Vikkin had never used to care whether they were at Darkdell or visiting some other noble house. They’d done it often enough, his father in particular being fond of sending the boys off to respected allies so he could enjoy his brandy in peace and quiet. As a younger boy, their family dynamic hadn’t seemed to change much wherever they were. He missed those times now that he was eight, and more importantly now that his brother was eleven, and had apparently decided that their father was his archenemy. Being away from Darkdell and their constant squabbles was now a blessing.
He let out a long contented sigh, lying on a stretch of grass within the grounds of Highgarden. The sky was clear, and though the sun was well on its way to its zenith, the air was still cool and fresh, full of the heady scent of grass and flowers. He sometimes felt that he didn’t need anything beyond this. His peace and quiet was disrupted not long after, however.
There was a rustle that told him someone with skirts was approaching, and then a shadow fell across his face. “What are you doing here, Vikkin?” Came the familiar voice of Jana Tyrell.
Vikkin opened his eyes before moving, and was immediately grateful for it, as he found the lady leaning over him, her bright, honey-colored eyes certainly close enough for him to have run into if he’d sat up. She was holding her soft hair back from her face with one hand as she smiled down at him.
He smiled back at her with less enthusiasm, but equal warmth, her interruption far from unwelcome. While most people would have been an intrusion in the mental space he was in, there was something about Jana. She had never felt like an outsider. She was bright, certainly, and more energetic than sometimes he felt, but never to the point of overwhelm. “I was just taking a rest. It’s a beautiful morning.”
She laughed at him, “It can hardly be called morning anymore, my lord. I believe it will soon be time for us to sup.”
He shrugged. “It isn’t time yet, so it’s still morning. If you come lie down with me, I’m sure you’ll be of the same opinion.”
Jana laughed, considered it for a moment, then flopped down next to him with a, “As you wish.” And after a moment, she giggled, “I do believe you’re right. It feels like morning from down here.”
Vikkin’s smile sharpened just a moment into one of satisfaction. “Told you.” He said, quietly, propping his hands behind his head.
After a moment’s comfortable silence, however, Jana broke it with, “Actually, I came out here because I was missing my brother. He likes it around here, too, though I’ve never found him sleeping in the grass before.” She said, with a hint of teasing to her voice.
“Your brother Lord Kassius? He is in Dorne, right?” Vikkin said, turning to look at her so he could properly engage her in conversation.
She reached out a hand, as if for comfort, brow creased ever so slightly, and without a thought, he took it. “Yes, he’s been there for three years now. Father has been talking about calling him back soon, and he sends letters frequently, but he always sounds so happy there. It makes me wonder if he might not be better off without us.” She looked deeply unhappy at the prospect, and Vikkin gave her hand a little squeeze.
He wanted to say that he dearly wished his father sent his brother off to be fostered, but he couldn’t bring himself to, when she looked like that. “Well, in his letters does he say he’s happier off without you?”
She looked surprised by the question. “Of course not. He always says that he loves and misses us dearly.”
“Then does that not answer your question?” Vikkin said, as if it that settled the matter. “Lord Kassius doesn’t seem the sort to write things he doesn’t mean. Can’t he be happy and miss you at the same time?” He tilted his head slightly, expression asking the same question as his words.
Her surprise lasted for a moment longer, then she laughed again. “I suppose you’re right.” She moved a little closer so her head was lightly touching his. “You always make me feel better, Vikkin. Thank you.”
“Me too.” He said, shortly, not letting go of her hand, but going back to contemplating the sky, before closing his eyes and giving in to the urge to nap.