Speaking of pests…
There's an infestation in Sir Akerley's estate. I don't know if he's aware of what the youngsters have been up to, but whatever the answer is, I don't trust him to take care of it properly, not with the records he has.
"By the way," I bend over to steal a biscuit on the low table, "you do know what Oliver has been up to, right? Not just with the kobolds, but with the young bloods, too."
Well, the answer I get is an arched eyebrow. So maybe not.
Sir Akerley doesn't seem all that interested in what's going on with the brats in his clan, unless it affects his people as a whole.
Fine, I know you're supposed to let the kids be and allow them to make mistakes so that they learn, but still…! A bit of parental supervision wouldn't hurt! Damn it!
"…I've noticed quite a few newborns while we were in the nightclub, and also among my husband's staff. Not only that, but some of your highborn youngsters have eyes showing they've switched blood allegiance." I'm pretty much saying they're giving you the middle finger, pal. Hopefully, the message comes across. "I don't really care about your internal strife, but I don't feel like handling an uprising of hot-blooded morons."
I nibble on the biscuit, letting the words sink in. Oh, these biscuits are salty-sweet. Not too bad, I guess.
An internal strife doesn't require these many blood servants, meaning that something else is at play. Either they want to take over the clan by force, or they've planned to go on a rampage in the city. Both options are a pain in the ass to handle.
"I had forgotten," Sir Akerley starts, pouring himself a cup of tea, "how convenient and scary Seers were, especially when they're observant, well-informed, and clever."
"Thank you for the compliment."
Surprised, huh? But I do get his point. My ability would be worth shit if I didn't know how to use it to its full potential. What's the point of seeing things if I can't comprehend what they mean and act in consequence?
Funnily enough, that's usually how Seers are raised. They're brainwashed into puppets who only relate what they see and do not think about what that implies.
Or at least, that's what the historic books led me to believe.
For the worst or the better, I received a hunter upbringing, and I did study my butt off. I mean, Miria locked me up with Bryan in the library almost every day when we were young, saying things like we wouldn't get supper if we didn't finish reading some ridiculously huge books before evening and, 'cause there's an and, achieve a perfect score on whatever exam one of the instructors gave us.
Oh, and as a side note, some of these instructors were full-blown jerks who gave us tests not related to the books we read, while others took pity on us and made them easy. Luck often dictated whether we would eat or starve that night.
But anyway, apparently, the heirs of a prestigious hunter clan such as ours had to know at least this much. That was the excuse used by both Miria and the instructors.
What bullshit. I'm sure my father, the head of the clan, doesn't even know a fraction of the knowledge Bryan and I crammed into our brains. And even then, that oh-so-mighty knowledge is flawed, from what I've gathered while living with my husband.
In any case, the past is the past.
"So," I wipe off the crumbs on my chin with my thumb, "while you get your yard in order, I'd recommend James stay at our house. Do you mind, Jordan?"
"Of course not."
"Oh my, Seer, do you realize what you're asking of me?" Sir Akerley smiles as he takes a sip of his tea. "You want me to send my precious heir to a demon clan? Really?"
"Your precious heir will always be safer in my husband's household than yours." I offer a cold smile. Instead of calling me a blood sack, he's now calling me a Seer. I've got a name, mate. "At least, he won't get crucified to a wall there, and no patriarch is going to turn a blind eye as one of their own plots his demise with another clan. Just saying."
James sucks a deep breath beside me, and I can feel his stare bore into the back of my head, but I pretend not to notice. I'm not leaving you in this den of vipers, sorry.
"Don't you know what diplomacy is?"
Sir Akerley's gaze grows darker.
I don't care.
"Diplomacy?" A laugh leaves me. How ridiculous. "Do I have to show you delicacy as the husband of a patriarch higher than you in the hierarchy? You said it yourself: I'm not dumb. I know perfectly well what my position is, and what yours is."
"That…!"
The vampire grits his teeth, glancing at Jordan. If he's waiting for him to get offended, he's gonna have to wait for a while. Yes, our marriage is a marriage of convenience, but Jordan doesn't see me as extra baggage he has to carry around. He has a heart and a consciousness, and he doesn't see other species as lesser than him, unlike a certain someone.
"That's exactly as he says."
As expected, my husband agrees with me with a shrug. But even if I knew that would be his answer, I can't help the knots in my stomach.
Does he really not mind…? I'm pretty much using his status to get what I want right now. I'm being a leech. It's not like I have much of a choice, as me being a Seer isn't enough to get Sir Akerley to do my bidding, but still…
"Does this mean that his demands reflect yours, my Lord?"
"You've been celibate for quite a while, haven't you?" Jordan chuckles, and I feel my body stiffen. "When your spouse isn't happy, then you're not either. Whatever Scott wants, I want it, too. Keep in mind that my mood is very dependent on his happiness."
That's so cringy and corny, Jordan! I feel like burying my head in my hands and disappearing on the other side of the world, but that's definitely not going to happen. So, I clear my throat instead and ignore the sappy things coming out of his mouth.
I haven't heard anything.
"…Scott, you're blushing."
Shut the fuck up, James!
"Anyway," I brush the vampire's words aside, "I think I've been clear enough. As long as the situation here isn't resolved, I'd like for James to stay in my husband's estate. I mean, Oliver isn't the only one plotting. From what I've seen, he has the support of at least two elders."
"Oh?" Sir Akerley puts down his teacup, visibly trying not to let his displeasure about me show, even though that's impossible in front of my eyes. "Looks like some fools have decided to go down the traitors' route."
The highborn vampire beside him, who's been silent all this time, trembles at the mention of traitors. Well, guess Sir Akerley isn't all that forgiving of backstabbers. No surprise there, though.
"Alright, fine." Sir Akerley finally agrees to my demands. "James will be staying at your estate. But…"
Oh, come on, wipe that sinister smile off! It's scary as hell on a boy's face!
"…I'd like to see your estate for myself, just to make sure my heir's living conditions will be satisfactory."
Yeah, sure, like you care about James's living conditions. Only, that's not a compromise I can agree to, so I eye Jordan. He glances back, and I swear I can see mirth dancing in the depths of his eyes, be it the third eye or the usual ones.
"I don't mind. Sir Akerley is welcome to stay over." His smile deepens, and I feel shivers run down my spine. "I'm sure some members of my staff will be thrilled to meet him."
Ah… Welp. I forgot for an instant that Jordan isn't fond of traitors either.