Chapter 2: Propositions and Positions
Joren was having second thoughts. Well, technically he'd thought about it a lot more than twice. But he still found himself outside the door of Sir Myles of Olau that night at seven fifty-nine. He knocked before he lost his nerve, and a Bazhir opens it, inviting him inside.
Joren took a deep breath, adjusting his dark blue tunic. He tried to convince himself that he dressed extra nice in reaction to Lady Alanna's comments on his clothing yesterday, but the truth was that he hoped Nealan of Queenscove was there. He was not disappointed, except for the small insignificant fact that Neal couldn't even pretend to be happy to see him. He was greeted with a glare from Neal, a raised eyebrow from Lady Alanna, and warm smile from Sir Myles.
Sir Myles of Olau, although known by the whole of Tortall to be the king's spymaster, had the paradoxical air of a straightforward and honorable man. He welcomed Joren graciously, as if he wasn't aware of his adopted daughter's animosity towards the boy. He insisted that they dine first before there would be any talk of business.
After a dinner of potatoes and venison, a dessert of sumptuous chocolate cake, and a very awkward silence, Sir Myles led the group to a dark study. Joren was barely seated on a dark mahogany chair when the spymaster spoke.
"You are aware of the events surrounding King Jonathan's coronation, I assume." It was a statement, not a question. After Joren nodded slightly, Myles continued. "There was an attempt to replace him instigated by the supporters of the late Duke Roger, Jonathan's cousin. It didn't succeed, mostly because of the efforts of my daughter here." Alanna rolled her eyes. "But the enemies of the throne remain.
"Now five months ago, a large house was commissioned by an unknown and apparently very rich man. He arrived three weeks ago and held party after party, inviting both commoners and nobles. At first, the nobles refused, probably deeming the parties too… vulgar. However, they gained such a reputation that some nobles finally attended, including myself." Joren resisted the urge to tell him to get to the point.
"This man had a very marked resemblance to the late Duke Roger, and could pass for his son. I don't know what he is planning, but I am sure the nobles and commoners who are against King Jonathan will soon flock to this stranger's parties. We could expect what will happen after that."
This time, Joren couldn't stop himself. "As flattering it is to be privy to the king's problems, what does all this have to do with me?"
"Shut up!" Neal hissed at him.
"I'll get to the point," Sir Myles smiled at Joren, while Alanna placed a restraining hand on her squire. "This man will hold another party for next week. It has come to my attention that he likes… young boys. Therefore, I want to hire you to work as a waiter for this party, to spy on the guests, and as distraction for this man, while Nealan will look for documents that may shed light on this stranger's true intentions."
Joren stood up, horrified. "You want me to sleep with some king-wannabe?"
Neal snickered. "Not like you haven't done it before, pretty boy! You probably know all the positions already!" Joren looked like he wanted to murder someone when Myles raised his hands to placate him.
"No! You will be given something to make the stranger fall asleep, and you will act as guard to make sure no one catches Nealan." Myles glared at the loud-mouthed squire who shut his mouth immediately.
Joren sat back down after a long glare at Neal and crossed his arms. "Fine, but what's in it for me?"
"Somehow I am not surprised to hear that." Alanna drawled, before showing Joren the insides of a bag. It was filled with gold nobles. "There are thirty gold nobles here. You'll receive this if the mission is successful. If it isn't, you can get extra pay from the job as a waiter."
Joren was silent for a second. "It could be fun, but I want extra pay for working with him." He pointed a thumb at Nealan, trying to be as nonchalant as possible. His heart was beating very fast at the thought of bonding time with Neal. Myles and Alanna smiled in assent. Neal, however, didn't know what to feel.