Layne Djo-Solo
Entry 38 - Tangled Webs
My last entry may have been premature. I admit to being incensed regarding Jysella's behavior, however, it was explained by an argument I overheard between she and Jarid. I do not think they knew if I was listening nor do I think they would care if they knew I had been. It was a very enlightening discussion - one that answered many unspoken questions and cast Jysella's behavior in a new light.
Jysella had been upset by Jarid's previous paramours. One of them, a lady of some note, had been in the palace that morning with her infant son. A son she claimed was Jarid's and - as such - he should welcome a place in her household and not with some shrewish off-worlder. I was not there but I was given the impression that an argument erupted immediately between Jysella and Jarid.
I cannot blame Jysella for reacting to such news, true or not, but Jarid could have handled the matter better.
As I listened I could not help but think they were well matched once more. Jysella lets Jarid win no battle of words without making him earn it - something my brother sorely lacked as a teenager - and she gave as good as she got. I also understood, from this discussion, that the overture I had thought I overheard from Jysella to Jarid's valet was in fact a request for assistance in dealing with the sticky mess of another woman's child - not the desire to create one with him.
My chagrin is complete.
Not only did I jump to conclusions regarding my brother's bride, but I influenced my brother towards Jysella. The baby is being put through a paternity test to match with my brother, but he is young enough I am doubtful he is Jarid's. Jarid has spent much of the last two years away from Hapes. Unless it is a child conceived on one of his infrequent visits home - and I am skeptical - the child cannot be his.
Fortunately, they did not argue long - though it was heated - and I believe things will resume as normal once the child is proven not to belong to Jarid.
At least, I do not believe he belongs to Jarid... but I have been known to be wrong.