He’d not been wrong. It had taken less than a week for news of his elevation to become the talk of the Palace, if not the entire City. He couldn’t enter the gaming salon at the Palace without all eyes seeking him out. Any table he sat down at was quickly filled and slowly surrounded by an audience. It was all rather… smothering… if he was honest. Not that anyone cared, they just expected the newest Shahrizai Count to have deep pockets and a penchant for losing some of his newly gained inheritance. Nik wasn’t that bad of a gambler, and most nights he left after making sure he at least was not losing on the night. But he didn’t enjoy the attention. Courtiers flinging themselves at him, or more likely at his wallet, and barely any acceptable conversation. Oh, he learned some things, like the fact that it seemed that half of the newer Azzalese lords had married politically, and both husbands and wives were taking lovers. Curiously, a number of the Namarrese holdings were held by quite happy couples.
One night, returning from yet another night of lackluster gaming and gossip at the Palace for Niklos, Jacob spoke up as Niklos reentered the townhouse. “My Lord, it may not be my place, but perhaps the Hall of Games is not the best place for you to visit.”
Niklos raised his eyebrows, Jacob certainly had the tenure to speak his mind freely, but he rarely exercised it.
“I know you and your father are both chess players, and the rumor is you are quite good at the game. Perhaps, and this is merely a suggestion, you might reach out to Jocaste nò Dahlia and see if one of her adepts might be willing to entertain you? Dahlias are known to be quite sharp, and there is rumor that there is a life-sized chessboard in their salon. Perhaps you might find a worthy opponent there? And a contract certainly would be less stressful than making certain you don’t fritter away your inheritance at the Palace.”
Niklos laughed. He hadn’t considered that Houses other than Bryony might indulge in gaming, and Dahlia certainly seemed like the right House for a game like chess. Nodding to Jacob, he grinned. “Once again, I find your knowledge of the City and your thoughts most valuable to me. Thank you, I will have a note for you to send over to Dahlia House shortly. If you could…”
He trailed off as Jacob cut in, “I’ve already made certain to have some cider brought up to your desk along with some food. Come now, my lord, if I didn’t know your mannerisms and expectations by now, you would have every right to dismiss me from service.”
Niklos grinned again in silent thanks and made his way up the stairs.
Dowayne Jocaste nò Dahlia,
I am aware that contracts for members of a House of the Night Court are often commenced in person, but I am hoping that by writing, I might be able to have things sorted before I come to visit your House. I find myself searching for someone with whom I can play chess. It is a favorite pastime of mine, and my father, who is my usual opponent, remains in Kusheth. He has little desire for the City. I was hoping to set up a regular schedule to visit with and play chess with one of your adepts. As I hear rumor that there is a living chessboard within your House, it seems apropos to seek out the keen minds of Dahlia, as I have no desire to wager on every single move or which piece might leave the board first. Please let me know if you have an adept who is interested in this contract and when I might be able to meet with you to sign the agreement.
Most respectfully,
Niklos Shahrizai, Count of Angers
He sealed the note with his personal sigil and closed the envelope, sealing it with the three keys of House Shahrizai. After addressing the front, he took a long swallow of the cider and stood, making his way out into the hall, where one of the young hall boys looked up at him. “Is that the letter Master Jacob is to be sending, my Lord? I can take it for you!”
Niklos smiled and handed the letter to the boy, nodding. “Thank you. Please let Jacob know that I am planning on retiring for the evening as well.”
The boy grinned and dashed off, and Niklos returned to his chambers.
When the note arrived at Dahlia House, Jocaste considered it curiously. The rumors had certainly spread by now of what had happened at the Autumn Revelry, and there was little doubt that their House would soon see a great deal more interest from the nobles and courtiers of the palace as they came to investigate the House that had turned the Dauphin’s head. And she herself had heard the whispers of the new Shahrizai Count who had been recently elevated. Not one who frequented Valerian House, the word was, but one who seemed to enjoy the Hall of Games. Curious that he would not then choose Bryony. But this was court strategy and she saw it well.
And there was an adept who had skill at chess, as it so happened. But Jocaste, Dowayne as she was, was still protective somewhat over her Second, who was also her dear friend. The more that Jocaste could shield Odilia from the public attentions of those who would come to gawk at her, the better would the peace of the House be preserved.
Lord Shahrizai,
Our human chessboard has earned its reputation well as a grand entertainment in our House salon. It is, however, saved for some of our grander events, such as our recent Revelry. While I cannot offer a match in our grand salon, Dahlia House does still have a collection of the boards at the usual size that could entertain your game, should that be enough to entice your visit. Any number of our adepts have trained at the game of kings and will prove themselves to be suitable opponents for your lordship in the absence of your lord father. As such, you will have your choice of them.
Rather than choose one myself, I will arrange for you to meet with several and play against each of them at your leisure. Dahlia House does things somewhat differently than many of our sister houses on Mont Nuit; the Dowayne does not choose the patrons for the assignation. Rather, as Naamah bestowed herself like a Queen, so do the Dahlia adepts. If you prove yourself well, one of the adepts will choose to accept your contract.
Upright and Unbending,
Jocaste nó Dahlia, Dowayne
Sealed with the dahlia flower stamped into the golden wax, it was sent across the city to be given to the Shahrizai Count.
Niklos was deep in the business of examining the ledgers of the townhouse when the note arrived the next day, and so it was put to the side for more pressing matters. When he finally did take the time to read the response, well after dinner, he smiled to himself. The Dahlia Dowayne had made an interesting proposal, suggesting that Niklos play for the honor of setting a regular game at Dahlia House instead of just informing him the price of such an assignation. He was curious, as well, about the mention of the Revelry. He had heard rumor but, having not received an invitation, had been unable to attend. Apparently, there had been some rather large to do regarding the Dauphin and one of the Dahlia adepts. These were precisely the things that he intended on having an ear on, and he was disappointed that he had not been included.
Jacob already knew he wanted whatever news the man could procure, so Dahlia had kept everything tightly under wraps. He resolved that he would visit the Mont the following night. He had to begin planning to make other visits as well; it just wouldn’t be right for him to reserve his patronage to only one or two of the Houses. Plus, adepts heard many things, and a reliable patron might be able to convince them to share some of the secrets they were privy to.