’m not sure what to do, because no bone in my body will allow me to disobey my father, but it’s not that simple. As much as he’d like to, he can’t just take me without a discussion. The Elven king speaks up. “Arcade were I you, I would feel the same way. But I know we can come to an agreement without breaking the treaty.” He stands. “Come, we will talk in another room.”
Father is hesitant, but he knows he can’t refuse the king. “Very well. Eagar, you stay here with Tristan.”
The king, queen, and Corrik leave and I’m left alone with Papa,which is fine with me. I run to him. “Come here, little man,” he says, and I don’t even mind.
Everything catches up with me and I let it all out, enjoying the way he envelops me with his large, soft presence. “Everything will be all right, Tristan.”
“Can he bring me with you?”
“Not really, but your father could find a way with the mood he’s in. ‘Eagar, if there’s one hair,one hair,harmed on his head …’” he says doing a spot-on impression of Father. “I had to listen to that the whole way here.”
“Was he that worried?”
“Of course he was. I know he’s a rough man, but his love for you is infinite.”
“I thought he came here just to scold me.”
“He might find excuses to do that, but that’s how he shows he cares. Often he has commented on how much he misses training with you.”
That fills me with more pride than I’ve ever felt. Papa continues to run a hand through my hair and kisses my crown. “I have missed you, Tristan. Is it true he has confined you to these rooms?”
I nod.
“You must be going crazy.”
“I am, but Papa, Corrik is distraught. No, I don’t like it, but it’s not so bad up here. I’ll study hard and become Elf and then my confinement will be over,” I tell him, trying to be as optimistic as Corrik about it. Naturally, I tend toward calming the worries of others, even when I am struggling.
“That I can understand, keeping the concern of husbands to a minimum. Tristan, have you learned more about …” he puts a hand over my heart, “… the way we are inside?”
I smile. “I have. Papa, it’s natural as breathing for me and I’ve had enormous fun with it.”
“You have?”
“Yes. I know it’s something uncommon in Markaytia, but among Elves it’s a thing, so you don’t need to feel shame over it, or guilt that Iam like you. I’m actually what they call a brat more so than I am submissive. Brats like me get a lot more spankings than submissives like you, Papa.”
“You do?” I nod. “Doesn’t it hurt?”
“Like the dickens. I try to avoid it, but it’s inevitable. Don’t tell Corrik this, but I need it.”
He likes that, but then his brows press together. “You talk about it like you’ve had a lot of experience, but you’ve only just returned to Corrik and you weren’t with him long before that.”
I look down a moment and then I make myself face him. “I found another love, Papa. I didn’t mean to. I thought I was never coming back. It was he who showed me more about this side of myself and helped me discover who I am.” I light up thinking about Baya. “Corrik knows, and we’re still working through it, but he isn’t angry. Don’t worry Papa, I know my duty is here. I will make Father see that too, somehow.”
“Who is he, my boy? Your other love?”
I bite my lip. “Prince Bayaden Tar Jian, Warlord of the Aldrien Elves.”
He pulls in a breath. “Tristan.”
“It just happened, Papa. But I’m not hexed. There was a loyalty enchantment, but that’s not the same as love and it’s … gone now anyway, but my love remains.”
“How do you know that’s all there was in the enchantment?”
“Because I fell in love with him before the enchantment was ever cast.”
I part from Papa, wishing I could remove these foolish clothes. They’re not me. You know what? I’m changing. I begin to undress, struggling with the stupid, fancy garment until Papa has to help me. “I believe you Tristan and I can see how much you have fallen for him. I don’t think you should tell your father.”
