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jungle321jungle · 2 years

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A Kiss On A Silver Ring

Virgil’s parents had told him that the mysterious ring would bring him happiness and a better life. What they had failed to mention was that it was a symbol of Virgil’s betrothal to the too-attractive-for-his-own-good Duke of the North. And while he certainly would’ve liked some warning, he’s not gonna turn down this offer… entirely.

Based off the wonderful art by @shadowling-guistical for the tss fanwork collective's april mini bang

Ao3 - Masterlist

~~~~

A Kiss On A Silver Ring

Virgil had had the ring for as long as he could remember, and ever since then he had been taught to take good care of it. Mother had taught him to polish the beautiful night sky like stones, and keep the silver shining, while Father had always told him that it was “something precious”. So much so that when Father’s business failed, and he had sold everything of value, the man had refused the ring Virgil offered.

“That’s the one true thing you own, and it’s something you can never give up. It’s the key to a better- happier life, understood?”

At ten years old Virgil had understood nothing of what that meant, but then again twelve years later he still didn’t. But back then he had given his father the chain he wore the ring on, and opted for a simple leather cord to hold the jewelry. His parents had told him time and time again that when he reached adulthood they would tell him the importance of the ring- but Virgil had reached that milestone as an orphan.

That mysterious silver ring with the strange yet beautiful gems, then turned into the one keepsake he had. The one constant in his life as he drifted from place to place following the little work he could get. So when the cord broke and the ring fell from his neck he was quick to notice. But with the quick flow of people within the town market it was hard to backtrack to pick it up. He forced his way through his eyes scanning the ground as he walked, his heart pounding faster and faster in his chest with each millisecond that it wasn’t found. The pain in his chest was growing as he crouched down as he walked to get a better vantage point, but lowering himself made the idea of vomiting here and now seem so appealing- when a glint of silver caught his eye.

Virgil hadn’t realized that he had been holding his breath or that tears had gathered in his eyes until he saw it. He was quick to scramble towards it on his hands and knees not caring how he looked to others. It was the one thing he owned… So what was he without it? It was a question he didn’t want to answer. As he got closer and closer his relief growing- swelling- as a smiled stretched across his face and his hand stretched for it-

Until a hand grabbed the ring first.

“Please!” Virgil said quickly as he stood to look the thief- the young woman in the eye. “That’s mine!”

She was about his age, maybe a bit older, but she was very clearly a noble. She considered the ring in her gloved fingers for a moment before she looked Virgil up and down with a frown. “Yours? And where exactly did someone like you pilfer this from?”

“I didn’t! It’s always been mine. I-”

“A filthy rat like you owns something like this? As if you didn’t look shabby enough you’re covered in dirt.”

Virgil only swallowed and tried to pretend the lump in his chest wasn’t growing because of her words. “T-that’s because I was on the ground looking for it. My Father-”

“It’s quite remarkable,” She commented, examining the ring and ignoring him completely. She then turned to one of her guards. “Why don’t you fetch someone to arrest this… this. He clearly-”

“I didn’t do anything!” Virgil shouted, taking a step forward. “I just want-”

“Do you know who you’re speaking to?” One of the knights yelled in return as he stepped before his master. “Step any closer and you’ll make the Lady catch something!”

“I don’t care who I’m speaking to,” Virgil shot back. “I just want what’s mine!”

“You insolent-”

His next words were cut off as the noble woman’s eyes widened. “I recognize this ring,” she said suddenly before she stepped forward and grabbed Virgil by the collar, “Where did you get it!?”

Virgil pulled back out of her grasp, “How many times do I need to say it's mine!”

“Fine. It doesn’t matter, I’ll find out soon enough,” she gave him a smile as she did and quite frankly Virgil wasn’t sure he was going to survive this encounter. She put the ring on her own finger and before he could speak she spoke to her men. “We’re taking him back to the manor. Father is going to love this. Oh, and I need someone to deliver a message for me.”

While sitting in a damp cell Virgil couldn’t help but have a couple of questions. For starters, he wanted to know who the girl who had taken his ring was, he also wanted to know where he was, and part of him vaguely wondered what gave nobles so much authority that they can just snatch a person from a busy street without warning? It was pure insanity, and yet he knew that no matter what he said he’d never be believed anyway. He could only hope the punishment he received would be light.

A shiver passed through him and Virgil instinctively grabbed at where his ring had hung to comfort himself only to stop himself mid action. What would his parents say if they knew he lost the one thing they had told him to protect? Would they be angry he had lost his key to a better life? No, that wasn’t them. Virgil would have cried in his Mother’s arms as she promised that it would’ve okay. And Father would have been pacing the floor thinking of solutions but stopping periodically to ensure Virgil that he had done nothing wrong. Virgil took a deep breath as sadness and comfort came with their memories- but it was short lived as the cell door creaked open and two knights stood there with stoic expressions. They marched him up and out of the dungeons and through disgustingly ornate hallways until they came to a door which opened as they approached.

Inside sat three people on couches with a tea set up on the table between them. On one couch sat an older gentleman, and opposite him on the other couch sat the (horrible) young woman with a young man beside her but all of their eyes were fixed on Virgil as he was forced to kneel before them. He kept his eyes down on the floor as he hoped the sound of his heart was only deafening in his own ears.

“That’s him. He’s the one who stole your ring. You’re so lucky I happened to find it,” the girl was telling the man beside her.

“Look at me,” the man commanded. And Virgil hesitated before he did as he was told. And strangely when he did it, he was greeted with a kind gaze of intrigue as opposed to disgust. “How did you come by this ring?”

“It’s… it’s mine,” Virgil said slowly. “It always has been.”

“Always has been? What do you mean by that?”

“Why worry about what he says?” The woman huffed. “Janus he isn’t worth it. Look at him!”

“Janus” paid her no mind as his gaze stayed on Virgil awaiting an answer.

“I’ve had it for as long as I can remember,” Virgil started slowly. “I-I don’t know why, my parents died before they could tell me its significance- but they told me to always keep with me. It’s… it's all I have of them. Please.”

“Ha! And now the thief begs!” The girl laughed. “Just sentence him Janus, and then we can have some tea. There’s some new flowers blooming in the gar-”

“Lady Delano, I don't remember allowing you to call me by name again.” Janus interrupted. His tone hadn’t changed, and yet that was all it took for the woman to pale and her mouth moved soundlessly for a few moments as she tried to think of a response.

Janus however stood and moved to Virgil’s side, before he knelt down so they were at the same level. “What is your name?”

“Virgil… sir.”

“Do you have a last name?” He asked gently, his brown-green eyes (no they held even more mesmerizing colors than that) holding far more warmth than Virgil deserved.

“Y-yes, it’s Angoro.”

The smile that spread on this unknown man’s face was enough to make Virgil’s heart jump in surprise. Someone with a face like that should warn him before looking even better. “Angoro,” he repeated. “Your Father owned a large textile company, correct?”

Virgil was slow to nod. “Yes, um… but all of our stock was from the Western Kingdom so when they shut their borders his business… Well, failed.”

“Your Father did lots of business with my parents. So much so that our parents made an agreement, did you know that?”

“What? What kind of…?”

He didn’t reply at first, instead grabbing Virgil’s left hand and sliding the ring on Virgil’s finger.

(art by @shadowling-guistical can be found here)

Virgil didn’t have enough time to comprehend what was happening before the yellow glove pulled Virgil’s dirty hand to the man’s lips. And Virgil could blush in confusion and shock and embarrassment and about twenty other things as this “Janus” smiled once again. “Our parents decided that we’d wed.”

“What?” Virgil asked. Or at least he tried to ask. The heat of his face, the high pitched squeak which he emitted instead however did not sound like a word at all. But he had attempted speech, did that count for something?

“Janus!” The young woman shouted standing out of the corner of Virgil’s eyes that didn’t leave the man before him. But that seemed to be mutual as Janus paid her no mind.

“My name is Janus Ekans, Duke of the North. It is a pleasure to meet you, my fiancé.”

“We don’t have to get married if you don’t want to.”

Those were the first words spoken since Virgil and The Duke had climbed in a carriage (that Virgil was sure he’d dirty greatly just by being in it) and left what he now knew was Marquis Delano’s manor.

“It was something arranged by our parents that we had no say in,” The Duke continued. “So I won’t force you to get married.”

Rather than looking at that handsome face, Virgil chose to stare at the ring on his finger. “I… It’s just it’s… pretty sudden. So I don’t know how I feel about it. Also, I don’t think someone like me can do anything for you.”

“You’ve already done enough by being alive. When I couldn’t find you I assumed the worst.”

“You, you looked for me?” Virgil asked, hoping his face wasn’t reddening as much as he felt it was.

“I did,” The Duke confirmed. “But you’re quite slippery to catch. Every time I had a lead I’d find out you had left not long before that.”

“Sorry, I was just following whatever jobs I could get… I can’t usually keep them for long.”

“Don’t apologize for it. Instead tell me something I can do for you.”

“Huh?”

“Even if you decide you don’t wish to get married, the very least I can do to honor our parents' agreement is to do something for you. What would you like? Money? A house? Something else?”

Virgil paused in thought. A house sounded nice, much better than the spare room/storage area in the tavern he was allowed. But if he exhausted his job opportunities here as he had in the last city, a house would ultimately be meaningless. If he asked for money he supposed he could be greedy and ask for enough that he would never struggle, but that seemed to be taking advantage of the situation too much.

“You can take time to think-”

“I’ve got an idea.”

Two weeks had passed since that day. And it was only just now that Virgil was regretting his decisions. He had literally had a rich and powerful man offer him just about anything. And he had chosen to work for the rest of his life. And he had been bad enough at other jobs, what was going to happen at the palace when they arrived? There was a good chance he’d be just as horrific at whatever The Duke assigned him to do until he exhausted his job opportunities here and was forced to restart the cycle… but then again were they even allowed to fire him? He could only hope not.

Virgil gave a heavy sigh, as he suddenly began to understand why The Duke had stifled laughter when Virgil had explained his thoughts on asking for a job.

“Is something wrong?” The knight escorting him asked quickly.

Virgil shook his head, “No, no. This is just a lot… but thank you for asking Sir Patton.”

The man gave an easy going smile. “Of course! Oh and look there, that pond means we’re getting close!”

Virgil couldn’t force a smile as his stomach fell at that. “How long have you been working for The Duke?” He asked instead.

“Only a couple years. I was a mercenary before this.”

Virgil blinked twice as he took in the friendly expression of the knight across from him. “…A mercenary?”

“Yup! His Grace and I had both been hired to hunt the same monster. We got into a large argument over the kill, but then he just offered to pay me more than the viscount who hired me. I’ve been working for him as a knight ever since!”

Virgil forced a smile as he attempted to picture something he couldn’t. This man... a mercenary. A hired sword. People who take money to do just about anything- and they were usually quite strong too. And yet, on their way here Patton had looked nothing but adorable and friendly, and in the last village they had stopped in, the knight had spent his free time talking to the children about butterflies. And yet, Virgil just nodded and made a silent vow to stay on the man’s good side.

It wasn’t long until they reached the large gates which opened to reveal a large palace. They continued down the stone path, and as they did Virgil’s eyes were plastered to the carriage window. A large fountain was flowing in the center and the cobblestone road went around it giving excellent views of a garden which must look magnificent come springtime. As the carriage approached, a collection of what must’ve been servants stood outside awaiting him? When the carriage door opened a hand outstretched to help a confused Virgil out of it. Before he could even take in the grandeur of the manor the servants gave a collective bow. “Welcome sir,” a butler stated, stepping forward.

Virgil gave a slight nod, “Hello, I am Virgil Angoro.”

“Welcome,” He said again. “The Duke wished to greet you himself, but he is dealing with an urgent matter. Instead he will meet you for dinner. You’re free to rest in your quarters until then. I’ll have a maid guide you.”

Unsure what else to say, Virgil was at his peak intelligence with his reply, “Okay I guess.”

The servants seemed a bit confused by the reply, but before Virgil’s face could heat up too much he was led inside. The inside of the palace was large. Yes it was beautiful, yes it screamed riches, yes it was fancy, yes it was so much more than Virgil could have imagined. But as he was led through the hall after all, all Virgil could think about was the fact that he was certain to get lost.

Finally the maid led him to a room which was leagues from the rest of the servants quarters looked like. And the decor matched that aesthetic. Virgil gave a hard swallow as he examined it. Here were couches set up in a reception area, and when the maid led him past it, he could see a bedroom complete with a bed larger than he had ever seen. There was another set of couches because of course there was, there was a huge dressing area, and on top of all of that there was a room to the right which from here seemed to lead to a bathroom. “This room…” Virgil started looking about it, unsure of what to really say. What way could he ask if she had made a mistake? This was very clearly one of the main rooms within the ducal palace.

“Is something wrong with it?” The young maid asked, her expression shifting to one of worry.

Virgil was quick to shake his head, “N-no. I just… this is too much for me. I’m no one important. Shouldn’t this room-”

“This room is barely befitting the Duke’s aide!” She interjected. “We are more than willing to change the entire decor if you want!”

“Aide?” Virgil repeated slowly, his head already spinning. Wasn’t he supposed to be a butler? Or helping out doing something… something simple? He didn’t have the knowledge or ability to assist the Duke with anything.

“Is there anything I can help you with, sir?”

“Oh, no I’m fine.”

“Alright, just ring that bell there and someone will be here in less than a minute!”

“T-Thank you...”

Being alone in his new room felt like a far stranger thing than it should. Honestly Virgil felt afraid to touch just about anything in here, but unsure of what to do with himself he chose to sit on the bed. And apparently that was a dangerous move, because the next thing he could recall was being roused for dinner.

The moment he was awake a gaggle of maids were quick to usher him to wash his face and to change into clothes they had brought with them. They had made a fuss between themselves on which handkerchief went best with the suit he had been shoved into, and the bickering they gave about how his hair should be styled (all of which occurred without them asking Virgil’s opinion after he had told them he didn’t need to change clothes at all) continued until one announced that Virgil was going to be late.

The dining room was already occupied when he arrived by Duke Janus himself who sat seated at the head of a long table in the ornate dining room. But he stood up with a smile as Virgil entered, “Welcome! I hope you’re finding the North and my manor to your liking?”

“I have no complaints at the moment,” Virgil replied with a nod. “Thank you for having me, Your Grace.”

“Call me by name,” The Duke replied as he stepped forward and grabbed Virgil’s hand and gave it a kiss- and when he did so Virgil noticed he wore an identical ring to the one Virgil knew so well which hung round his neck. “Sit, sit, let's eat.”

It was as if on cue, servants appeared holding platters of food and set it on the table. Virgil didn’t need any convincing to take his seat, and began helping himself to many dishes about them, but something dawned on him as he took a bite. “All this food,” he said (after swallowing). “Just for us?”

“It is,” Duke Janus confirmed simply. “I wasn’t sure what you would like, so I had a feast prepared. Oh speaking of preparations, tell me, how do you like your room? Do you want anything changed?”

“It’s… it’s too nice for me,” Virgil said slowly. “So are these clothes. They’re all far too good for me. So is this food, but I don’t turn down meals.”

“I disagree,” the man chuckled. “I think you look beautiful and thus the things around you should reflect that.”

The napkin Virgil dabbed his lips with did nothing to cover his blush. “And um... a maid said I was to work as your aide?”

“That’s right. I need an extra set of hands in my office to help me with just about everything.”

“But I’ve never done that kind of work before.”

“Then you’ll learn. I’m sure you can handle it. I’ll teach you what you need to know. But no need to talk about work. Instead, tell me what your past travels have been like.”

“Oh um, well they’re nothing special. I just followed work. I usually worked in sewing or something. Helping out some seamstresses.”

“There still are details to be told.”

“Then… I guess I did have to help with a very fancy dress for this one noblewoman. And we got to travel for a while to her manor. And we passed through this forest…”

The rest of the dinner had gone well and thankfully conversation flowed easily with Janus. So much so, that Virgil couldn’t help but be a tad disappointed when they reached his room.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, to begin work then?” Janus asked.

Virgil nodded, “Yes, but can you please give me a bit more detail on what I’m doing? I’d like to mentally prepare.”

The man stifled a short laugh, but as Virgil’s eyes narrowed he answered, “You’ll be working to maintain the Manor’s budget and upkeep.”

“Is that not the duty of a Duchess?”

“My mother’s health is not the best,” Janus sighed. “To the point I sent her to the South, since I didn’t want the growing cold here to aggravate her condition. So I’ve been managing the Manor in addition to my duties managing the duchy. And since you are still technically my fiancé I can have you help me with this without having the nobility complaining to me about decorum.”

The explanation made sense, but something still felt a bit off, but Virgil couldn’t place his finger on it. “Alright then, I hope I live up to your expectations.”

The smile had to be illegal, was Virgil’s only thought as Janus smiled over his shoulder and retreated. He had been so focused on the expression in fact that he almost missed the “You already do” that hung in the air after the man had left. Almost.

~~~~

A month came and went in the blink of an eye. Virgil was surprised how easy it was to fall into step with Janus and begin to handle the household duties. The servants were kind and so was the Duke himself. So with no real complaints it wasn’t a surprise that the time flew, but this also meant it came to a screeching halt as the butler, Logan, entered.

“You have a… guest, Your Grace.”

Virgil had glanced up at the man’s tone of voice. Logan usually kept his emotions out of matters, (but he didn't miss an opportunity to voice his opinion) and yet the distaste in his tone and the grimace on his face made his thoughts clear. He said nothing more as he waited for Janus to ask.

“Are you going to tell me who?” The Duke asked, his eyes still on what he was writing.

“I’d prefer it if you simply told me to send your guest out.”

Virgil watched as the pen came to a sudden halt as understanding came with a frown on Janus’ face. “I assume she didn’t give any reason for her visit?”

“No, she’s a creature of habit.”

The two locked eyes as if having a conversation which only they could understand. And when a moment passed without an explanation, Virgil cleared his throat. “Who would come unannounced?”

“Count Regis is having his birthday dinner tonight,” Janus said instead. “We can't ignore this or the Count... Virgil, I need you to go to the party and give my regards. I’ll try to join later, but I cannot make promises.”

Virgil gave a hard swallow, “I-I just hand the household financials I can’t... I’m just from a fallen merchant house, not the nobility.”

Janus waved off the words as he stood and came around his desk, “The Count’s sons are friends of mine. They’ll treat you nice- as long as they think we’re getting married and not that you’re just working for me.”

“But-”

“Virgil,” Janus started, his voice soft yet gentle in a way Virgil was yet to hear. “I have faith in you. I’ll send Patton with you. There is no need to worry, I just need to handle something. Alright?” He gave a slight smile, that scar of his crinkling as he did in that way which made Virgil’s heart beat faster for no reason in particular. And with such an expression, with that smile, with those kind eyes, there was nothing Virgil could say no to.

Virgil gave a sigh, “I guess I need an excuse to wear the nice clothes you bought me.”

A gloved hand set itself on his head in a surprising yet comforting way, but just as quickly as it happened Janus had pulled his hand back and hurried out the study’s door- but Virgil didn’t miss the sight of a face that was likely as red as his own felt.

Virgil was not looking forward to this party. As if his interaction with Janus hadn’t been strange enough, he was now being thrust into the the torturous world of high society. Janus, Logan and Patton had all assured Virgil that Count's sons were good people that would treat him well, but that meant nothing when it came to the rest of the guests. Surely they’d mock him, he had never been a noble in the first place, the fallen merchant’s son. And yet, as his name was announced and he entered the party, it was far too late to leave.

Eyes seemed to have fixed themselves on him from all directions as Virgil gave a hard swallow and continued his walk in. He could hear his heart beat in his ears as he tried to figure out what he should do- when a blur of green crushed him in a tight hug. “It’s you!” A voice shouted in his ear. “I can’t believe Janny-Boy found his fiancé!”

Virgil gave an awkward laugh as he patted the unknown man on the back, “Um yes… I’m Virgil Angoro.”

The man pulled back from the hug as he considered something, giving Virgil a chance to look at the person who was holding him (against his will). He was decked out in bright greens and blacks, and somehow he managed to look as gaudy as possible with all of his ruffles. He was taller than Virgil (but then given his bright green platform shoes maybe he wasn’t), with a streak of white in his hair, and a bright smile, and eyes that gleefully held a bit of mischief. “Janus and Virgil Ekans,” the man said slowly. “I like it.”

“Remus!” A voice snapped as another man- who shared a face with the one holding Virgil approached. Wild guess said these must be the twins. This new man was dressed in white accented with red, he looked normal in comparison to his twin, but his outfit certainly showed off his wealth. When he was close enough to he grabbed his brother by the back of the neck and yanked him away from Virgil. “I’m very sorry,” he said quickly. “Remus is well… anyway I’m Roman Regis, pleasure to meet you. Is Janus not with you?”

“N-no,” Virgil answered (as he tried not to focus on the fact that Roman was about his height, so did that mean without platforms Remus was the same?). “He had something urgent come up, so I came to pass along his regards.”

“That’s disappointing… not that you’re here,” he amended quickly. “I would have liked to see him as well.”

“I understand… Well um, I should go greet The Count.”

“We’ll walk with you!” Remus decided. “And you can tell us everything about everything!”

Virgil had simply nodded then, but he didn’t realize what he had gotten himself into. Remus and Roman did in fact treat him well, but Virgil found he didn’t even have the time to speak to the other guests because Remus had decided that he was going to play chaperone for Virgil, or as he put it: “adopting a high society fetus”, and Roman stuck around to ensure his brother didn’t cross a line. But this also meant that Virgil didn’t have space to breathe. So he had been quite happy to climb into the carriage to return to the Duke’s manor- until Remus climbed in after him.

“Lord Remus?” Patton asked in confusion.

“Jan threw his little bean of a fiancé to the wolves. That’s rude, so I’m going to slap him with a fish.”

“Please tell me you’re not hiding fish in your shirt again,” Roman groaned standing in the carriage doorway.

“I’m not, I’m not. Nanny yelled at me too much.”

“Good so… wait. Do you have a fish or not?”

“It’s not a fish.”

“Get out the carriage so I can shove you in the fountain.”

“I rather not.”

As the bickering continued, Virgil could feel the little energy he had retained leaving him. He just wanted to go home and lie in bed.

The glint of a silver sword was sudden, yet it silenced everything as it pierced the carriage wall. “There was a spider,” Patton stated simply as he sheathed the blade. The mercenary turned knight then gave a slight smile which was far more unnerving than it should be, “I don’t like spiders. Or things that are scary. Or mean… Or things that bother my master.”

Roman cleared his throat, “Come on Remus, Mother and Nanny will be furious if we skip out on the rest of Father’s birthday. We can stop by soon.”

And just like that the Count’s Twins left him be and the carriage pulled off. And while he was a bit more than unnerved by his knight’s actions, he was happy to be able to hear himself think again.

Unfortunately that didn’t last twenty four hours.

The loud voices and shouting stirred him from sleep, but it was the slamming open of his bedroom door, and the shouting of his name which caused Virgil to sit upright in bed, bleary eyed. And after a moment of his brain catching up to his eyes he was able to discern the forms of Janus, Logan… and the Twins. Yay.

“What’s wrong with you!?” Janus shouted at Remus trying to push the other man out the room. “I explicitly said not to wake him up.”

“But he should know if you’re keeping secrets from him,” Roman put in crossing his arms.

A few more words of arguing went by before Virgil’s tired mind caught up, “Can secrets wait until morning?”

“It is morning, sir,” Logan informed him. “About an hour before you usually wake.”

Virgil gave a yawn, “Oh… can I have that hour back?”

“Your fiancé could very well be cheating on you, and you just want to sleep?” Roman asked him. “Does the idea of his ex being here not bother you at all?”

All at once fatigue seemed to vanish as Virgil directed his gaze to Janus’ eyes, but The Duke was still trying to stop Remus from getting closer to Virgil. His tongue felt like it refused to move- like it may as well be lead in his mouth, but he forced himself to ask anyway. “What ex?”

“Drana Delano? I heard she arrived yesterday.”

That name was enough to freeze Virgil solid. Drana Delano, that had been the name of the woman who had publicly shamed him, and arrested him, after she had taken what was his… So why was she here? Janus would have likely mentioned something like that. Wouldn’t he? But then again, as long as the time had felt at times, a month was a month. How well did he truly know Janus? He hadn’t even known that the woman who had tried to ruin his life once dated the man Virgil was promised to. What did he know about Janus?

“She’s not my anything,” Janus said firmly as he released his friend, seemingly realizing his efforts had been futile. “She and her father decided themselves that she’d become my wife. I never agreed to that.”

“Then let me toss her out.”

“No, I’m not going to worsen the political relationship between our families.”

Remus made a “tsk” sound as he slunk his way to sit beside Virgil on the bed and patted him lightly on the shoulder. “If you want a shoulder to cry on, Logan is right there, Ro and I just got these shirts.”

“She’s really here?” Virgil asked quietly, unsure what else he was supposed to say.

His “fiancé” gave a slight grimace, “I didn’t tell you, because I knew you’d be upset. I promise you that you never even need to cross paths with her. I’ll let her stay a few days and then I can usually come up with an excuse to send her out. That’s how it always goes when she drops in.”

“Have you not considered that your tolerance is why she acts in such a manner?” Logan pressed. “You have quite a legitimate excuse to kick her out. She makes Virgil uncomfortable… and everyone else here.”

“Yes, but-”

“It’s fine,” Virgil interrupted. But when eyes went his way, he averted his gaze and shrugged Remus’ hand off. “Political reasons are important. And we’re not actually getting married so you don’t need to worry about my opinion. I-”

“Wait you’re not?” Roman asked in surprise. “Then why-”

“What I would like however, is to be left alone so I can change and get ready for the day. I have to negotiate with some merchants right after breakfast.”

It was clear there were words left unsaid, and questions unanswered, but Virgil kept his gaze on the floor as he ignored the clenching of his heart. It didn’t have a right to hurt the way it did. And the tears in his eyes didn’t have a right to be there in the first place. His feelings weren’t even well placed- especially if he himself didn’t even know what they were.

And the quiet sounds of retreating footsteps and the shutting of his door were far from the answers he wanted.

~~~~

“Logan!”

The butler didn’t glance up from what he was reading as he walked, but his gait slowed enough for Virgil to catch up. “What can I do for you? Ah, did you finish the inventory assessment?”

“Huh? Oh almost, I’m waiting for the kitchen staff to double check something. I actually wanted to ask you something.”

“Alright.”

There was a pause as they continued down the hall, before Virgil gave a sigh, “Perhaps we can talk somewhere else?”

Logan finally looked up from the papers and blinked once, as understanding took him. “It’s about time for tea isn’t it? Shall we commandeer the parlor room?”

“Please.”

“So,” Logan started when they were seated, and their refreshments were served. “I presume this has something to do with Lady Delano.”

Virgil gave a slow nod, “What can you tell me about her?”

Those eyes scanned Virgil for a moment as if analyzing every fiber of Virgil’s being, before Logan began doctoring his tea the way he liked. “Let me ask you a clarifying question. Are you asking about her, herself? Or about her relationship to His Grace?”

Virgil would forever deny the slight blush that warmed his face. “I’m just a bit- a bit… confused,” he tried (as if he hadn’t planned this conversation and its contingencies out). “The version of her I saw is one which was terrible. And yet I’m sure everyone else sees something different. Perhaps that can explain the differences in what Roman, Remus and Janus claimed this morning?”

“No, there are no differences. What you see with Lady Delano is what you get. As I heard one of the maid’s say, “makeup and jewels cannot fix a fucked up personality”… I reiterate that these were a maid’s words. I wouldn’t dare to say something about a guest myself of course.”

Virgil couldn’t stop the slight smile from creeping on his face as he looked at Logan’s blank one. “Of course. Did you punish the maid accordingly?”

“That I did. She’s currently helping the chef as a taste tester for the rest of the week. But regardless. There are no misunderstandings when it comes to the way she carried herself. However, there are some when it comes to her relationship with our master.”

Any slight joy, and relaxation that Virgil had felt instantly vanished and it wasn’t until then he realized he had felt them at all. When he found his fingers twitching in anticipation he forced himself to take a sip of the tea, letting its warmth forcibly calm him as he waited for Logan to continue.

“The Ekans’ and the Delano’s have an old history of petty anger derived from something I doubt anyone living truly knows of. But for one reason or another as children, Lady Delano made it her mission to befriend the then Young Master, to which he seemed to like or at least tolerate. And upon the vanishing of the Angoro family, and thus his promised fiancé, many assumed that the two would marry and the age long feud would finally end. Lady Delano assumed this herself, and began appearing here unannounced to his annoyance. But she was… barely barely tolerable. But about a year and half ago the two of them got into an argument over something, and it seemed they would never speak again. That was, until we were about to leave the capital and come back here and a courier from the Delano’s arrived carrying a letter that said they had apprehended a thief who had stolen His Grace’s ring.”

Virgil gave a frown of thought as he set down his teacup. They were childhood friends? That seemed like more than accepting of her behavior due to political reasons. Not to mention she had thought she was going to be marrying Janus, perhaps that was why she had been so elated to find Virgil’s ring. She had likely seen it as a ticket back into his good graces after their fight… but then why visit the manor now? It didn’t sound as if things were resolved, so why would she just show up now? To resolve them? From the small information he had about her, Virgil didn’t think that she would come for a reason that straightforward. “Do you know why she’s here now?” He asked finally.

Logan shook his head slowly, “After the two first spoke I had asked His Grace. But while he seemed upset he didn’t explain anything. And given I naturally avoid those with personalities I don’t prefer, I am ill informed.”

“Can I ask… can I ask what happened a year ago?”

“I’m afraid that’s not my place to say. I understand how it can theoretically be hard to speak to someone you have romantic feelings for about such manners- ”

“Romantic?” Virgil squeaked out.

“even if I do not experience such feelings myself, but I do believe I am the wrong person to continue this conversation with.”

“It’s- it’s not like that!”

“Oh? Upon setting your cup down, you’ve done nothing but fiddle with your ring. Not to mention I thought you wore it on a cord, not your finger?”

Virgil’s gaze drifted down to his own hands, and sure enough his right hand was twisting the ring he wore on his left. Hadn’t he put it back on the cord last night? He had worn it to the party for show, but he had fully intended to hang it back around his neck. How had he not even noticed that he had it on?

“I believe His Grace will have lots of work tonight, and thus he will take dinner in his own room,” Logan said suddenly as he stood. “If you have any other questions about household management, perhaps it would be best to catch him during the meal?”

“Ah, um yes. Thank you.”

The butler gave a slight bow, “Of course.”

Virgil was not looking forward to dinner.

As much as he wanted information, he didn’t exactly want to have the conversation that led to it. He didn’t want to sound accusatory, nor did he want to sound like he was pressing for information. He just wanted to know the full truth so he could sort out his own thoughts. He wasn’t sure what the warm pain inside his chest was, but… but maybe…

He took a deep breath as came to stand in front of the Duke’s room. He moved to knock, but retreated a few steps and put his fingers to his lips in thought. Had Logan told Janus that Virgil was joining him for dinner? Or was Virgil going to barge in on him? Virgil shook his head, it’s fine. Fine. Totally fine. The conversation would be the same either way. Another breath led to him moving to knock, but he hesitated. What words should he use to start the conversation? Maybe he should just mention that the morning had seemed awkward? Or that-

The opening of the door was sudden, and Virgil jolted as he suddenly came face to face with Duke Janus Ekans. The Duke’s gaze met his with surprise in his eyes but his expression quickly shifted to a slight smile. “I couldn’t help but hear pacing outside, and came to see who it was.”

Virgil gave an awkward swallow as he lowered his hand, “Are you busy?”

He moved back to let Virgil enter. “I was going to partake in a working dinner. Care to join me? Conversation would make it easier. Did you already eat?”

“Uh, no.”

He nodded once and moved into the hall, to flag someone down to ask them to bring Virgil’s meal here. But Virgil entered and continued into the large bedroom and moved to the table set up and took a seat. But he could help but look over the papers. The table was covered in a number of documents that appeared to be regarding merchants who traveled between the capital and the north during the winter. And judging by the language used in them, whomever had written them wasn’t the most professional. The language used was casual, blunt, and even crass.

“Remus wrote it,” Janus stated approaching.

“Oh, I didn't mean to pry.”

Janus waved him off dismissively as he gathered the papers into a pile. “He does good work, but refuses to document it properly. I then spend too much time rewriting papers to be kept in a more official capacity.”

“You two work together?”

“We do. Part of the challenges of managing my territory include getting rid of monsters that come too close, and ensuring that my people not only survive the winter but thrive through it. So I make a lot of deals with merchants. Remus, crazy man that he is, is more than willing to brave the elements to travel to the capital and help get needed supplies back here. Currently he and I are trying to bolster our merchant connections before the temperature drops.”

“Does Roman work with you as well?”

“He’s to become the next count, believe it or not,” Janus chuckled while sitting himself. “They’re both…”

“Strange?” Virgil suggested. “But not in a bad way! I-I haven’t known them longer than a day, but it’s clear they’re different from the rest of nobility, and like to stand out.”

Janus stifled a full laugh this time, as he hid his mouth behind his hand. “I was going to say that they’re both moronic yet intelligent disgraces. But I wasn’t sure that scratched the surface.”

“Isn’t that a bit harsh?”

“Harsh? I’ve known them my entire life. Trust me when I say I’m speaking kindly. I’m sure you’ll see what I mean soon enough. As I was told this morning they’ve decided that they like you.”

“You make that sound like a bad thing.”

“Just don’t eat anything Remus gives you.”

“What? I… I don’t want to know.”

“That’s probably for the best, but… I would like to know what brings you here this evening. You’re not the type to seek me out because you’re bored.”

Virgil gave an awkward cough, but he was thankfully saved from answering as dinner was delivered, but once the food was served and the servants vanished he spoke. “Um, well… this morning ended awkwardly and…”

“I- yes,” Janus sighed. “And I apologize for that. I shouldn’t have hid anything from you.”

Virgil nodded in acceptance, he hadn’t come for an apology. “Can… Can I ask why she came?”

“That’s a question she deflects each time I ask. Says she just wishes to ‘repair our friendship.’”

“And, do you want to? Judging from your tone you don’t seem thrilled.”

Janus stabbed at the food on his plate for a moment, but he didn’t make any motion to actually eat it. “Drana she… in my opinion we haven’t been actual friends in years. At some point it became a tolerance of her as opposed to me caring about her in any capacity. But I don’t think I realized that until recently… so no, I just want her out of my house. But I don’t want her to resume our families’ traditions of cutting the other down out of greed and spite.”

It was clear that there were more words left unsaid, but Virgil didn’t press. As selfish as it sounded, he already got his question answered. They ate in silence for a while before the Duke spoke suddenly. “Logan was right. All this time I thought she acted the way she did because people spoiled her- which is true. But I didn’t realize that I was also included in that group. I’ll let her have her way for now. But I’ll make sure that once she leaves she understands that that’s it.”

“Won’t that affect politics?” Virgil asked.

“I don’t think I care right now. Or no, I care more about my people than hers. The staff is scared to go near her after last time.”

“Last time?”

“Ah… about a year or so ago, she came here. Doing what she’s doing now, and somehow she got it in her head that she had the right to discipline my maid. And she beat a maid badly for something stupid. When I yelled at her she told me that it was my fault for having done so sooner and letting ‘the filth’ worsen… I don’t remember half the things I screamed at her then. But I made it clear that I didn’t wish to speak to her again.”

Janus gave a sigh, and ran a hand through his slicked back hair causing some of it to fall forward, but he didn’t seem to care. His eyes weren’t focused on anything before him, Virgil couldn’t help but consider the man attractive even now when he was clearly upset… there was something wrong with him, wasn’t there?

“Enough about me,” Janus said, undoing his collar and loosening his tie. “How do you feel about all this?”

Virgil gave a slight shrug, “I just don’t want to be around her.”

“And I promise you won’t be.”

“Then that’s it.”

“That’s it?”

“That’s it.”

Janus stifled a chuckle into a bite of his food, “I’m not sure what I expected, but that’s not it.”

“I rather not talk about a person we both dislike.”

“Alright, alright. Then what shall we talk about?”

“You know… you never asked me how the party went. When you shoved me into high society and to deal with the Count’s sons.”

“I suppose I did not… How was it?”

“It was a whirlwind of a night, but I’m not sure if that’s in a good or bad way.”

“Tell me all the details and perhaps we can decipher it together.”

It was easy talking to Janus, that was something Virgil learned quickly after meeting the man. Something about the way he carried himself, something about the way he was inviting. And yet Virgil still knew so little about him… he’d have to remedy that.

~~~~

After dinner Janus had promised to be rid of their unwanted guest the next day. And yet coming the morning he somehow had gotten absorbed in a task which had persisted all day. And to make things worse Lady Delano seemed to be everywhere Virgil looked. She seemed to be in every hall he went into, and he was quickly tiring of ducking into others. So when he heard that obnoxious laugh, from around the corner Virgil was quick to redirect himself outside.

The afternoon air was cold- colder than it had been the day previous, and even so Virgil ventured without his coat. Winter seemed to truly be upon them, given the snow that crunched under his feet as he walked. His feet carried him to the garden, walking amongst the empty hedges wondering what it would look like in full bloom. He supposed he’d find out soon enough.

“Ah, I’ve been wondering where it was.”

The sound of that haughty voice was enough to give Virgil pause as he turned to face Lady Delano. She looked the same as she had that day on the street, only this time she wore a heavy coat, and she was flanked by maids he didn’t recognize. Had she brought her own?

“The commoner playing court,” she laughed, crossing her arms. “You're well aware that you’ll only taint the things around you, right?” When Virgil didn’t respond she took a step closer. “Look, I don’t see why you bother trying to be someone better than you are. Janus will get tired of this game soon enough, you might as well leave beforehand, save both of you the embarrassment, hm?”

Virgil watched as his maids chittered beside her with their smiles as they tried to remain on her good side. He watched as the Lady’s chest puffed up like she was being praised. Like she was the child she acted like.

“What? Forgotten how to speak?”

“I didn’t feel the need to waste my breath,” Virgil replied and he shocked himself, realizing that he meant it. When he first met her she had been crazy yet powerful, while he was powerless. But in this manor, everyone would be on his side, wouldn’t they? So why did he need to bother with the woman who still behaved like a child? “You’re blocking the path,” he continued as he took in her surprised expression. “And it’s quite cold out here, so if you don’t mind I’d like to head inside.”

She gave a laugh of what must’ve been disbelief and she further closed the gap between them. “Remember your place,” she hissed. “You're a fallen merchant nothing more! You’ll never be anything more than that, so don’t drag Janus down with you.”

“So I should allow a brat to bring him down to her level?”

“Brat!? You insolent-”

“You speak of places, and yet you act out of line in a home of someone who’s of higher status than you.”

“Listen you asshole! You’re going to stay the hell away from Janus, or I’m going to make your life a living hell!”

“Last time you tried that, I ended up here,” Virgil shrugged. And then he gave her an innocent smile. “So I’m not exactly worried.”

She gave a shout of frustration, before she began a tirade of insults that were more than unbecoming for a noblewoman. She screamed that he was undeserving while she was. She screamed that he gravel, that he was shit, that was nothing. She screamed, and screamed, and screamed. And when her words ran out, her tantrum switched to one of action- but Virgil caught her wrist before her strike could hit his face.

Her eyes widened in shock, but Virgil noticed her knights go for their swords so he let go- only for her to grab his hand and yank off his ring. “This shouldn’t be yours!”

Virgil took a deep breath, as he forced himself to remain as calm as he had been throughout the entire encounter. “Give it back.”

“No! You-” she cut herself off by instead running past Virgil and he turned just in time to watch her run directly up to Janus. “Janus! You should hear the things he said to me!” She shouted.

Virgil couldn’t even muster the energy to roll his eyes at the stupidity of the situation. “Really? Can you just give me back my-”

“He called me a brat! And so many things I don’t want to repeat! And he grabbed my wrist!”

Janus gave a sigh as he looked her over. Virgil said nothing as he watched the man look over both her wrists, before his hands and attention went to her one clenched hand and before she could think of an excuse, he plucked the ring from it.

“He-he doesn’t deserve it! He threw it away anyway!”

“If you’re going to lie, at least be better at it. This means everything to him,” Janus told her before he moved away from her. Virgil watched the interaction, unsure what to say or do- but Janus came up beside him and slipped the ring on his finger once more. “Looks much better here, then around your neck.”

The cold wind was the only reason behind the blush that followed.

“Janus!” Lady Delano shouted after him, but Janus himself paid it no mind as a hand snuck around Virgil’s waist causing his blush to deepen.

“Let’s head in.”

Virgil gave a hard swallow, “O-okay.”

Behind them the shouting continued, but the only words said were from Janus to Patton as he instructed the knight to ensure that Lady Delano was removed from his residence.

They walked in silence into the Manor and all the way back to Virgil’s room where they lingered at the doorway. As if Janus was afraid to come in.

“I’m sorry,” Janus stated. “I should’ve gotten rid of her sooner.”

“That doesn’t matter,” Virgil promised him. “But…”

“But?”

“Instead of an apology can I… can I request something else?”

“Anything.”

“Can I...” Virgil felt his face darken further. But this was a good situation to ask, right? “Can I get to know more about you?”

Virgil would forever relish not being the only one to blush the moment the question left his lips.

“I’m a bit busy right now,” Janus started turning away.

“Oh… I-”

“But we can certainly have dinner together. If you like there’s a restaurant in town I’ve been meaning to take you to.”

“A restaurant… like a date?”

Janus cleared his throat before he turned to face Virgil once more, “I meant what I said before about not having to marry and making our own choices… but well, my choice is that I want to be with you. In any regard. So if it’s a date or not, that’s up to you.”

Virgil’s heart was beating quickly in his chest, and he acted on impulse to calm himself down. That action being grabbing Janus’ left hand in his own and admiring the matching bands. “A date sounds… nice. I don’t think I’m ready for more than that right now, but I’m willing to see what happens?”

Janus gave a smile before it vanished and was only visible in his words as he tried to hide his emotion in an adorable way, “Then I should hurry and finish my work to make sure we’re not late to dinner.”

Virgil gave a chuckle as he released the hand, only for Janus to hold it once more and bring it to his lips. “Be prepared to be swept off your feet.”

“You can try.”

“Is that a challenge? Because if so we can make it a bet.”

“I don’t make losing bets,” Virgil laughed.

Janus had a glint in his eye as he released Virgil’s hand, “Oh so what you’re saying is-”

“We have work to do!” Virgil said, quickly slamming the door shut between them. “Important work!”

The sound of Janus’ laughter was loud and pleasing as it retreated down the hall. Virgil’s face was on fire as he admired his hand and his ring. Before he gave a slight laugh despite himself. His parents had been right. That silver ring with the night sky embedded in its stones, had indeed been the key to a better and happier life. And hopefully, tonight would signify that it would only get better from here.

~~ The End~~

#Janus Sanders #virgil sanders #shameless anxceit #anxceit #sanders sides fic #logan sanders #remus sanders #roman sanders #patton sanders #dragon witch #tss fanworks collective #april mini bang #dukes and court things #anxciet #shameless anxciet

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