The Unfortunate, стр. 58
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Having concluded his memory, Beadurof directed his attention to the present, and he continued to survey the city and outskirts of the capital. “Someday this will all be yours,” he commented and looked at Banan momentarily.
His son nodded with apparent pride.
An excessive show of hubris more like it! And with that the king quickly added, “And that has long concerned me.”
“Concerned you?” Banan’s expression quickly morphed, and he became defensive. “Is that why you fled Yorcia? Because you were concerned, perhaps fearful, about what I would decide?”
The answer was, yes, had always been yes, but the king would not admit it.
“When I learned about the war,” the prince explained, “I did not hesitate to act. I did as you would have. I pledged support to Yorcia.”
Is he so foolish? Does he not understand the reason for my discontent? More so, and that which is most distressing about the issue, is Banan too immature, too vain, too unlike me to be named my heir? Rather than contemplate further or complain of such matters to the young man which would have been futile anyway, Beadurof simply retorted, “Yes. I, too, would have not hesitated to pledge support to Yorcia.”
“Then what is your concern?” Banan’s tone was accompanied by a careless chuckle.
“I would not have asked for control of Drunacht!” the king promptly answered, doing his best to remain composed.
“Would you consider my choice another questionable act?”
Having not yet turned to face his son, Beadurof pivoted quickly, and spittle flew from his mouth as he chastised Banan. “I consider it immature, undiplomatic, and—”
“I was attempting to—”
“Your offer was an insult!” the king returned the interruption.
“As was your escape from Ebordum Keep!”
“Careful,” Beadurof warned, but his words had insignificant effect, for the young man did not hesitate to counter, “If there is any hardship, it is because your actions suggested you do not trust King Ryce, our ally to whom I did not hesitate to pledge support!”
Yes, the king’s actions could be considered proof that he was untrusting. He had even recognized this as a possibility, but it was something more he would not admit, at least not to Banan. Beadurof instead further challenged his son’s decision. “My escape from Yorcia, as you called it, is nothing compared to your offense. Yes, I have read a copy of your proposal. You have essentially forced King Ryce to give Drunacht to you in return for support. But what did you hope to gain from this … this bribe?”
“I was attempting to increase our lands.”
Beadurof huffed. “It is a foolish attempt nonetheless. Armania and Drunacht would be too vast an area for a single leader.”
“I never anticipated having only one leader. I had intended we, you and I, would rule together. You would control Armania, and I would maintain the lands across the Slender Sea.”
The king recognized the plan was not entirely flawed, but his foremost concern was something more. Beadurof was still uncertain and still fearful even about his son’s ultimate intentions, for he doubted the young man would be satisfied to only maintain Drunacht. If they had anything in common, it was ambition. Beadurof dismissed the thought and having calmed his frustrations, he paused momentarily before offering what he believed would end the matter. “I shall send a new letter to King Ryce, pledging our support with nothing in return. Whatever your intentions were, you have failed.” But it still was to no avail.
“If we were to gain Drunacht”—Banan defended his action—“it would become Armania’s domain, and I would serve as a warden under your command.”
“Curse you, Banan!” The king’s composure once again waned. “Do you not realize how foolish your words are? Do you believe one warden could maintain all of Drunacht?”
The young man attempted to reply but was quickly interrupted.
“It would require several wardens, and if I understand anything about you, anything at all, it is you would not settle for that. You would not settle for anything but a crown, and your hope is I would, given we could obtain Drunacht, divide my kingdom and name you my equal. Tell me I am wrong!”
Despite the accusations Banan remained poised, seemingly unmoved by his father’s arguments.
Beadurof, having realized his son would not allow the matter to be dismissed, tried a different approach, one he thought would cause Banan to admit defeat. “Fine. Let us consider the situation as you hope it will occur. If King Ryce were to agree to those terms, and if I were to accept your proposition, how do you intend to gain support from the people of Drunacht?” The king was surprised when Banan smiled and even more astonished by the hasty answer.
“Jenn and I shall marry, and—”
No! Fate help me. Never will I allow it! Not as long as I draw breath! Beadurof’s ability to remain composed was no more, and he exercised his sudden rage by interrupting, “Still this nonsense even after you have been betrothed to Princess Eadlin?”
Instead of answering directly, the prince quickly countered, “Perhaps the arrangement was nullified when you dishonored King Ryce with your escape!”
“Even if you were not betrothed”—Beadurof disregarded his son’s insult—“and even if you were to marry that serving wretch, do you believe she will help you gain support?” The king did not allow his son enough time to reply before adding, “Indeed you understand nothing, and nothing is apparently more credit than you deserve!” Beadurof hoped he had settled the matter, but Banan ignored the king again and continued his defense.
“She is one of them. Jenn has influence that could help us claim Drunacht. She is the daughter of—”
“A peasant!” Beadurof expressed his mounting frustration with another spat. “She was fortunate enough to become a servant for nobility, but she is still a peasant. That is all she has ever been and all she will ever be.” He paused a moment before adding, “I