>>5200639“What!?!” You cry out louder than you intended. She places her newly cleansed hand over yours.
“Calm down. Think about it. You've been gone more than two years since the Heir's party last passed by Hold Campbell. It would hardly be unheard of. You're unmarried, so it's not too much of a hit to your reputation, and the Emperor favors you so it's not like anyone will speak out on the matter anyway.”
You scoff. “My mother would never believe it. My sisters...”
She stares into your eyes. “I know how important your honor is to you, Will, but if you want to protect the child this is the best way. If your mother doesn't believe it, fine, I'm sure you can come to an understanding.”
This option troubles you deeply. The logic behind it is clear, but you will be sacrificing your honor, or at least the appearance of it, to sell it. Not to mention outside of your closest confidants you will have to lie about the boy constantly. You are unsure you can maintain such a deception.
“Alys, I'm a warrior, and I am sworn to the Emperor. I cannot raise a child.”
She laughs softly. “Since when have men bothered raising their children? I'm sure your sisters will enjoy having a little one around, and your mother struck me as imminently capable.” When you passed back through the area a little more than a year into your journeys with Alkaign, Alys and your mother, the Lady Moira had got on famously. You were a little glad to leave, because you feared mother might be angling to make things awkward on your relationship with your liege by trying to foist you as a marriage prospect for her. In fact, you have little doubt they've been in correspondence since, though you've respected Alys' privacy by refraining from bringing it up.
You have to make a decision. The Emperor gave no directive about the child, only telling you to see to the matter satisfactorily. Alys' option will likely not raise his ire. And, to be honest, you don't know if your own trepidation is coming from an honest place or, vile though it may be, an attempt to avoid an unwanted responsibility.
"We need to report to the Emperor, Alys." You say, your waver quavering slightly.
"Don't change the subject, Will. We do need to report. So we better know what we plan to do, no?" The sardonic grin returns, though you do note the redness of her eyes remains. She's pretending not to be affected but it's clear Vera's death, and perhaps her last words, are bothering her. You second guess her much as you did yourself. Is she thinking clearly? Or do you just want an excuse to discount her?
> Go with Alys's suggestion> Another option is best(choose which one)> Write in 