Two Families, Two Heirs

[iamthey]

*Private*

With her eviction having been served Ashton had arrived at Devereaux’s Nelson estate approximately four weeks ago. Greeted by her sister Victoria and Thomas, they had to that point engaged in a fairly standard course of pleasantries. Though she was no stranger to splendor, her father was the personal accountant of both the Royal Family and Devereaux, she couldn’t help but feel in awe. The Estate itself was seated on the hilled countryside not fifty miles from Nelson, now the industrial capital of the nation. The house was fashioned in the early Georgian style and withheld a certain ancient prestige unseen throughout the profanely modern Pacifican society. Even though she was aware that the manor had only just been build, maybe five years ago, she couldn’t help but believe in the myth of Devereaux’s establishment and status as a native to the society. He seemed so… at home. Having been called down to the drawing room she followed one of the household staff though the warmly lit halls. Entering she found the young Duke alone. As she approached he slowly looked up from a lengthy page, pen in hand, acknowledging her presence with the reassurance of an amicable smile. “You’re not with Victoria?” She inquired. Puzzled for a moment he quickly replied.

“Ah no, she went into Nelson earlier this evening. I suppose she may have had some business to attend to.” Ashton nodded. He paused for a moment. “At least I think she- yes. Please take a seat if you like though.” Ashton sat in one of the plush chairs around the small coffee table. For a moment he simply stared into her eyes, and there was silence between them. At last he again spoke. “We’ve talked at least a dozen times, but I don’t think we’ve ever really said anything to one another. Small talk- its a cheap pleasure, but a mask.” Ashton solemnly nodded, agreeing with the sentiment. “Sadly I’m really not that much of a social person, my good fortune has bailed me out of my own ineptitude when it comes to people skills. Though…my only solace, is to write.” He glanced down at the portfolio on the table. Ashton smiled.

“I know how you feel, though I tend to just burry myself in work.” This left Devereaux amused.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m a perfectly agreeable person. I’m just… separated. In some ways, I find it hard to connect. You ever have that feeling?” She thought for a moment remembering her co-workers – her father. Audibly sighing she replied.

“It depends, but yeah; I walk among the bureaucrats in the office I work in, and I see mindless foolishness. People I wouldn’t even take a moment to talk to. Then I meet others – people I can relate to.”

“Indeed… I find the range of my empathy only really extends to those of relative intellectual parity… Everyone else is just-“ He stopped himself.

“A tool?” She finished the phrase for him. Devereaux grimaced, but uneasily agreed.

“I don’t know if I would put it that way, but yes I guess that would encompass the feeling.” There was a brief break in their conversation, it seemed both were equally insecure in the fact that they both shared similar outlooks. Devereaux feeling this deeper conversation premature of a true relationship, found it prudent to revert to the light heartened subjects at hand. “ So, you are about to head a team of scientists who will give birth to the most monstrous military unit in this nation’s history- a force that will be responsible for the personal protection of myself and the King, and one which will be tasked with safeguarding the interests of this government. One led by the all too ruthlessly loyal Marc Stephens and managed by the cold and calculating Thomas Devereaux: how does that make you feel?” The dry humor was apparent, Ashton simply laughed. “What if I added in that your work would personally enable me in my covert campaign against subversives. Or that in fact I would utilize my Royal Marines to tie the hands of the King, and the Archduke to the policies of my regime?” Looking down at her own nails she feinted nonchalance.

“What if I told you that I am an amoral scientist who couldn’t care less what the true application of her work was.” Devereaux nodded.

“Fair play- but yes its quite humorous what the people in parliament are saying. They see this ‘Agenda 21’ as a confidential budget item and start speculating about what it is. If only they knew the truth.”

“It’s probably for the best that they remain ignorant. Despite the progressive history of this regime there are still ethical questions surrounding our work. The last thing either of us needs is more crusading politicians.” He agreed.

“In truth I couldn’t be more thoroughly confident in your leadership. In my time I have seen the progress determined scientists and willing governments can accomplish- I look forward to seeing what we can do. So anyway-You are no doubt aware that your sister and I have been an item for some time. My real purpose for asking you down here was to see what your opinion of it was.” Startled by the bluntness Ashton sat silently.

“Hmm…”

She lied.

[iamthey]

*Private*

The conversation between the two had continued for a at least thirty minutes before at last the doors to the drawing room subtly opened revealing Victoria. Pleased to see her Thomas stood to meet her, as they embraced the two kissed. Ashton sat silently. After a moment they disengaged and Victoria took note of her sister, with a somewhat alarmed look she looked at Devereaux, "You didn't tell her yet did you?".

"No, we decided to wait until you returned, remember."

"Oh good." At that point they both turned to look at Ashton, Thomas's hand resting on Victoria's opposite shoulder. "Ashton... I'm Pregnant". Mouth slightly agape the comment took a moment to register in her mind. With a nervous sigh she smiled and stood to embrace her sister.

"Victoria, thats great- I'm- so happy for you- for you both."

"We're going out to celebrate, you should join us." Thomas said looking at Ashton. "Actually I insist." After a moment she nodded agreeing.

[iamthey]

Cyrus’s was the Whitewall of Nelson, in other words it was the premier restaurant and the preference of Nelson’s own monied society. Having called ahead the three of them along with their escort of Royal Guard were guided to the one of the booths along the parameter of the open dining area. The room generally dark, the only light emitted from the candles and the open fireplace at its center. Its rich woods and high ceilings moreover captured the same Georgian, or old refined element Ashton had grown accustom to living at Devereaux’s estate. As they approached the table, with a subtle hand signal Devereaux directed the Guard to give the group its privacy. Halting for a moment Deveraux glanced down at his own wrist watch… "hmm". Looking up he smiled as he saw the other half of their party approaching. In town, he had called upon Ryn. Inwardly frowning he took note of his escort, Loraine. The groups met. "Glad you could make it Ryn." The monarch nodded. "This is Ashton, and you know Victoria… and- Ashton this is Ryn Atrevier, and the Arch Duke Allison Loraine."

"Its- an honor to meet you both." Ashton replied though some what unnerved by the casual nature of the meeting.

"Likewise, I have heard excellent things about your work Ms. Blake – but tonight this is just a meeting of friends." The group exchanged hands before at last taking their respective seats around the table. After a moment Atrevier broke the silence, "So we heard about your news, congratulations- to you both." He spoke looking at the two of them.

"Yes, and we heard of yours." He shot a side glancing at Ashton.

Loraine nodded, oblivious to Devereaux’s own distaste of her; "Who would have thought two pregnancies within the same month." The group paused, the conversation seemed rather empty.

"Of course- there is the minor issue of the unions." Deveraeux offered; replying Victoria revealed that she too had considered the legal implication.

"Yes, but thankfully law here is fairly simple. It designates legal heirs on the basis of biological association. No one will be disinherited due to legal technicality."

"That," Ryn interjected "and marriage isn’t the insane affair it is elsewhere. It’s just a contract- really just a political union. Speaking of which William tells me he has already made the arrangements and will be filing disclosure of both our marriage statuses with the Archdukal Court tomorrow." Sitting in silence, Ashton watched as the man her sister loved, distantly looked out on the dining hall, only half listening; she didn’t know what it was, but she couldn’t help but detect something within him- something empty.