Morning Meeting

"I don't know what I want."

"Indecision, unfortunately, may be one thing not afforded you. The time in which this opportunity may be seized is not long. If this is to be perceived as an amicable separation, we must act quickly. The longer you live apart from your wife and child, the more susceptible you become to social stigma. We cannot have that. It is your choice, Vedran, but it is a choice that must be made, and soon."

The idea of getting married again was terrifying, but the prospect did offer some measure of hope. And that couldn't be rushed, could it? he took a deep breath, trying to think rationally. "What would -" he paused, correcting himself. "What will happen with Macen?"

"His care does not seem to have suffered from your present arrangement. A more formal version of such could be negotiated, I believe, to the satisfaction of all parties."

Jesseryn's tone did not change, but there was a disconcerting note to his next statement.

"Conversely, he could be cared for here, with less regular disruptions to his schedule."

A cold weight was settling in his stomach now. Would he have to tell her? Would she be happy? Would the possibility of losing Macen destroy her? "But we'd be able to see him - to take him, sometimes?"

As soon as he asked the question, he realized he was still thinking of a single life - if he were re-married, the matter of issue from a previous marriage would become more complicated. The cold crept up his spine, threatening him with a stress headache.

"Of course, Vedran; he is your son. I'm merely offering a stability that might be lacking in your and Jacinthe's lives in the immediate future."

"Alright." That quieted some of his threatening panic, at least, and he took a moment to let his nerves unwind a hair. "How quickly would this have to go? And...how quickly- How soon would I have to..." He cursed himself for not being able to keep himself together, but it was terrifying to consider. "To remarry?"

"You'll have a reasonable amount of time. Decorum would require some time before another match were considered, though the timing would be more truncated than I prefer."

Jesseryn made a show of considering the idea, though Vedran must know he'd already put great thought into the matter.

"Say, six months before we make any serious overtures, another six months or more before you are wed, assuming a suitable match is found. I trust this would be acceptable? A betrothal can be extended, but we must be careful to open negotiations as soon as acceptable but no sooner."

A year was almost half as long as he'd been married. He didn't know if it would be enough time to pull himself back together. It certainly felt rushed by his father's usual standards, and the voice of his doubt was happy to point out that really he might have half that or less. Another voice whispered that a lot could happen in a year, that he would have some freedom, that maybe he could sort out some of the things he wanted, and maybe, just maybe, he could even have them. Any relief he was feeling right now was still heavily twinged with guilt - it wasn't going to be easy, but he had to believe he could do this.

"Alright," he answered finally. "Six months - from the time ...things are settled?"

"Yes. Such things take time, but we can begin the process relatively quickly."

Jesseryn fixed his son with a steady gaze.

"Is this what you want?"

Meeting his father's eyes flooded his with a kind of calm, as if he could drink it all in. As terrifying as the prospect was right now, he *would* have time, and the possibility of having a chance for something better was by far preferable to being trapped and lonely for the rest of his life. He hoped it would be better for both of them, that his father would find her someone more suitable too.

"I think this is the best chance for both of us to be happy. And that's what I want."

"I understand. I'll set things in motion. Minalda and I can discuss the situation with Jacinthe, unless you prefer to do so yourself."

And now he felt torn again. There was no way it would go well - at best she might tune him out again, and at worst... well, he didn't want to dwell on that. he felt like a coward even considering his father's offer, and his step-mother's involvement was concerning.... but she seemed to like Jacinthe, and maybe that would help. He nodded, breathing carefully while he considered. "It might be better not to. I'll see her if she would like, but I don't think she will."

Jesseryn nodded his assent.

"We'll have her up for dinner soon, then."

He paused, a strange look on his face.

"One more thing, Vedran. Appearances will be very important for this arrangement. I understand your profession offers certain indulgences which this turn of events might make more attractive. It would be hypocritical of me to forbid you such, but it is in both your best interests and those of this House that you maintain a studiously upright social image. Be careful that Captain Aelindar's reputation is not replicated."

Well, fortunately for his image, he certainly didn't feel like he was up to trying to replicate Brenn's lifestyle, or even his own pre-marital years. Other issues - certain people, perhaps - might require a little more consideration. Even without taking up his old ways, there were other potential dangers. "I understand."

"I had no doubt."

Jesseryn turned to pick up the trowel again, gesturing for Vedran to sit.

"Come now, there is work to be done."