>>5228191She giggles. “What did you do, make a move on her?”
This again? You shake your head. “No, I was moping, and I needed to snap out of it.” You turn your head to look into Eleyse's eyes. “That's what you need to do, too.”
She nods her head. “I know, but I don't know what I want. I know I don't want what Mother wants, but as for the rest, my life is like a gray fog. I don't know what to do but get married, but I don't want to get married. You understand me, brother?” You do. All too well. She want's to take the path Alys did. Go from one kind of tool to another instrument entirely. As family head you could do this for her, get her Alys's training. Alys would tell you who taught her. Despite her outburst she dotes on Eleyse. Your sister would be grateful and possibly another asset to you and the Order. But do you want to forge your little sister into a weapon? Would she not be better off as some courtly wallflower, however miserable it makes her for a time? You cannot make this decision on a whim. Best to bide for time.
“I understand, and I will think about your future. Remember, whatever Mother may want, you're my family. As head, I can overrule her. Even if it does make her cross with me, and I hate getting scolded.”
She nuzzles against you. “Oh, I know. I thought she and Father were going to kill you when I told them about that girl in the village.”
“Tattletale.”
“Whoremonger.” You jostle her softly, and she returns the favor before you both fall into quiet laughter, not wanting to draw attention. Both of you stay like that for some time before Eleyse, too, excuses herself upstairs to sleep off the wine. With her gone, you only have one task left for the night.
You find the functionaries and knights getting settled with their new quarters. There are enough of them that the most junior of both groups are in fact sleeping on hay with the horses, your humble hold unable to properly house them all even two or three to a room. Still, you take the time to interview everyone you can. It takes more time than you would like, and you will suffer for it tomorrow, but sleepless nights have ever been a fixture of your life. What you find is surprising.
