Grandfathers, from Fen's Memoirs

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Misha joined Nalev on the balcony and handed his host bottle of wine.

"I received a note from Zbinka saying that you wanted to see me." Misha began.

"Still forging my name, is she?" Nalev replied.

"Congratulations, Lev."

"And to you, Misha. Citizenship in your third country. Quite the accomplishment. I'll get glasses."

"No need for the propriety." They were both seated.

"I hear things are quiet under Tironik's watchful eye." Nalev commented.

"For now."

"Until Neopar jerks your strings a little bit harder."

"Neopar pays well for his protection."

"My men have become a band of mercenaries."

"We fight to protect the interests of Kanabulan and Eltesnia. We can not forget the depths of treachery of which Dophe is capable." Misha retorted.

"King Roarke has absolved her of her involvement in the coup."

"All the more reason for those of strong mind and sound judgment to share their influence in his court." Misha insisted.

Nalev took a long drink from the bottle. "Quite true, old friend." Nalev paused. "If Binky sent you to hasten the divorce, you shouldn't waste your time."

"Of course you must have your reasons," Misha said.

"Of course," Nalev replied curtly.

"I'd just hate to think that your dragging your heels to exercise some control over her."

"Don't be ridiculous. I have the utmost respect for the woman."

"So why not cut her free?

"So she can run off with that lout Eburgistraten? He's a reckless fool that would drain her of her inheritance and break her heart."

"Zbinka's a big girl, Lev. I don't think you need to worry about her." Misha took the bottle of wine from Nalev. "I can assure you this isn't about Eburgistraten."

"If it's not about him, then why is he spending so much with her?"

Misha smiled. "It's not really for me to say."

"Then how can I be convinced?"

"He's been asking about you."

"About me? What about me?" Nalev asked naively.

"Seems he fancies you."

"Don't be preposterous. The man's had as many wives as--"

"You've had prostitutes?" Misha asked.

"You can't compare a member of the clergy to a philanderer like that."

"Step down from your tower, Lev. Let what's transpired in the line of duty slip quietly into the past and get on with your life. Then, again I can just let him know that you're not interested."

"I don't like hasty decisions."

"You called him a lout." Misha reminded him.

"I may have misjudged the man, but please don't tell me Zbinka wants a divorce on my account."

"She's many things, but not self-less. Neither one of us are."

"What's she after, Misha? Or should I say who? Is it her hunter beau?"

"No."

"The merchant trader from Belaurii?"

"No." Misha replied flatly.

"Do I know him?"

"Quite well."

"Come now, Misha. If you tell me that it's you, I'll have to disagree with that statement wholeheartedly," Nalev's tone was joking.

"Certainly wouldn't be the first time we've disagreed."

"I know you had a little tryst to punish me and Binky doesn't take no for an answer." Nalev reasoned.

"You're not taking me seriously. I am Rad'en's father."

"But you're asking me to believe you've been bedding my wife all these years?" Nalev scoffed.

"One of us had to," Misha muttered.

"Why wouldn't you tell me?"

"There was too much at stake, until now."

Nalev took another drink.

"Will you sign?" Misha asked.

"Yes."

"Good. Drink up," Misha slapped him on the shoulder. "I'll send Burgi over with the papers."



"I feel so dirty." I said when Misha finished recounting his tale.

"How is this even about you, Princess?"

"It's not that you don't care for women, it's that you don't care for me."

"What does that matter?"

"I don't know. But somehow I feel rejected." I said.

"I think you'll recover."

"Still," I persisted. "We lived together for quite a while."

"Yes, and despite our great friendship I find you both reprehensible and self-absorbed."

"So it's not that you find me physically unattractive, but rather despise me personally?"

"Something like that. Listen to yourself, Fen. This is one of the happiest days in my life..."

"And I'm ruining it? I'm getting pretty tired of hearing that." I seethed.

"Then do something about it," he snapped.

I started to speak, but decided to give him a hug and kiss on the cheek instead. "Congratulations, Misha. Do you realize that your son is my step-father? And my half-brother is your grandson. Don't you feel old?"

"Older and wiser, princess."

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