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“Honestly I don’t know how I went on without you either,” he curled his hands inside hers. Taking in as much of her face as he could until he spoke again. “As much as I want to keep catching up, can I get some breakfast?” For what felt like the longest time he ate at the head of the table in the dining room for breakfasts, midday meals, and dinners, avoiding the kitchens as much as he could.
Cora's face cracked into a bright smile and she gave Johan's hands a squeeze, reluctantly pulling away so she could get cooking. Poor thing was probably starved, it was already so late in the day. "Of course you can, baby. I'll get something whipped up for you right away, do you still like sweets?" Johan had always begged her for candies when he was small and she'd learned how to make quite a variety of sugary treats as a result.
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“Of course I do,” Johan grinned. It had been so long since he had one of her sweets, at least one that were freshly made. “I think that’s one thing I’ll never grow out of, even if I try.” He stayed seated at the table, even if he wanted to follow her into the kitchens he felt his ribs would put up too much of a fuss. He propped his chin up in his upturned palm to relax, relishing the few moments he had without Fiori. His moment of enjoyment was sorely interrupted by the hallway door swung open by none other than Leviticus. Johan’s expression faltered almost immediately. “What are you doing here? And what is that?” He asked bitterly, referencing the leather collar in his hand.
Levi ignored his brother entirely and turned to Cora, “Hello, Miss Cora,” he smiled politely, taking a brief glance around the room. “Is Fiori here, by chance? I have something for him.”
Cora smiled and patted him on the cheek, turning back to the kitchen before Levi turned up. Her smile dropped a few degrees in warmth but it was still wide and surprised as she turned to him, dropping into a polite bow. "Hello your majesty," she said. Her eyes lingered nervously on the collar in Levi's hand but the only royal she'd ever been close to was Johan, so she didn't have the heart to question him. "Fiori is in the kitchens, I…"
Fi entered a few seconds later, taking in the tense body language of the whole situation and setting down a platter of food on the table. "Leviticus, I… I see you have arrived. Ms. Cora, would you take a seat? I took the liberty of making breakfast while you were talking but now I have business to discuss and I am afraid we must take this outside. Please don't worry yourself."
He took Levi by the shoulder, towing him outside while Cora turned to Johan with a concerned frown.
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“Oh, that’s not necessary-“ Levi started, watching her bow. For how long people have been bowing to him—since his father died—he still wasn’t used to it, especially from someone who Fiori spoke so highly of. He swiveled his head to Fiori when he arrived, almost grateful for the interruption. As soon as the two of them were out of earshot from Johan, he lifted to collar to Fiori. “I went out early this morning to try and get as much as I could done. The physician should be arriving early afternoon today, and I got this from the leatherworker.”
Johan smiled as Cora sat down beside him. He reached over to the platter to take a bite of food. “Did you see what he was holding?” He mumbled.
Fi couldn't help but smile at Levi's enthusiasm at seeing him as he nodded, taking the collar in his hands with a soft sigh. It was soft, almost comfortable except for the fact that it was very obviously made for a dog and resized for a human. "I see, it is… very nice, thank you Leviticus. I see you did not happen to bring a leash." He was glad the relief he was feeling didn't show in his voice.
Cora gave him a weak smile in return, taking his hand in hers and squeezing lightly. "I did. It's… a dog collar, isn't it? What in the heavens would they need that for?"
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“No, I did not. That was the one place I did not go, and I assumed he wouldn’t be able to get very far before he started healing anyway.” Levi let his hands fall back to his sides. He was still wearing his riding clothes: a mostly black outfit, and mud caked boots.
Johan turned his palm upwards to squeeze Cora’s hand in reply. “I don’t know. Maybe Leviticus got one of his dogs a new collar,” he hesitated, mulling around a thought in his mind. “Or Fiori a new dog,” he finished more grimly as another weight grew in his chest.
Fi laughed softly, nodding “I suppose you are right, my friend.” He took in Levi’s appearance with an amused look. “I see today has been a busy one. I was not aware that princes were allowed to wander around looking as if they’d tromped in from the farm.” His voice was light, playful.
Cora’s smile gained some strength and she nodded, looking down at their joined palms. “Yes, yes, he’s always had all those dogs hanging around.” She drew closer to Johan as though she could sense his sinking mood even though she’d accepted the excuse easily. “Pleasent things. Fi would do well with one, I think. He needs something to sweeten him up, the boy’s too serious.”
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“Even my going out at all was not met with a kind attitude from the council, no,” he chuckled back. “But they eventually relented as long as I took a guard with me.” He smoothed out some imaginary wrinkles from his dusty coat.
“I mean me, Cora,” Johan muttered, reaching out to take another bite from the platter. “I’m the dog, Leviticus wants me to be a dog.” He remembered Fiori’s promise, and if he was anything worth his word, Fiori wouldn’t make him wear that. Especially if Johan made his wishes very clear.
Fiori laughed, clapping Levi on the shoulder. “Well I am glad you managed to make it out, Leviticus. Tell me, is the weather nice? I have been hoping to take a walk through your gardens, we have nothing so well kept at home.”
Cora’s mouth pinched into a frown as she shook her head. “Oh baby, he… he wouldn’t do that, would he? Or… even if he did, Fiori wouldn’t chain you up like that. He seems like such a good sort of man, promised to the right gods, keeping the right oaths.” She shook her head again, as if trying to clear out the idea entirely. “He just wouldn’t.”
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Levi laughed along heartily. “The weather is beautiful outside. A walk in the gardens sounds perfect for a day like today. Would you like to borrow a coat?” He offered, although knowing his own coats would never fit Fiori.
“He promised me he would get me anything I asked for,” Johan looked absently down at the wood grains in the table. “But if he does end up putting a collar on me, I wouldn’t be surprised if he chained me up too. Those things tend to go in pairs.”
Fi wrinkled up his nose. "If you think I will fit into one of your coats then you are sorely mistaken. My arms are the size of your thighs, I would rip them right up the seams if I tried to put them on." He couldn't help but laugh at the image. "Though I will admit, I have been needing a slightly better wardrobe. My clothes are too thin for this place."
Cora brightened right back up at that, giving Johan a beaming smile when he mentioned Fiori's promise. "Well you won't have to worry about it then. He's promised himself to Sabaid, he has a covenant with the god. There is no greater punishment for him than to be labeled an oathbreaker."
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Levi snorted humorously, “No, I did not mean my own coats. The tailor has an office here in the palace, thank Ialdir, but I doubt he would be able to finish a full coat before you would want to go on a walk.” Levi clasped his hands casually behind his back, wearing a constant content smile. “Ah, speaking of, if you want to take a walk on your own, on my ride I thought of a place Johan could stay.”
Johan nodded, and with the assurance straightened his posture again. “In that case, if he tries to put it in me I’ll simply remind him of his oath,” he concluded with more confidence now.
Fi sighed in mock relief. "Well I will have to visit him right away then. Are you sure it is okay for me to be taking advantage of your resources like this? I know I am no prince here, I would not want to impose." His good mood dropped when Johan was brought into the conversation but he nodded anyway. "I would prefer to keep him close, Leviticus. He will have far too much space to scheme if I do not. What is this idea?"
Cora gave him a reassuring smile. "I'm glad baby, but if you don't mind my asking… what did you do to get him so fond of you? I've never heard of someone bonded making a big promise like that, not to somebody they didn't trust completely."
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“You’re my guest, Fiori, and a trusted advisor of mine. Soon to be made official. You aren’t imposing in the least, all of these resources are ones I would use for myself as well.” He deeply wanted to make Fiori feel completely welcome here, and comfortable in spite of the present circumstances, especially after all Fiori had done for him in Usige. He noted Fiori’s mood change, and tilted his head at it. “It’s a small room just around the corner from the bedroom hallways, locked from the outside. It is being used as a large storage closet at the moment, but we would be able to renovate it into simple living quarters for him.”
Johan blinked at this new information, and it only made him more confused. “Nothing,” he rested a hand down on the table. “I’ve done nothing with him, or for him, apart from when we met on the battlefield. I gave him a scar on his back.” He traced the path of his own scar with the pad of his thumb.
Fi gave him a weak smile. "I know you would, Leviticus. That is why I am hesitant about using him. We cannot be on even footing here, no matter how much we wish we could be. It will only draw the wrong sort of attention if I walk around in prince's clothes in this country where people see me as little more than a monster in man's skin." He admired Levi's determination to help him fit in, was so grateful for it that he could never stop making things up to him, but he couldn't lie to himself and pretend like he as a perfect fit here. "I will think about it, but… leaving him alone at night makes me antsy." Not only would Johan have time to scheme, other people could get into his room easily. What if someone attacked him again? What if he got hurt even worse? "If we are careful about the way the room is constructed… possibly, but it will be a delicate balance."
Cora watched him trace the scar. "Well a man like him would be very well versed in battle, and the way he looks at you…" she laughed, shaking her head slightly. "It's like you're a puzzle he'd trying to put together. He admires you, I think, and fears for you and himself. He doesn't seem to be a very happy sort, but you'll be nice to him, won't you? I always did my best to raise you polite."
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Levi sighed as if a weight had been pulled out of his throat, mostly out of thought. “I suppose you’re right. But the last thing I want to do is leave you stranded. Uhm, the next thing that comes to mind is Mordecai’s wardrobe. If you mimic his style, it won’t be as… royal, and you may be accepted.” Mordecai may not be thrilled at first, but Levi was sure he could explain his reasoning well enough. “And fair enough, it is simply an option.” He wasn’t sure what Fiori was exactly looking for in a place where Johan could sleep and not cause damage, but also where he wouldn’t be left alone.
“As nice as I can be,” Johan replied as he continued to eat. Although, Johan’s “nice” wasn’t exactly the same as anyone else would consider it. “But never submissive, like I’m sure Leviticus wants me to be.” He shot an ambiguous glare at the door he assumed Levi was still behind.
Fiori laughed. "And I assume he will be thrilled at my choice?" He knew Mordecai didn't like him and despite what he was sure were Levi's best efforts, he doubted the man would for a long time. Fi wasn't smiley like Levi was or like Cadmus had been. He didn't pick up friends because when it all came down to it he was big and he was foreign and he looked like a threat. "I will try it anyways. And… for the room, perhaps we could make sure it has a key? I do not want anyone coming for him in the night. Johan is… a criminal, yes, and a bad person, but he does not deserve to be beaten again."
Cora stole a bit of food off the plate, chewing on it thoughtfully. "I know you will baby, I'd never ask you to put yourself below him, but you'd better keep that promise." She gave him a significant look, waving a bit of fried bread at him. "I swear to all the gods Johannan Elerib, I will come for you if you make that boy cry." The same promise from when Johan was young: I swear I'll come your you if you make your brothers cry. Cora had always been protective, even if Johan was the only one she'd adopted into her family.
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“Oh, absolutely,” Levi chuckled in reply. “I’m sure he’ll get over himself eventually, especially the longer you’re here, he’ll have no choice but to get used to you.” He quieted to listen to Fiori’s reasoning with the room, nodding along. “I suppose that’s right, I don’t want him getting beaten again either. Getting a key for the door should be easy enough to do.”
Johan gazed back at Cora as she spoke to him, and he bobbed his head. “I’ll…try not to. But, only for you, Cora.” He wasn’t sure if he’d made Leviticus cry, or at least he hadn’t seen it. He didn’t know how easily Fiori cried, but Johan assumed it would take a lot.
Fiori laughed, nodding along. "Yes, I… I had hoped he would grow more accustomed to me, at least. He seems very cold right now, but I suppose he will warm up to me in time. We will have no choice." He sighed not looking forward to the inevitable hours they would be forced to spend together, and then out of relief when it seemed that his request for Johan's room would be accepted. "That would be good, thank you."
Cora brightened considerably as he promised, giving his hand a pat and then settling back in her chair to wait for Fiori to get back. "Thank you, baby. I know you'll give it your best, and you know you've got my blessing to break him down if he ever does anything to you."
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Levi smiled at the thought of his beloved and his friend becoming friends as well. “Oh, yes, I have no doubt of that. And I suppose you two do have a choice, it would just be how much you are able to tolerate each other’s company,” he chuckled, watching Fiori’s expressions carefully with each subject change. “And, you’re welcome, I’m sure I can arrange for a carpenter and locksmith to come at least within the next week or so.”
“Of course, Mum, you’ll know about it too if anything happens.” Johan relaxed back into his chair with her, a piece of half-eaten fried bread in his hand. He gazed pensively at the door, wondering what Fiori and Levi had to discuss for them to take so long out there. Still, he enjoyed the time he had to talk to Cora privately, and silently hoped that Fiori wouldn’t come back inside for a long while.
Fi let himself laugh at that, quietly amused. "Well I do not think tolerating is so much the problem. I have no doubt that your Mordecai could tolerate anything and everything for your sake, but I do doubt that he will be very happy about it." He shrugged. "I cannot say I blame him, I would do the same if Cadmus brought…" He bit his lip, seeming to register who he'd brought up. "…brought in a new member of my council. I… Pardon me, Leviticus, but… I should be on my way. It was good to talk to you." He reached over, gave Levi's arm a friendly squeeze, and then he was back into the kitchen to collect Johan, though he hovered at the door when he saw how at ease he seemed.
Cora was grinned, reaching over to Ruffle Johan's hair and marvelling at how tall he was. Surely he hadn't grown so big overnight, but… it all seemed so sudden. The hight, the hair, the worry lines crinkling his eyes. Her baby had grown up. "I know, son. You're gonna do just fine with him and if he ever makes a move you can handle yourself."
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Levi’s expression fell as the mood of the conversation severely dropped at the mention of Cadmus. He nodded faintly, sympathetically, and was about to reply when Fiori said his goodbyes. “Oh, it was good talking to you too, Fiori. I’m happy to at any time.” He gave his friend a short wave, and then was off through the hallway as Fiori disappeared into the kitchens.
“You rightly put your faith in me, mum. Even with broken ribs, I’m fully capable of defending myself. And you too,” Johan heartily agreed, wishing his ribs weren’t so stiff that he couldn’t lean over and give her another hug. He tilted his chin towards the door at the sound of Fiori’s return; his shoulders sank and he let out a heavy sigh. ”You’re back,” he observed with a noticeable lack of enthusiasm. His gaze flickered from the collar in Fiori’s hand and back to his face. “Leviticus was holding that. What is it?”
Fiori waved as well and then turned to Johan and Cora, tucking the collar behind him. "Nothing to discuss right here," he murmured, glancing towards Cora before he walked over to wrap an arm around her and pull her close. She was so skinny and as limp as a bag of bones in his grip and when she looked up at him her eyes were watery.
"That boy's my son, you hear me? My son." She hugged him back, letting Fi help her to her feet. "Don't you go around hurting him, not after you promised."
"I know Ms. Cora." He gave her an unsteady smile. "I know, I will be good to him. There are so many things to worry about for us here, do not let this be one of them."
She nodded and gripped his hand in hers for a second before she shuffled back into the kitchen, pausing only to wave goodbye to Johan with the biggest smile she could muster. "I'll see you, baby."
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Johan squinted suspiciously at Fiori, but said nothing else to question him. He would press about it later if it wasn’t mentioned soon. For now he remained quiet, crossing his arms and putting the bite of fried bread into his mouth. He listened to their conversation with a smug smile set in one corner of his lips. His expression brightened considerably when Cora said her farewells to him, and the corner of his eyes crinkled warmly towards her. “I’ll see you too, Cora. Maybe dinner time tonight.”
Cora nodded and gave him one last ave goodbye and then she was gone. Fi gave Johan an uneasy glance. He'd known Cora and Johan were close, but… he didn't realize they were roghainn. Family. "Cora is your mother?" He asked quietly, wandering over to plop down in the chair she'd left pulled out. "I did not know you would allow such a thing. You are so… opposed." He didn't elaborate, choosing instead to look down at the collar in his hands, spinning it around and around and around. Johan wouldn't be very happy with this. Not happy at all.
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Johan chose to look at the platter on the table rather than Fiori, though his eyes flickered to the collar every few seconds. “I’m not a bastard child if that’s what you meant. I only visited her after Mikhail was born. She practically raised me.” He finished the last sentence in a short mumble. He preferred to keep his relationship with Cora secret from his associates around the palace, and maintaining his notorious antipathy for Usige. If the council ever suspected it, false rumors would have spread around the castle questioning whether Johannan had any right to be in the royal line at all if he was half Usigen.
"I know that." He huffed softly, hands tightening around the collar. "I just… I thought here you were all about teaghlach here." Everything in Widonia was passed down through blood and inheritance so family seemed to be bound by those things, and yet here Johan was with Cora as his mother. No blood, all choice. "I did not know you allowed roghainn. And even if your country did I would not imagine that you of all people would accept it."
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“My relationship with Cora has nothing to do with you.” Johan shot a piercing glare at Fiori, and then remembering Cora’s words, directed his anger at the table once again. He’d always been reminded that blood was most important in the individual family circles, and friends second most important. But in the absence of his parents by blood, he found refuge in Cora. If Cora was a mutual friend of his parents, and if she was a Widonian noble the relationship would be more accepted by the rest of the country. “I was young. And it wasn’t like there was anyone else.” Perhaps his country’s values were part of the reason he refrained from visiting her for so long.
Fi winced at the glare. "I know, I… I did not mean to offend, I just… I was surprised, is all." His eyes slid up to Johan's face, watching carefully for his reactions. He didn't want to upset the prince, only to understand how Cora had managed to talk him into understanding her traditions. Fi got the feeling that if he tried something like that Johan would sooner attack him than actually listen. "If she is your mother then she is your mother, and I will not deny that. I would simply like to know how your relationship came to be."
