In Which Renata Bids Farewell

June 7, 1181

"Your grandchildren won't be in any danger from Frandred, will they?"

"Abrich's children?" Renata shook her head. Thank God for technicalities. "No. Abrich inherited the debt, but not the status of the debtor; his girls are safe because Arkon was never their guardian."

"Good." Octavius took her hand and held it to his lips for a brief parting kiss. It was such a tacked-on formality, so strictly business in nature, but it was better that way. His life was complicated enough without having to deal with hers as well. "If you do end up needing some more money, let me know."

"Thank you, but that shouldn't be necessary. Abrich should have enough by the end of summer." Earlier, with the contribution Searle and Valira had insisted on. Searle had also insisted on accompanying her to Tetran, though she couldn't fathom why. Perhaps she was too old to have married again, but he knew full well that she'd had her reasons, damn good ones--and he understood that. And he knew that she and Alina wanted to be on the road before noon, so this would be nothing but a brief farewell.

She could flatter herself by thinking he simply wanted a little more time with his mother, but she doubted it. More likely he was just trying to wrap his head around the thought of a new stepfather at his age. Abrich and the twins would be in similar shock upon her return, for all Abrich had already known of the plan, but if they loved their sister at all--which she knew they did--they would hold their peace.

"All right. I suppose I'll see you at my daughter's wedding next month?"

"In Sarona? Naturally. The groom is my great-nephew." Never mind that the bride was her stepdaughter now. She wondered if Octavius had told Thallie and her siblings yet, or if he planned to at all. She wouldn't blame him if he didn't.

"Still a strange thought, isn't it? Having great-nephews and great-nieces old enough to marry. I'm just glad my grandchildren are too young yet."

Renata smirked. "Don't get used to it. But at least neither of us are being roused in the night by newborns any more."

"No, I can't claim to miss that at all." Octavius's eye wandered over Renata's shoulder to Searle, a sly teasing twinkle not unnoticed. "Of course, you'll be putting up with that again come October, so perhaps it's unfair of us geriatrics to boast."

"Oh, I don't sleep much as it is," Searle muttered as Renata turned her head. The claim may have had merit, but he looked like he planned to do little today apart from lounging about in bed as it was. "With all due respect, Mother, I seem to recall you wanting to leave early?"

"That eager to get me out of the country, are you?" She shot him a wink, which he countered with a frown, then turned back to Octavius. "But I do suppose I ought to be going, or at least let you get on with the rest of your day."

"Very well." It was the right answer, but some part of her might have preferred some hesitation beforehand. Again, though--for the best. "Have a pleasant trip. I'll see you next month."

She smiled. "Until then."

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