Chapter Nineteen
Jaq
“Does the Duke of Folkon not dance?” Jaq asked his new husband as Serron swept him around the dance floor. The vows had been spoken. The food had been eaten. All in all, it had been the perfect wedding, at least for Jaq, and he liked to think Serron was happy, too.
Jaq wanted to enjoy himself. The ballroom at the Folkon estate wasn’t huge, when compared to the Elembaum castle ballroom, for example, but it was elegantly decorated with many plaster cornices and reliefs on the walls, and around the light fixtures. The floor was marble, which was common for dance floors, and yet the seating area was carpeted in a soft orange shade that matched the cream of the walls. As far as events went, for Jaq it was ideal. Small, intimate, where food and wine flowed easily, and the people chatted among themselves with the ease of friends and acquaintances.
Let’s not forget I am in the arms of one of the most handsome men in the room. That feeling was something Jaq would explore later, because he genuinely didn’t want to make too much of it. Serron was a wonderful dancer, and his attentiveness was stimulating Jaq’s emotions. But Jaq wasn’t going to forget he was part of a throuple, and he was concerned that Patin seemed to keep himself, aloof from the society families that swirled around them like beautiful butterflies, all having an absolutely wonderful time.
While Jaq had been treated respectfully and even kindly by anyone he was introduced to, he didn’t like the way Patin seemed separate somehow – a separation that he absolutely did not want his contract with Serron to cause.
“Patin can dance,” Serron said with a low chuckle, bringing Jaq out of his thoughts. “He is actually a very graceful dancer – quite the presence on the dance floor. However,” Serron glanced around, making sure nobody could hear them. “We have always worried that if he and I were dancing together, it would be impossible to hide our closeness and that others would make assumptions that we were closer than we were supposed to be. Patin has worried so much about my reputation for so long that dancing together is something that we keep to the privacy of our suite.”
“That is so sad it has to be that way,” Jaq murmured as another couple danced closer. Serron whisked him away to a quieter place.
“It might not be ideal,” Serron chuckled again. “Technically, there has never been a restriction on me dancing with any member of a society family, including Patin because of his rank. We discussed it extensively, but Patin pointed out that if anyone made anything of it, the impact on my reputation was more than he could bear, and he would have no choice but to leave Monce. If the price we pay is not dancing together in public, then it’s one we both accept.”
“He is so protective of you,” Jaq agreed quietly. “I couldn’t imagine being in that position.”
“It’s not all doom and gloom,” Serron winked. “There was this one time when we were in a tavern in Huditit. It was a few years ago now. The rum had been flowing, and people weren't actually aware of who we were. I can't even remember what we were doing there at the time, but anyway, let's just say that more rums were drunk than was sensible. Patin and I had a rather glorious evening showing some of the locals how society people conducted themselves in grand ballrooms. It was quite hilarious and a very fun evening.”
Jaq laughed quietly. He could hear how much Serron cared for Patin in his husband’s tone and he was reminded yet again of how restrictive their life together had been, something that had applied to their entire relationship. As Serron twirled him again, Jaq glanced over to where Patin was sitting, acting as a host, smiling affably, but always shaking his head when it appeared somebody asked him to dance.
“I'm going to dance with him,” Jaq said, looking up at Serron, who had followed his gaze. “I believe as Patin is our host and as I don't have the same...” He stumbled over his word choice, conscious they were in a public place. “The same closeness concerns that you share with Patin, no one will think it untoward for me as the new consort to dance with somebody who is widely known for being your best friend. That’s not going to cause a problem, is it?”
“Not for me, although I am not sure if Patin will see it the same way. I appreciate you want to include him on our day in some public way, and it would do my heart good to see you two together.” Serron sighed, although Jaq noticed he kept his smile in place. “I think for many society families, they still don't know how to treat Patin. In one respect, he has a title, he has an estate, and he’s clearly someone whose opinion I value.
“But all of the people here know that I was the one who gave Patin the title and estate and that prior to my doing that, even though he was still perceived as my friend, to ranking families, he was seen as someone who ranked no higher to them than a footman or their butler.
“There is also the fact that I have no other personal staff. I was very clear about those boundaries from our early days. Patin acts as my adviser and my bodyguard on all occasions, and some people are aware he functions as my valet, although they believe that is only away from the castle when we are traveling.”
“Like when you traveled to Elembaum.” Jaq smiled and then miss-stepped. “Oops. Sorry,” he added as his boot nudged Serron’s.
“Don’t worry about it.” Serron’s hand on Jaq’s spine made a small soothing movement. “So yes, about Patin and our predicament. The society families are never really sure how to treat him. When we’re away from Monce, it’s no problem, as people just assume Patin is related to the people who previously owned the Folkon estate and that his title was inherited. But here in Monce, the situation is more complex, as you can see from the way they're behaving with him.”
“I can see it,” Jaq said. “Remember that little gift of mine? You can see that people don't want to insult him and indeed wouldn't dare because of his closeness to you, but they’re not sure how friendly they should be, either. I still feel it is a shame. You should’ve been allowed to marry him in the first place.”
“An issue Patin and I, and my parents, have debated the past two years at least. I believed my mother was supportive, and originally, I believe Father was as well.” Serron sighed again. “But enough about that. I refuse, on our wedding day, to have you feel in any way that Patin and I are not grateful for all you’re doing for us, and I need to reiterate once again, that we do wish to get to... Well, you know.” He glanced around again and chuckled. “Probably not the place to discuss that sort of thing.”
Jaq’s cheeks heated. “In accordance with our newer agreement, I believe that as this reception is being held at Patin’s estate, and that he should play a part in our marriage, I would like him to dance with me. He won’t refuse me if I asked, would he?”
Serron shook his head. “No, my dear husband. I doubt he would refuse you anything. Neither would I. I just...I have always wished that things were different, but then maybe things genuinely do happen for a reason,” he added in a softer tone. “I am truly glad that you are in our life now. And please don't think that as I dance with you, I'm wishing it was Patin in my arms instead. You are a very graceful dancer.”
It was Jaq's turn to laugh. “My mother made me go through lessons for three years before I was even allowed to attend my first society event,” he said. “I admit my skills might be a little rusty, but she was very determined. And then when Evangaline was preparing for her coming out, and of course, she was a few years older than me, in her opinion, her younger brother was the perfect person to act as her partner when she was learning all the intricate steps required for a future queen. I don’t think my boots ever forgave me, although I’m sure Onyx appreciates my sacrifice.”
“I never had that,” Serron’s grin widened. “But I could imagine it. I have met Evangaline a couple of times, and she is a very determined young lady. I could see her practicing her moves for hours just to be sure they were perfect.”
“Oh, yes, for literally hours,” Jaq agreed. “Evangaline is a woman of incredible depth and caring. And the patience she exhibited while Crown Prince Onyx was basically running Tyrion – those times were not easy for her. Let's just say I'm glad that she has finally been made queen. I am hopeful she will have a little bit more free time to enjoy with her husband, if he ever learns to delegate.”
“If anyone can make that happen, it will be Queen Evangaline.”
The musical arrangement came to a slow finish and the band members took a moment before striking up again. Serron took Jaq’s arm and escorted him off the dance floor. Rather than sit down, Jaq took the moment to have a quick sip of his water, preferring to shun the wine. He really didn’t want to be getting tipsy in his first social event in months, and definitely not in his first social event in Monce.
Refreshed, Jaq put down his glass, and then he bowed ever so slightly to Patin, who was watching him with a half-smile. “Patin, Duke of Folkon, I will be extremely honored if you would dance with me.”
“With me?” Patin glanced between Serron and Jaq. “I mean,” he quickly got to his feet and bowed low. “Of course, sir. It would be an honor.” He held out his elbow, and Jaq took his arm, patting it as they made their way back to the dance floor.
The moment they got clear of the table, Patin whispered furiously. “Do you know what you're doing?”
“Yes,” Jaq said happily, although making sure only Patin could hear. “I'm about to share a dance with my second spouse. The fact that nobody knows about it really isn't anybody else's business except ours, is it? Besides,” he added mischievously, “Serron told me that you dance beautifully in private, and on other occasions in public, I was told rum was involved?”
Patin groaned as he took Jaq in his arms, making sure there was a very polite distance between their bodies. Patin was taller than Serron and broader, too, so the sensations were different but no less enjoyable.
“Our crown prince has been telling stories about me again, hasn’t he?” Patin said in a low voice as they started to move. “Did he tell you about our time in Huditit?”
Jaq nodded. “Yes, he did, a very fun story, even if it made my heart hurt.” He looked up and met Patin’s dark eyes. “It’s such a shame that the moments you have are stolen ones. But by the same token, it makes my heart glad that you're both so willing to steal them together. Thank you for making me feel so welcome, Patin. Any lesser man would’ve shunned me from day one.”
Eyes darting side-to-side, Patin leaned closer and muttered, “I’m not silly. You’re too cute to shun, and you have a unique way about you that makes you shine.”
“Did you just call a grown man cute?” Jaq mock gasped and then chuckled so hard he almost stood on Patin’s boots. “Have to focus. Have to focus.” He shook his head at the amusement he could see on Patin’s face. “I plan on dancing with you often, so I should probably make a good impression.”
“You did that before you asked me to dance,” Patin said quietly, encouraging Jaq to turn. He really was a lovely dancer.