Il mio artista bello

My Lovely Artist

Chapter 3

Author: RoninBrat

"Darya." Narsus cooed softly to the little girl in his arms as they sat in an old rocker the chambermaids had found for him. The garden doors were wide open, allowing a cool afternoon breeze.

She was nearly asleep, her soft blue eyes opening and slowly closing, fighting the nap. He knew he should allow Beth to take her back to the nursery. He was spoiling her rotten, or so he'd been told. But he didn't care. This was his daughter.

Staring out the door, Narsus thought of all those orphaned children, all abandoned by the death of their parents or cowardice; parents who'd been on the wrong side of the war, fleeing, leaving behind their belongings and their young children. Leaving them to fate.

He really didn't know Darya's story. Neither did any of the priestess’ who had taken in the refugees at the temple. All they could say was that she'd been among the group of children brought in by an elderly man who had been fleeing to the city. They had named her for her blue eyes. Darya; meaning the Sea.

Narsus smiled softly at Darya's soft, dark hair, cut short by the Priestess' to rid her of the vermin that had invaded her persons during her time of neglect.

Finding her had brought a new set of problems to his attention: abandoned children; adoptions; a new way to acquire a slave.

Narsus frowned.

The priestess' had no way of accounting for the children once they left the temples in the arms of supposedly loving, adoptive parents. Being the skeptic that he was, Narsus truly doubted they were all honorable adoptions. Arislan, upon hearing of the overflow, had sent him to visit the temple the week before Daryun and Quishward's return.

It was there, at the temple, that he'd first laid eyes upon the dark haired urchin that stole his heart and one of his bracelets. Having been attracted by one dangling from his wrist, the little girl had simply toddled up to him and easily snatched it. He had not been the least offended. A few of the priestess’, not knowing him very well, were appalled.

He had picked her up and she had stayed in his arms through the remainder of his tour. Within a few hours, after sending Arislan his report of the overcrowded conditions in the temple, Narsus had followed it up with a second late night run, requesting permission to adopt a little girl named Darya.

Arislan, keenly aware the temple priestess were doing the best they could, had, within the week, dispatched workers and architects to construct a new building just for the children. An hour after that group’s arrival, during his run in with Daryun and Quishward, Arislan had sent an affirmative to his request of adoption.

Arislan was making a fine King.

"Narsus."

Even though the voice was soft and distinctive near his ear, Narsus nearly jumped at the interruption to his musing.

"My King." Narsus started to rise but was stayed by the hand on his shoulder.

Arislan moved to sit in front of him on the ottoman. "She is beautiful, Narsus. I'm sorry I haven't visited sooner."

"I know you have been busy, Arislan." Noting the slightly haggard appearance of an Arislan fresh from battle, Narsus couldn't help but inquire, "Have you been resting?"

"As well as I can. My mind never seems to shut down."

Narsus nodded knowingly. He had such a mind. "My Lord, my liege, my friend. You will reign a great many years. You have time. You can't change things all at once."

Arislan sighed. "One can only hope. I just fear things falling through the crack somewhere."

"They won't. You won't allow it." Narsus gave an encouraging smile.

Arislan, in return, gave a shy smile. How in the heavens had he instilled such loyalty in great men like Narsus? "I've only managed it with you and Daryun and Pharangese and countless others by my side. I can not take full credit." Arislan did not look at Narsus' face, he knew he'd see too much faith there. "Actually, if you don't mind, I seek your advice on several matters." Reaching out a hand, Arislan gave into the temptation of stroking Darya's hair. "But I can always come back later."

Narsus looked down at the now sleeping Darya. "Actually you came at a good time. She is due to go down for a nap." Glancing towards Beth, who sat quietly across the room embroidering, Narsus was pleased to see her rise. Forever attentive she'd been since joining his small household.

Handing over his sleeping child after planting a kiss on her brow, Narsus turned his full attention to Arislan. "Would you like some refreshment?"

"Yes. Please." Arislan rose with Narsus, following him to the liquor cabinet.

Reaching the cabinet, Narsus glanced sideways. Arislan seemed truly troubled all of a sudden. "Water, juice or the hard stuff?"

"Whatever you are having, Narsus." Arislan quipped. Now was the perfect opportunity to investigate a concern Daryun had brought to his attention.

"I am having juice. Wine seems to have no appeal to me lately."

"Oh?" Arislan seemed suddenly concerned. "Are you having ill effects from it?"

"No. I just realized I was no good to you when in my cups."

A delicate brow rose at Narsus' admission. "It has never hindered you before."

"Ah, but I have heard that wine slowly eats at the brain." Handing Arislan a goblet filled with the juices of the finest squeezed kiwi and strawberries found in the market, Narsus headed them back to the open terrace. "So what troubles you? And don't try to deny it. Your entire posture changed at the mere mention of it."

"I'll start with the easy one, since my mind has already been made up." Arislan started. "You are my Advisor and, as such, have the same rank and privileges as I in the eyes of people. Should anything ever happen to me, Narsus, you would assume the throne until either the Commanding ranks voted a new King or the people revolt in favor of their choice. I've no doubt in my mind that you could very well remain on the throne if that day ever came."

"Arislan..." Narsus was well aware of this argument. But not from Arislan. From Daryun. And now he knew the bastard had brought it to Arislan's attention.

Arislan waved his hand for silence, a rare occurrence for his friend. "You listen, dear friend. I am well aware that you do not consider yourself a worthy Nobleman. That the circumstance of your birth, in the eyes of some, denotes it. But in my eyes, Narsus, you are the most honorable man I've ever had the pleasure of meeting and I thank the gods everyday that you agreed to come away with Daryun and I. I would not be here if it were not for you and your support." With venom, Arislan added, "My father was a fool and he paid the price. And there are others who realize your worth. Many know you can not be persuaded to leave my side. I know of the offers, Narsus."

And Narsus knew from where that information came. Daryun. Again.

"Your loyalty could very well be your undoing." Arislan brought himself up to his full height daring any further argument. "You are a target, an easier one than I at the moment. But I plan to remedy that."

Narsus’ downcast eyes, cheek twitching slightly for being deceived by his friends, told Arislan his angry Advisor needed more persuading. "Narsus, if you care for Pars, then you will allow Pars to care for you."

Narsus turned away. Damned if Arislan wasn't becoming good at his manipulative tricks. He had many arguments on the tip of his tongue, but Arislan's determination to win this small argument with him, made him somewhat proud. "As you wish, Sire. I am deeply touched that you have taken it into your hands, this trivial matter of my well being. I concede to the decision."

Arislan gently placed a hand on Narsus’ shoulder. "I need you, Narsus. Alive. Well. And happy. Don't blame Daryun for something that has already been on my mind."

Narsus nodded.

There was a long pause before Arislan spoke again. He'd won round one by default of title. Round two with his Advisor would prove more personal and only Narsus could make a final decision. He knew, when agreeing to this personal mission of Quishward's, that he was heading towards dangerous territory; that of interfering in the personal lives of his friends.

And, matching wits with his own Advisor, yet again.

"Are you aware that there has been some unrest with my commanding officers?"

"Really? No. Honestly it is the first I've heard of it." Narsus’ concerned eyes turned full attention to Arislan. Unrest amongst the officers was not a good thing this early in Arislan's reign. "It honestly does not bode well, Sire."

"That's what I thought, too." Looking into his cup, Arislan thought of his next words.

"Who is it may I ask?"

But then perhaps Narsus' natural curiosity would lead the conversation. "Daryun and Quishward."

"Excuse me?"

"That's what I said and pretty much the same way you did." Arislan took another sip of his juice, finding he liked the flavor.

"Whatever for?" Narsus' concern doubled. Unrest amongst two of the highest most esteemed Commanders in Arislan's army was not good.

"They are fighting over someone's heart." Arislan blurted.

"Are you sure?...I'm sorry. Of course you are." Narsus apologized for his outburst, frowning all the while. "Daryun? I had no idea." The latter was softly spoken, quickly masking some emotion that threatened to let loose. An emotion he would never let loose. "Well. Why are you being bothered with this..." waving his hand around, Narsus found trouble finding an elaborate word, "this, nonsense?"

"What should I do Narsus? How should I expedite this matter?" Arislan gave Narsus his most innocent, pleading look of old, managing to avoid the answer to Narsus' question. Hoping his seemingly, innocent look would continue to work on his Advisor as it has done in the past.

"Uh..well...Sire...I...well, I don't really know. I mean I have no experience when it comes to such things."

"Why is that?" Arislan asked innocently.

Narsus shrugged, frowning, had anyone talked to Arislan about the delicacy of relationships? "Been too busy I suppose. In all honesty, Arislan, I have not been involved in a relationship since your father was on the throne."

"But you do have experience, right?" Arislan asked, urgency in his voice.

"Well, yes." Narsus allowed himself to admit that he did.

"Well, what do I do?" Adding to Narsus' growing concern, Arislan injected for urgency sake, "I can't have my army divided and that could very well happen." Arslan began pacing.

"I hardly think Daryun and Quishward would let it go that far, your Majesty." The glare thrown in his direction gave Narsus the impression that Arislan didn't believe that to be the case. How bad was it? "I suppose the maiden could resolve it."

"Maiden?" Arislan paused in his pacing, turning his attention back to Narsus. Indeed, Quishward had been correct when he stated his advisor was blind to the obvious.

Speaking to diffuse the situation, Narsus hurriedly spoke, "Yes, Sire. Make her chose which it is to be. That should solve it quickly enough. Daryun and Quishward are both honorable men. Whoever is not chosen, I'm almost positive they will concede the decision and abide by it, especially if it comes from the maiden herself."

"That sounds like the best idea I've heard all damn day!" Narsus raised an eyebrow at Arislan's choice of words. "Only one problem."

"That is?"

"It is not a maiden."

Narsus blinked dumbly, "Not a maiden, Sire?"

"Right."

"But that means...." Daryun was interested in...and HE hadn't been aware that his closet friend stood open to such relationships. But, then again, how could they qualify as friends anymore when they never had the time of day to socialize with anyone, let alone each other.

"Means what, Narsus?"

"Means that...." Feeling as confused as he looked. "Never mind, Sire." Taking a deep breath, "Oh well, what is good for the goose is good for the gander or some such nonsense. My advice still stands. To prevent further unrest and distrust, this should be expedited quickly. Whoever this person is, must decide."

"You are right, my Lord Narsus, as always. I will immediately hold council. We will get this resolved and hopefully without any bloodshed." A sudden vision of Narsus carving up his two best commanders flashed before Arislan's eyes. Perhaps he hadn't given it enough thought before agreeing to this trickery. "I would like for you to join me in council in about an hour's time. It will probably take the messengers that long to locate them."

"As you wish, Sire."

"Yes. I wish it." Arislan spoke with finality. Taking another drink from his goblet he wondered why Narsus hadn't inquired as to whom the person was that the Commanders were interested in. A quick glance at a downcast Narsus nearly broke him. Narsus looked truly, irreversibly hurt. It made Arislan feel incredibly guilty at his deception. Damn Quishward and his plans. "Are you even remotely interested in who it is, Narsus?"

Narsus nodded. He'd never realized his heart could weigh so heavily. A sudden event. One he dared not dwell on. Arislan had asked him a question, one he was torn in his answer. But how could he go into this farce of a meeting unprepared? "Yes. I suppose it is information I should know."

Arislan nodded. "It's you, Narsus. You are the object of their affection."