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The Price of Pride

3

Hadrian Troy sat behind his desk, contemplated his latest report. The ball had tired him more than he expected, but tiredness had no place in the world of business. Charon had brought him many letters to be replied to and he had a new contract draft to look over.

Jason had drawn that one, assuring him that Charlie McAllen would be a very beneficial partner in the future years. He was an inventor and an engineer, had built a steam engine better fitted for locomotives. Jason was persuaded that only his Scottish origins prevented the man from gaining the funds to finance his project. Said project sounded solid, the project would be built in Scotland, and Hadrian had been seeking other areas to invest in.

Still, the man hesitated. Had Diana presented the same offer, he would have trusted her judgment. She could smell potential as well as he did. Jason however was easily drawn by artifices…He sighed inwardly. If he never gave his son a chance, how could Jason ever gain the confidence he needed? Hadrian leaned back in his seat, feeling quite at loss. Not for the first time, he wished Diana had been born a boy. His daughter knew the work better than her brother ever would, knew how to recognize flattery and vile manipulations. He would have named her heir without a second thought, most likely encourage her marriage with one of the Bana-Midgall daughters, and his retirement would be set. Unfortunately, she would never be allowed to be on the front, and her brother was too proud to listen to her suggestions. The boy didn't have ill-intents, but Hadrian feared he had been a little too eager to set his mark in the world. There was nothing wrong with ambition –he was plenty ambitious himself –but running into a market without sight of the many variables was not recommended.

Someone knocked on the door.

"Come in," he ordered, and rearranged his papers. Though he did not expect outsiders to-day, he never let his desk reveal what kind of work he was up to.

Jason stepped in, groomed and far more awake than at breakfast. His hair was neatly arranged in the back of his head, his clear eyes bright and his posture straight. He looked every bit like the heir Hadrian wished him to be.

"You asked for me father?"

"I did," he confirmed. "Sit."

The young man took place across his desk. Hadrian was glad to note he did not slouch or cross his legs or made himself at ease. The upcoming conversation was not made to make Jason feel at ease.

"Your sister said something interesting this morning," he started. "Why did you leave the ball yesterday night and where were you?"

Jason huffed in contempt and replied dryly:

"I was not aware you would hold attention to Diana's attempt at redirecting the conversation."

Hadrian raised an eyebrow and pointed out:

"If your sister noted your absence, even subconsciously, then it must have been a long one. I know my daughter, Jason, and I know you. You would never miss the opportunity to flirt with the ladies and they were plenty last night. I do not mind your dalliances as long as they stay in the dark. However, you are my heir. Your misgivings are my concerns until I pass the reins." He crossed his fingers, narrowed his eyes suspiciously. That stare usually made his son cower and spill his darkest secrets. "Tell me now, Jason, where did you go?"

The young man looked put-off and vexed, but in front of the patriarchal authority, did admit:

"I was meeting someone," he admitted. "I am not the only one interested in Mr. McAllen's plans. The man I met wanted to….intimidate me into giving up." The young man snorted. "I am not easily scared off."

Hadrian admitted that eager interest from another competitor could be a good sign, but it depended on the competitor.

"Do you know who tried to discourage you?"

Jason's expression turned closer to preening.

"He used a lady and another man to cover his identity, but I recognized them both. They work for Alexander Luthor."

This time, the older man winced inwardly. Of all the competitors he could have on the market, Alexander 'Lex' Luthor was one of the few he would stay clear of. The late Luthor had been ruthless, using his influence in other unsavory means and dealings before a noisy paper exposed his misleads and ruined him. From the rumors he had heard, his son was no better. His company was burgeoning nicely, with all the airs of amiability. Still, the younger heir always made Hadrian uncomfortable. And his son, his hotheaded son, wanted to go against that man? Competition was one thing, and Hadrian had intimidated and been intimidated over time, but Jason was too young in the eyes of the world to stand against a scoundrel like Luthor.

"You will tell me exactly what has been said," Hadrian said seriously.

Jason, misunderstanding the intention behind the order, immediately launched himself into the tale. Perhaps it would help him realize he had gotten himself in a precarious position…But Hadrian knew that impetuous youth would disregard any danger, so it would be up to him to anticipate any danger to come before it came too late.

TPOP

The afternoon had barely begun that Diana found herself eager to be away from her family's inquisitiveness. She left the household at the earliest fashionable hour and hurried to her best friends' house. The matriarch was out, but the twins receiving. Diana was led to her friends' parlor immediately. She was a little surprised to see them up, but much less when they appeared barely presentable. While the older twin had dressed into a modest dress, customary when she did not seek to impress, the younger twin was wearing a simple tunic, very loose and barely thick enough to hide her womanly curves. Her mother would probably have a fit if she caught wind of her youngest daughter welcoming guests in such a state of déshabillé. If asked, Diana might consider the cloth's design close to what Grecian woman used to wear back in the Antique times. Alexa must have fallen back into her obsession with the Antiquity, but going as far as to dress like one? Diana had long forgone trying to understand the functioning of the young woman's mind.

"I was not expecting your visit so soon," Artemis said after the customary greetings were exchanged.

"My family has turned against me. I prayed for your presence to seek refuge," Diana said and took a seat. The couch she chose was set near the window, conveniently providing an excellent view of the gardens. The circles under the redhead's eyes were telling that she had not quite recuperated from the past night, but she looked alert enough to entertain.

"You are always welcomed to this refuge, my friend," Alexa added cheerfully.

"Thank you," she replied graciously. Artemis stepped up to her own bold reputation and declared:

"So, what brings you on our doorstep today? Did your father speak or your brother's lack of accomplishments again? Did Donna drown you with the latest gossip?" Artemis paused and grinned knowingly: "Or were you inevitably questioned about dear Mr. Wayne?"

"Oh please don't!" Diana snapped. "I have enough of mother and Donna's incessant snooping! I did not come for-"

"Peace Diana, Artemis is jesting!" Alexa intervened. She sent her sister a leveled stare. "We shall not broach that subject any longer," she added with a hint of warning. The eldest twin rolled her eyes and returned to her seat.

"Fine," she muttered. "Let us not linger on the weather or the quality of the tea; I have no patience for mindless pleasantries."

"You usually don't," her younger sister muttered. She went ignored.

"I am much more interested in the suspicious behavior your brother showed yesterday evening," Artemis went on. "He left in the middle of the ball and only returned shorty before your family took leave."

Diana sighed heavily.

"So his absence was not unnoticed," she said, displeased. "For Heaven's sake, he is the heir. He should be aware of how his behavior might reflect upon our family, at least until father passes over the mantle." She paused and glanced at her friend suspiciously. "I am surprised you even noticed his coming and goings."

"I did not. Alexa, on the other hand…"

Diana gave the second redhead a side glance. The twin ignored her determinedly but her cheeks colored from a faint blush. Diana suddenly wanted to roll her eyes. Alexa could not be falling for Jason's charms, could she? Given Artemis' grimace, their thoughts aligned.

"Do not fret, your brother is popular among some young ladies but not that popular. There are others catches with better fortune. If anything, most will believe he had gone to meet a mistress." Alexa glared subtly over her book. Her sister ignored her. "He is a man, and will fast be forgotten. In your own interest though, I would advise you watch him more closely. Reputation is a fragile thing."

While she almost gave Artemis a stern look that clearly said she did not need the reminder, Diana held back. While Shim'Tar of Bana-Migdhall had fortune and a title, her flawless reputation had been the only thing that allowed her any independence when she became a widow. That image had somehow evolved in time, but Diana could not deny her friends had been taught the importance of maintaining their dignity to protect themselves in society.

"Although I suppose with Mr. Wayne circling around you like a hungry vulture, and you somehow keeping him at arms' length, you have more to worry about."

Diana did her best not to roll her eyes. Still, her friend had a point. Hadn't she thought the same remark the very previous evening?

"He claims he will not seduce me," she muttered.

"And you believe him?" Artemis inquired with a raised eyebrow.

"He might be a flirt, he is still a man of his word," Diana admitted. For all his faults, Mr. Wayne was not known for vile deception. "I do not believe I will have to worry about his trying to compromise me."

"He might fear your father's success in convincing him to marry you, should he ever try," Artemis smirked. "Speaking of which, have you been introduced you to any suitors?"

"Thank heavens no," Diana replied with a heavy sigh. "Why do you ask? Does your mother...?"

"She hinted at it. She knows not to hope much from me but she still tries. The only way to end up in a marriage will be under duress; else I will end up an old maid. I will gladly leave Alexa carry on the family name."

"I love children," her twin offered, in a way that meant she would not mind the task.

Diana wondered if she was truly considering Jason as a potential husband and tried not to picture paint their children's face. She would have to probe him too; brother or not, she would never allow him to toy with one of her best friend's feelings. Artemis suddenly stood from her seat.

"Why don't we have a tour around the gardens?" she offered. "The sun shines too brightly to stay indoors."

Diana grinned slightly and agreed eagerly. Alexa declined, quoting a book she had yet to finish.

The two young women walked out to wander in the glorious and well-kept gardens. At some point in the past century, the Bana-Migdall family had invested heavily into mastering the expanse of greenery growing around the house. Today, Diana could safely walk through miles of clean paths and observe a multitude of flowers and plants imported from all around the globe. Gossip claimed the Bana-Migdall's always had need for a new gardener for maintenance.

For the first part, the two ladies discussed little else aside plants. Artemis insisted in showing her the new specimen they had finally received the other day. Instead of entering the glasshouse though, she led her friend to a more secluded place. A bench had been set under a tree in a way anyone seated there could see the upcoming passersby and not quite be seen or heard in return.

Diana would have been tempted to tease her friend for her secrecy, had it not been for the sobering expression on her face.

"So my friend, what terrible thing you wanted to confess that even Alexa would not bear to hear?"

Artemis' expression became far darker.

"I want to warn you, about rumors running in some circles. They concern you in a quite disturbing way."

Diana frowned, intrigued.

"I have done nothing warranting any kind of attention, have I?" she asked uncertainly. Artemis ignored her.

"Rumors are that you have become unhappy with some of your father's decisions, and someone fears you may act…rashly." Diana stared at her in shock. Her friend sighed heavily: "I lied when I said I did not watch your brother last night. Mother hears everything, keeps up with the fashionable and the servants' gossip well. Lately, she heard that Jason Troy has been investigating potential husbands for his twin sister. Word is, he has found one." Artemis glowered. "Word is, you are to be married next month."

TPOP

When she returned home by five o'clock, Diana found Jason about to mount his horse. The conversation she and Artemis just had kept plaguing her mind the whole stay and the furious feelings battling in her chest demanded some kind of release. Seeing her brother made her want to call him out on his actions, but she would not dare do it within earshot. While the servants and employees were loyal to the family, gossip still carried on.

"Why hello brother," she exclaimed. "Where are you off to in the late afternoon?"

Either Jason missed her irritation or he ignored it, for he replied cheerfully:

"Fisher needs to gallop, and I desperately need to ride. Lyla has been insufferably slow, guiding the phaeton."

That would do. Diana quickly decided to seize the opportunity and asked:

"Would you mind if I joined you?"

He hopped on the horse's back, picked the reins and grinned:

"As it happens, I would welcome your company. It has been a while since we have taken a ride together, don't you say?"

In spite of her early anger, Diana softened upon hearing those words. As children, they had been inseparable. It wasn't until Jason was forced to leave to study to Cambridge and Diana had her own private masters that she had turned her focus on her younger siblings. Growing up hadn't separated them, but she would admit they would not behave as closely as they did as children anymore. She suddenly realized she missed their childhood mischief too.

"I will order Pegasus to be readied then," she said and turned towards one of the stable boys. Without prompting, the boy ran inside to execute her order. "Did you have any particular path in mind?"

"Through the woods, I'd say, there aren't many travelers at this time," he replied. Fischer whined impatiently. Jason absentmindedly patted the stallion's neck. "This one has far too much energy to spend. Will Pegasus be able to keep up in a race?"

Diana crossed her arms.

"I feel insulted on my dear Pegasus's behalf," she replied mock-angrily. "It is rather Fisher who will have to admire Pegasus' rump."

Jason laughed cheerfully. The mentioned horse was led out. Diana grinned when she realized the saddle hadn't been set for a lady and she would have to ride aside. With the help of a groom, she settled comfortably. Her legs were uncovered from her boots up to her lower knee. Had it been earlier in the afternoon, she would have changed into riding breeches. But as Jason had mentioned, the road through the woods would be less frequented at this time of the day. Both guided their mounts outside the yard and trotted down the path in companionable silence. The house had been out of view for a good five minutes when the siblings exchanged a look. An invisible signal was given. They dug their talons into the horses' sides at the same time and off they darted in a wild gallop.

For a moment, Diana's grievances against Jason were forgotten. Nothing else mattered more than the two of them racing, the wind in her hair and the powerful strides of the beast she was riding. Fisher and Pegasus had been gifts for their thirteenth birthday, young foals, black and white, growing into proud stallions. Diana knew her brother's horse almost as well as she knew hers. She knew Fisher would be faster in a straight path. Pegasus took corners more easily and didn't slow on uneven roads. The only way she could take advantage was to force Jason to ride behind her by cutting his path. Their customary finish line was beyond a rock formation, three miles away. One strategic turn usually occurred halfway into the race. If she could turn before Fisher, she would have a slight advantage.

Her focus didn't waver as they arrived at the first determining turn. Pegasus followed his mistress's tug on the reins and made an admirable cut. Unfortunately, Jason had somehow gained a few seconds by whatsoever miracle. Diana dropped a very unladylike curse when he maintained his advance, to which her brother responded by a loud laugh. Her horse seemed to feel her annoyance at being bested at her own specialty, and obliged when she urged it to go faster.

The two spotted a carriage ahead. Diana was forced to slow Pegasus until he galloped behind Fisher so they could ride past the vehicle without disturbing the travelers too much. She heard a vague shout of protest from the driver but didn't mind it. Her brother had taken a serious advance now and she wanted the distance between them gone.

The second strategic turn appeared ahead. Diana grinned, knowing Jason needed to follow the long side of the road and would lose precious seconds. Once again, Pegasus showed his mastery in taking a curve at full speed and managed to catch their lateness. She caught Jason's glare as the two riders were now side by side at full speed, legs almost brushing one another.

When she met his glare with a smirk of her own, his face split into a wide. Diana felt a pang in her chest that had nothing to do with the excitement of the race. How long had it been since they had fun together? She loved her siblings, but Jason was her twin, the one she had been the closest to, the one who confided his mischief to her, who shared his pranks and watched her back when she went up against other children. They use to bear success and failure together. Now, the wall of propriety stood between them.

Jason Troy has been investigating potential husbands for his twin sister. Word is, he has found one.

The carefree grin on Jason's face made her suddenly doubt those words. Her dearest brother would not betray her thus. He would never go behind her back and force her into an engagement. The Bana-Migdall matriarch must have mistaken, or the rumors had to be false, or distorted. Perhaps Jason had made a jest amongst his friends while tipsy and had been misinterpreted. No, Diana would not accuse him outright. She would give him the benefit of the doubt and ask him about the rumors later.

She broke the eye connection and focused back on the race. The rock formation that defined the finish line appeared in the afar. She dug her heels into Pegasus's ribs and encouraged him to go faster. Next to her, Jason was doing the same with Fisher. The horses galloped harder, probably as excited as their riders. The path was clear, no other riders than them to disturb the race. If Diana lost her concentration, Jason would take the lead. She had only eyes for the rock formation, and the upcoming end.

They never saw what spooked their horses.

One moment, they were racing. The next, both Fisher and Pegasus whined loudly and bucked in the middle of the road. Diana gasped in surprise and held onto Pegasus' mane for dear life. The horse jumped awkwardly a few times more due to the speed. For a brief moment, Diana feared he would fall on the side and crush her leg underneath his weight. Fortunately, Pegasus only trampled –or made a mixture of trampling and trotting, before calming down. Her heart beat so fast and so hard it hurt. She closed her eyes briefly to catch her breath. Her senses seemed heightened and her hands were trembling. She desperately tried to remember not to clench her legs around Pegasus' ribs and set him off again.

When she managed to regain some semblance of control, she opened her eyes.

The road seemed more deserted than before, for the exception of a fretting Fisher. The black stallion seemed to have hurt his back leg, as it barely touched the ground. What worried her more was the lack of rider on the horse's saddle.

"Jason?" she called out immediately, glancing around. No sight of him. A new kind of fear ran in her veins. "Jason?" she called again and dismounted Pegasus.

She heard a soft responding moan and hurried behind the tree it seemed to come from. Her brother was sprawled on the ground, his limbs spread awkwardly. Diana gasped when she saw one knee horribly bent and knew it was broken. She forced her way through the thick bushes, thorns of hidden wild blackberries scratching her dress. When she finally reached her brother, she feared his situation might be worse than she first expected.

Jason had been thrown off his saddle violently. Aside from his broken leg, he did not appear physically disabled. She worried mostly about his lack of reaction.

"Jason," she repeated firmly. "Jason, can you hear me?"

His eyes were half closed and move. He didn't respond, didn't blink, didn't show any kind of response to her voice.

"Jason, wake up," Diana went on. "Come brother, you are scaring me."

She bent forward, gently tapped his cheek. She ran a hand in his hair, calling his name again. He still didn't respond. When she pulled her hand away from his head, her gloves came out covered in red.