Give and take
Summary: A time when you can't trust anyone. A time when those most loyal to you are those who need to be kept an eye on. A time when I really, really need to learn to write summaries. Challenge 20 at the Dancing Dove.
)O(
"Surely you have at least one spy who's loyal only to you," the king raised an eyebrow, "I do know the extent of your resources."
The other man fidgeted. If asked a year ago, he would have said he knew his king well enough, but a year of civil war has changed the country, and changed him. Now, he felt he hardly knew the man his old friend had become. He no longer knew what was safe to approach him with, and what wasn't.
"That is not the issue at hand, sire." He finally responded.
"Then what, Baron?" he shifted in his chair.
He hesitated again before speaking. "Majesty, surely you can trust..."
"Now that is not the issue at hand." He looked up, sapphire eyes hardened to a degree beyond recognition, "this is a war. I'm but taking precautions."
"Precautions?" the other man exclaimed, his voice starting to rise, "you just about said you didn't trust one of your most loyal advisers!"
"And what if I did?" he asked in a tone that could almost be mistaken for curiosity, "what if I told you that I don't trust my most loyal advisers?"
The Baron took a deep breath and a mental step back. When he spoke again, he was cautious but not hesitant. "What next, Jon? Who next? When will you stop trusting Raoul? Gary? Do you even still trust me and my wife?"
"Yes." The answer sounded firm enough. His face told a different story. And even after years of the give-and-take of a spy, he still could not read the expression on his king's face.
"Before next week, I want you to place a spy you know is loyal to you- and only you- in House Olau. He will report directly to you, and you will report anything of interest to me. Is that clear?"
"Jon-"
"Do I make myself clear?" His spoke slowly, emphasizing each and every word. "I'm not asking you, George. I'm ordering you."
Their eyes met, and held in a silent battle of wills. George understood the necessities of ruling. He knew there were always sacrifices to be made. But this?
He looked away first. "Yes, Your Majesty." He bowed, and left. Briskly.
Jonathan ran a hand through his hair, the white strands in it starkly visible. He gestured to one of the servants. "Ask Sir Myles of Olau to meet me here, as soon as he can, please."