Radzig Kobyla thought nothing Henry did could surprise him anymore, but he was wrong. This was much worse than anything he could've come up with. To do such a thing! He still had a hard time believing it. That was something he would've suspected of Sir Capon, not his son whose face still burned red each time relations between man and woman came up in conversation and who couldn't speak about it except in stuttering hints.
On the other hand, the apple didn't fall far from the tree. Henry really displayed an alarming number of the same traits as him, and not all of them redeeming either. What was good in him came mostly from his mother, like his compassion for the plight of others. But it was this particular quality that got him into trouble most of the time.
Radzig suppressed another sigh and the urge to bury his head in his hands. His son was already distressed as it was, no need to add to it. Earlier, he had spoken with more confidence than he felt. Otherwise, Henry would've bolted by now. But at least his son felt genuine remorse. That was something. But it wouldn't save him from Sir Divish's wrath, should the worst come true. In the last few months, Henry had saved him more times than he could count. Now it was time to return the favour. Radzig needed a plan fast.
After his father's impetuous decision to go to Talmberg, they rode in silence. The longer it went, the more Henry worried. To show his face anywhere near Lady Stephanie, or Sir Divish, seemed like madness to him. He wanted to believe his father knew what he was doing, he truly did, but it was very hard.
He stewed in his feelings of dread and shame for the better part of the way. When the tower of Talmberg castle rose in the distance, he couldn't stand it anymore.
"Father, why are we here? What are we going to do?"
"Oh, it is quite simple. We are going to Skalitz to assess the damage done there. I wanted to see it for myself and took you with me. And because we heard the good news, we decided to stop at Talmberg and offer our congratulations in person. After that introduction, we have to talk to them separately. I will take care of Sir Divish. You will speak with Lady Stephanie."
Henry groaned, "I don't know if I can look her in the eyes. I might die of shame and embarrassment."
"I care not how you do it. You were not embarrassed to jump between the sheets with her. So man up! We are doing this because of you, after all." And Radzig gave Henry a withering look. "I have thought you aware of how serious this situation is…"
"I am, father. Forgive me. I'll do my best." Henry silently admonished himself. He had disappointed his father enough. The least he could do was to try to take care of this problem of his own doing.
Henry took a few deep breaths to calm down somewhat. He wasn't alone in this. He had his fathers' support. As if he knew what Henry was thinking, Radzig spoke up.
"Son, I want you to know that no matter what I will have your back. Even if the worst comes true I will help you, somehow. I have already given you up once. I am not ready to do so again." And he offered Henry a warm smile.
"Thank you," said Henry in a small voice, "I don't want to lose you either."
"See? Between the two of us, we will work something out."
Henry smiled back and, for the first time since the letter came, he felt a small measure of hope.
"Of course, it does not mean I approve of your actions," said Radzig and shook his finger at Henry. But the smile from earlier still lingered in his eyes.
"Of course."
At Talmberg, they left their horses in the care of stablehands and a servant took them to Sir Divish. He was alone, reading some parchment.
"Radzig. And young Henry. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Divish. It's good to see you too. We are on our way to Skalitz. I wanted to see it for myself to decide what to do next. And I took Henry with me. I thought we could really use some father-son bonding time," answered Radzig jovially. "Speaking of which, I got your letter this morning and apparently, congratulations are in order."
Pleased smile appeared on Divish's face. "Thank you, my friend. This is truly a blessing we haven't expected anymore. Although it is still early to celebrate a son."
"I am pleased for you. As is Hanush. He sends his regards. And where is Lady Stephanie? We hoped we could pay our respects to her as well."
"Oh, she is up and about somewhere. I tried to persuade her to rest more but she was adamant she didn't need that."
"Then perhaps Henry could go find her and bring her here? And while he is gone, I can give you some advice about parenting. Mind you, mainly what not to do." Radzig smiled wryly.
"A fine idea, Radzig. Off you go, lad. If you have trouble finding my wife, ask a servant and they will direct you."
Radzig watched Henry bow and leave. The first part of his plan worked better than he hoped. Now he had to get Divish talking. But he needn't have worried. As soon as Henry was out of doors, Divish grabbed a jug of wine and two goblets and poured a generous amount.
"Finally, I have someone to properly celebrate with! To my unborn child and may it be a son!"
They both drank and then Divish continued.
"I am sure you are wondering how it is possible that a man my age could father a child still."
"Well…I must admit such a thought did cross my mind. But I would not dare to voice it aloud out of respect to you, my friend." Radzig bowed his head slightly and mentaly steeled himself. Divish appeared in high spirits but still..
"Ah, no need to be so bashful. I am surprised, too. But quite proud of myself. And my wife, really. You see…"
Henry had to admire his fathers' eloquence and skill to manipulate a situation to suit his needs. He too had a way with words, but there was still much he could learn from his father, if given the opportunity. But he would need to deal with this first.
Not to lose precious time, he immediately started asking everyone he met until someone was able to tell him where Lady Stephanie was. It seemed she had listened to her husband pleas for once and was currently resting in her chambers. Henry stopped in front of her door, took a few fortifying breaths and knocked. A voice from inside bade him to enter.
"Oh, Henry, it's you! How good of you to finally stop by to see me." Lady Stephanie stood from her seat and stepped towards him. Henry's eyes involuntarily slipped to her middle, where her dress already couldn't hide her increasing belly. He blushed scarlet and stammered, "M-my lady."
"I take it you already know about this?" she asked, her voice mild and friendly, as usual.
"I…that is…only this morning…Sir Divish sent a letter…" Henry's ears burned and he was unable to raise his eyes. And so he didn't see Lady Stephanie move closer, until suddenly, she stood right in front of him and took his hands in hers. He started and tried to free his hands. But the Lady held him surprisingly tight.
"Henry, look at me. All is well."
Henry used all the willpower he had to raise his head and saw her smiling at him in a gentle understanding. And then it was like a dam broke.
"How can you say that, my lady? Aren't you afraid Sir Divish will find out what we did?"
"I am not."
"Why? The child…you said he…"
"Shh, Henry. He will never know, I made sure of it."
Sir Divish poured himself a second cup of wine and continued his tale.
"And so I have stopped visiting her in her chambers after he second miscarriage. She told me in no uncertain terms she didn't wish it anymore and I am not some brute to force myself on a woman. I truly lost all hope for an heir. But then, one night, she came to me. And she told me…"
"I knew what we did could end with me being with child and so that day, at night, I went to him and told him I loved him still and that I wanted to try for a family again. And I do love him." Lady Stephanie sighed. "But I didn't love him that way for a long time and…"
"Let me tell you, that night was a very awkward experience for both of us and I was quite discouraged to try again, but she was really insistent and after a few more, let's say, fruitless attempts I finally remembered what it was to be young again." Sir Divish finished his third cup and Randzig wondered how many he had had before they came and how to make him stop talking.
"…and then I remembered how thoughtful and attentive he was before and realized it could still be so, if only I gave him a chance. And so we found each other again and…Oh, I am sorry, Henry. It seems I have made you quite uncomfortable." And Lady Stephanie finally stepped back and dropped Henry's hands.
If it was possible to die from embarrassment, Henry would've keeled over a long time ago. Beads of sweat slid down between his shoulder blades and his cheek and ears burned so much it hurt.
"Ah no…well, maybe…I mean yes. I think I understand now. So, you are trying to tell me the child isn't mine?"
"We really found our love again and after a few months, my wife told me she was with child. I was overjoyed."
Radzig nodded and smiled politely and thought that as soon as he was alone with his son, he was going to strangle him. But at least it seemed Henry was safe. Lady Stephanie was rather clever in her machinations.
"That was quite a tale, Divish. I am glad for you. And I will pray for Lady Stephanie and your child to be safe and healthy."
"And for it to be a son."
"And for that too."
Then Sir Divish frowned slightly, "Where is Henry and my wife? Surely he must have found her by now. Our castle isn't that big."
As soon as he said that, the door opened and Lady Stephanie, followed by Henry, stepped inside. Radzig noticed his son was rather pale and drenched in sweat. He wanted to groan. What happened? But instead, he stood up and bowed.
"My lady, it is good to see you again. And may I offer my sincerest congratulations."
"Sir Radzig. Thank you, that is very kind of you."
"Alas, I am afraid we cannot stay here any longer. We still have a few things to do today." Radzig bowed again. "My lady. Divish."
"Of course, Radzig. Thank you for stopping by and safe travels to you."
A few more bows and pleasantries later they were on their way towards Skalitz.
Henry thought his father appeared at ease. Perhaps he, at least, learnt something good. Unlike him. They didn't speak, until the stone quarry disappeared behind them.
"So, who will go first?" asked his father.
"Please, could you?"
"Very well. The things we do for our children…I had to listen to a very detailed tale of Sir Divish and Lady Stephanie's history of love making. But the important thing is Sir Divish has no doubt about the child's parentage. He presents himself as a proud father. Now, you tell me. Is there a chance it might not be so?"
Ta"I am afraid there is. I suspect I had to listen to a similar tale, after which Lady Stephanie told me she really can't be sure who the father is, because, you know…we did…and then she and Sir Divish…"
"Yes, yes. Thank you. I get the picture."
Henry stopped his horse, jumped down and groaned, "What am I going to do, father?"
Radzig also got down. "Cheer up, son. At least we know Sir Divish does not suspect you of anything."
"But what if the child is really mine?"
"Well, then you better pray it resembles its mother."
Henry shot his father an incredulous look.
"Oh, for Christ sake, Henry. Stop worrying. You are safe now and there are some months left until the child is born. We will think of something, I promise."
Henry didn't say anything and simply hugged his father. And he hugged him back.
On the last night of January, a mighty wail could be heard in the Talmberg castle. Later, when the proud father held his son, the resemblance was unmistakable.
AN: I wasn't sure I should add the last paragraph... but I like stories with good endings. So here you go :)