Father.
That word was always spat in disgust in hallways and the kitchen. Vivian had heard it said a thousand ways from the time he was learning how to speak, and not a single woman had spoke favorably. At times, it was a curse, a slur, some mythical being they all hated. Vivian’s own mother had only snarled the word when Vivian had done something she hated. He was curious because of his father. His elegance, his eyes, his hair, everything because of his father. Spoken in the same way people spoke of witches or demons.
Vivian’s father had been Entente, he knew. It was the only reason his mother hadn’t strangled him in the crib. She had sent letters, demanding payment, to take Vivian and make something of him. Anything to prevent her being saddled with a useless bastard. Vivian’s father had only responded in silence until the day he’d had her killed. At times Vivian thought his story would end the same way; Alistair ignoring his letters until he became annoyed with the thorn in his foot.
As Alistair held Laurent, Vivian watched them quietly. It was already different. Alistair wanted to be here. He wanted his son. He held him so delicately. Vivian slowly, unconsciously relaxed. Who knew he would have reunited them here, with Degare’s ghost roaming the halls? They had come so far.
What do you want from me?
The question was asked innocently enough. Vivian reached out and settled his hand on Alistair’s knee. “I want you to be a father to your son. Teach him how to be a man, how to be a noble. I want you to be a partner to me.” He said softly. “I have spent the last year pining for you, hating you, missing you. I don’t want to feel that way anymore. I don’t want to be alone. I want to give you the three children you told me you wanted, running through sunlit halls in Grisic. I want to feel the way I did when we made him; safe, and loved.”
Vivian stroked his fingers over Alistair’s knee, savoring the contact. He had missed him so dearly. It didn’t feel real now that he could touch him again.
He took a deep breath, and looked Alistair in the eyes. “I want to take this house from the ghosts that inhabit it. I want to find my father and make him regret killing my mother and leaving me to starve. I believe he was the one who forced his mark on me…and I will destroy him for it and take every bit of power he has. Then…I’ll have the power to help us return to Grisic.” Vivian swallowed thickly. “To do that…I’ll need your help reanimating a face I intend to steal.”
