conflictresolution

[He surveyed some of the patrons of the inn and its attached tavern. There had been a recent influx of newcomers to Aldrip, which meant that there was a general business to the place. It was a good time to take it over, he expected. This would be a good way to start a grassroots movement of people as well, catch them while they were new.

However, that wasn't at all why was here. He moved around reception desk and into the doorway of the little office that his lover was currently shuffling papers in. He kept his hands in his coat pockets as he observed the younger man, studying Richard's body language before his lover noticed his presence. He made a point of looking around the office space after that, covering up his previous interest in the younger man only.]

You've acquired the inn and attached tavern. I've been told you're supposed to celebrate such acquisitions as victories. I expected you and I could share a drink.

[The upheaval in the conversation hadn't prompted him to come; he came because Richard now owned the inn and that was enough of a reason to come and pay a visit.]

[The office is rather plain. Still lacking any personal touch of any owner, seeing that the locals of the Aldrip had mostly seemed to keep the room as professional as possible - storing paper work and any other necessary equipment.

Pressing his lips together into a thin, thoughtful line, Richard returned the observing gaze. There was a small frown shaping to his features as he mulled over Silco's given explanation. Then, he dropped the sheet of paper on the desk and walked around it. He walked past Silco, pushed the door slightly open behind him.]

Oi. Bring whiskey for my guest, will you? [He addresses one of the staff members nearby, who, while not looking particularly happy about the order, nods and goes to fetch the requested item. Richard, in return, withdraws back to the room and gestures at one of the seats around the desk.]

Please, have a seat. [He says as he sits down on the wooden chair, pressing his back against the back of it and crossing his leg over another.]

[Silco stepped to the side when Richard walked over to the door, thinking his lover might leave to continue with organizing the business. He watched the staff member follow the order, and that right there was why it was difficult to trust the natives from one month to the next. Their behaviour was fickle and could potentially cripple a business. Thankfully, the inn was going to have a constant turn around of people coming and going.

He eased to one of the chairs that Richard indicated, easing himself down into it. Normally, he would remain standing, but after their conversation during his walk over, he made a point to relinquish what might be a sense of control as he crossed one leg over the other, nearly mirroring Richard who was seated as well.]

I assume you'll be adding a personal touch to this office at some point? It's rather drab.

[Unfortunately the ill mood from their prior conversation carried over to this one. At least from Richard's part. He was hardly ever much of a conversationalist on a good dsy. And on a bad one, well.]

I imagine that will come within time, as I'm hardly an interior designer. Maybe I should ask your daughter for tips, seeing that she has left her marks around yours. [It was impossible to miss Jinx's claim on the space. Richard had more times than enough followed the colorful patterns marking the territory around the Last Drop, committing them into his memory. Normally, he didn't mind any of it but now he couldn't help but bitterness slithering to his words. Now there was two people who knew about them. Two too many people, who's perception of him had now permanently changed because of something that he couldn't control.

And just then the staff member entered the room, carrying a small tray with a tall whiskey bottle, two tumblers and even glass full of ice on it. The tray was placed on the table.] Thank you. Can you make sure that we are not to be disturbed? [Richard addresses the staff before they exit the room.

With the third part now gone, Richard reaches over to grab the whiskey and pours Silco a drink.]

Edited 2024-11-05 04:51 (UTC)

[It wasn't difficult to sense the jab that Richard leveled in his direction. Many times they made a point to not bring up his daughter to keep the peace between them. After all, that was a subject that he didn't think they would see eye-to-eye on, and he didn't blame Richard in the least on that. Jinx was someone who was often an acquired taste. His daughter had a constant and obvious display of items he had on display.

His mismatched eyes watched Richard, and then he sighed. The conversation - if it could be called that - was not over. If anything, the second round was coming into play here and now it seemed.] She will be out of town for a few weeks, but no doubt, she would be pleased to offer her unique aesthetic choices. Perhaps it will be the olive branch that paves the way for a tolerance of each other.

[He went quiet when the employee entered a moment later, pretending to examine his fingernails as the tray was set down. His eyes moved subtly to track the native's movement and expression, trying to determine how much trouble Richard might have with that one. Perhaps the next month would bring them around or his lover's shining sociable nature.

He rose from his chair to make certain that the door was properly shut and secured, unwilling to have a staff member or an inn guest would barge in on them. This seemed like it would be a cold conversation. He returned to the seat again and resumed his previous stoic state.]

It seems the previous topic has not been laid to rest. Would you prefer to discuss it now or enjoy that drink first?

[Richard didn't even bother to try and stifle the scoff leaving from his lips at the suggestion. The only thing he could see Jinx help him with was to burn the whole place down. Especially now after their latest meeting where things had reached the boiling point between them and blood was finally spilled. To say that Richard had a poor opinion of Jinx and vice versa was a huge understatement. But he still respected the parent-child relationship that she and Silco had, and did not wish to diminish that flame.

Plus it'd be lying that he didn't find it infuriating how the girl kept haunting their shared time. Even when they didn't talk about her there was no denying that her presence was nearly constantly them, looming over them like a ghost. Honestly, her being away did wonders to Richard's mood. Or would, if there wasn't now another issue that he needed to sort out.

Once he's done with filling their glasses, Richard leans back on the chair and brings it to his lips, not bothering to raise a toast with his lover as the man had suggested.]

What for? I'll talk to Charles and see what damage control can be done.

[He would admit that Jinx was excellent at starting fires, physical and personal, and he had no doubt that scoff was to indicate how little his lover thought of his daughter. He didn't bother to point out that once their secret was open and admitted to that Jinx may grow more bold, but he would... perhaps put pressure on to limit that association. Perhaps he could redirect her back on tormenting the enforcer? That would be ideal for him at least.

In the Undercity and as he had risen to power, Silco had been hard pressed to find time for himself. It was one of the reasons he kept himself so busy; he had small times to think and that was all that he needed. Jinx being away meant that he automatically gravitated towards Richard whom he was gaining a similar level of comfort to. He didn't allow himself much self-awareness on that fact, of course.

He took the glass from Richard and balanced it on his knee, noting the immediate dive into it. His lover had not been exposed to hard spirits much.]

So you'll add fuel to the embers that are not a fire to see what sort of flames you can stir up?

[Hard spirits were still a relatively new acquaintance to him, true, but Richard liked to think that he was exposed to the taste of whiskey enough. At least he could now drink it without being taken back by its strong and biting flavor, as can be seen the way he takes a good measured sip out of the glass without flinching or twisting his expression. But Silco was right about one thing, his body would not be able to tolerate much of it in one go.

After swallowing the amber-colored liquid he placed the glass back on the table, ice cubes faintly clicking against each others. Richard then wiped his lips with his gloved thumb.]

Nay. I shall see just how far his knowledge goes and direct it elsewhere.

[Richard still found the idea of telling Jinx very unsettling. The only reason he had given in and allowed Silco to reveal the truth to her was in hopes it would somehow help to de-escalate the situation between them. But Charles? No, Charles knowing was so much worse than Jinx. It hit right into the most important and sacred in Richard, his legacy.

At the times like these he really missed having Buckingham around. The younger man always knew what to do. That ruthless mind of his could turn black into white and so on if needed to be.]

[Silco regarded Richard from his seat, rolling over all the possibilities that he could think of for this reaction to information that he did not consider vital or even particularly important. Charles appeared to be the kind of person that could value secrecy, and it wasn't as if he had confirmed or denied what the ghost may or may not know. He had strong suspicions, and that meant that he was waiting and watching, ready to head off any rumours before they could spread too far.

However, Richard seemed more aggravated by the idea as well as his dismissal of the potential information as if he had not weighed the options. He swirled his drink but thus far had not partaken in it as he was too engrossed in thinking and watching, giving himself the space to dig into Richard's discomfort. Richard and Charles came from the same country and Charles did know about Richard, that the younger man would be King.

Family, bloodlines, names, crowns and God seemed to be high on Richard's list of important facts of life. He considered what he knew of Piltover High Houses, which was as close to royalty as he might have any exposure to from his little dark hovel in the Underground. What of those important factors was jeopardized with Charles by the knowledge of them being together in some fashion or another?]

I hope you can be subtle with your inquiries. [He had not seen much in the way of Richard's social skills on such a level, though he had no doubt the younger man had them. Hmmm, man... Ah.] Your society doesn't tolerate two men bedding together, does it? Is that what has you so spooked?

[There's another dry scoff from him. Richard is almost offended by the suspicion towards his ability to be discreet when gouging out information. It's not like he was born yesterday. And Richard had deceived an entire court and public, thank you very much. It was all part of the mask that he put out to others.

But the frown on his face deepens and turns into harsher one with Silco's question. Seems like his lover managed to hit and sunk with his query.]

I did tell you before that it is a sin. [There's a distant iciness to his voice as he speaks, eyes narrowing. Although, honestly? If it was the case of two men laying in the bed together Richard could perhaps, somehow, deal with the situation better. But no. What he was afraid was what would come after.] Allowing pry into our affairs is nothing but opening Pandora's box. Once the secret is out, it will only lead to another, and then another. Until there is nothing left.

[And who knows -- maybe the rumors of his home world were to arrive here? What then? Just how long would it take until the people were to turn their eyes at him again, finding out the truth about his demonic form.]

[He had been told it was a sin, but what did he care for sins? The mountain of bodies left in his wake, the lives ruined, the crimes he had committed paled in comparison to whoever he chose to bed down with.] If it's such a sin, why do you do it? And don't give me the usual line of you being a demon; you can't have it both ways seeking to strive for going beyond sin and calling yourself a demon who embraces sin.

[If a sin was so shameful and requiring such secrecy, it was hardly any fun. He was one who leaned into the flaws and manipulated them to be his weapon. So the sin was one aspect, which meant that the truth was likely more complicated than that and sin would play on some of the other layers of importance.]

We control the narrative, Richard. However, if the only way that this works for you is for it to be a secret, so be it. I've lived in the shadows most of my life. Why should this be any different? [He offered another small shrug, swirling his drink again.]

[Why does he do it, indeed.

The question rings like an accusation in Richard's ears, piercing his chest like an arrow. The corner of his lip tug back, making his mouth a tightly shut line as he stares at Silco under his dark curls.

Why did he keep doing this, even when knowing very well that it is a sin? The answer is simple, really.]

When we first met you asked me what was my specialty, remember? My answer has not changed. [Deceit. Turning truth into lies and lies in truth. Making people think that he was something that he was not.] I do this is because it is in my nature. I want it even if it is a sin.

[Because he is filled with dark and ugly urges. "Your every desire is a sin." Hadn't his mother called it out all those years ago? That despite no matter he tried he would always find himself within the darkness like a criminal. Richard had just given up fighting that and decided to allow himself to indulge in the warmth and pleasure that he had always wanted - even if it meant turning his back to the god.]

You say that but this is not the first time we've had this discussion. [There was an air of disappointment within Silco's words. While Richard supposes he could somehow understand it, as no one could ever truly be fully satisfied in playing the role of a mistress forever, but he still couldn't wrap his head around why would Silco want them to be known. Why couldn't they stay in darkness.]

Once the truth is out you can no longer protect me.

Edited (cws should've come in to play ages ago whoops.) 2024-11-06 14:54 (UTC)

[There had been significant change since he and Richard had first met. They are formed and deepened a connection with each other, so he was not particularly convinced by Richard's answer. Oh, he actually had no doubt that Richard believed it to be the truth, but from what he knew of the younger man, there was far more to unpack than the simplicity that the words seemed to neatly package.]

And you don't believe that someone can change their nature, hmm? From what I understand, sins are to be punished, so I wonder if this is a punishment for you or a solace. [He made a gesture with his hand to indicate the two of them. He was, after all, used to being society's, old ally's, and even enemy's dirty little secret. It was fuel for his own personal rebellion.

He made a noise of acknowledgement to the fact that they had discussed this at length. They stood opposite on the subject, and he knew it would be a souring note for the both of them eventually. At the moment, it was a thorn in the otherwise perfectly 'normal' interactions that they had together in his mind.]

Can't I? You underestimate me. However, I have no interest in advocating for an announcement of any kind. Those who know, know that's all.

[He had actually held off telling Jinx, aware that Richard would likely backtrack out of fear. Perhaps they could both be the point of shame for the younger man then. United again.]

If you let fear and anxiety rule your life, you'll always been a prisoner to your past and the opinions of people who, in the end, mean nothing.

[There is a spike of anger igniting in Richard. His nostrils flare as he exhales deep, the tension raising in his frame. Richard, then, leans forward and places his elbows on the desk, hands joined and fingers intertwine together. His mismatched gaze keeps staring Silco down, offended by such accusation.]

I have tried, in fact, a long time ago. Turns out that it wasn't for me.

[And how had he tried. The endless yearning, suffering and desperation that the thought of hope had alone brought him. Back when he had believed to find the light from another person, to live quietly just by his side. He had thought it to be the greatest dream of all.

But Henry was now dead, just like that foolish dream. Just like the Richard from that time.]

And how would you do that? How would you prevent from more people finding out? To stop their curiosities from reaching out and discovering more?

[He met Richard's mismatched gaze with his own, reminded of the similarities that had originally brought them together in the first place. Their scars. Richard spent a lifetime hiding his, and Silco spent a lifetime brandishing his. They took different approaches in their lives based on how their societies accepted them. Yet, their similarities were marked all the same, and he knew that they were back on dangerous ground with one another.]

So embrace your nature and stop living in fear. If people will revile you, step on their throats. Give them every reason to fear you, to be afraid to step out of line.

[His methods were harsh and his extremism was built on a lifetime of feeling powerless. He couldn't let people close because they could find a way to topple the empire of dirt that he had built. Yet, just like Richard, he still let people in. Jinx and Richard being the only ones in the last decade.

This was as close to a life of peace as he would have. He didn't care what he had to do to protect it.]

I frankly don't care who finds out. I find that people have far less interest in who someone is bedding with than you expect. It's not as if anyone is going to be hanged and set on fire for two men enjoying one another's company in this place.

[It had been both jarring and intriguing to see all their shared intersections, the common grounds where they kept meeting time after time. They were the same on many accounts. Both monsters lurking in dark, looking to destroy and devour, hurt and claim all while keeping the deadly wrath neatly hidden under the surface.

In a way, discussing with Silco had, at times, felt like looking into a mirror. Seeing someone who could understand him.

But despite all their similarities they were not the same. Silco was fine in the shadows, playing with his empire of dirt. What Richard wanted was more than that. What a kingdom in light, and the overwhelming absolute power that came with it. And, according to ones like Charles and Root, he had obtained it.]

You'd have me dirty my father's legacy, then? [Admit that Richard the Third, a king selected by God himself, was nothing more than a Richard the demon. A dirty criminal that sinned in order to obtain the crown. No, he couldn't do that.

And he wasn't all that sure whether he believed his lover's words about people's disinterest. After all, sexual activities and partnerships seemed to be a rather popular topic on the network. Silco had been making a name for himself in this world, both as a businessman and as Jinx's father, and Richard is certain that people would gossip about his little adventures if they were ever to spread past their control.] And what if they find it interesting. What then?

Edited 2024-11-08 01:20 (UTC)

[Silco could be accused of being things: villain, crime lord, drug lord, demon, asshole to name a small few of the long list. Thankfully, a fool had never been put on that list. The moment that Richard brought up the father, he went quiet and considered the path of moving forward. Richard's father was a clear standard that his lover tried to uphold, and he had seen a small amount of the vehemence to protect that legacy and good name. One threat against his person was enough to make it clear the lengths Richard would go for that.

He moved his glass off of his leg to lean forward so he could put it on the desk in the room. He pushed himself to his feet, tugging his snug vest into place again as he turned to regard his lover seated nearby.] No. His legacy seems to be the last visage that you have of him. In all of your talk of this man who sired you and his legacy, do you believe you are worthy of it? Or is path of his legacy the only thing keeping you from falling off the path?

[He didn't care for crowns or titles or bloodlines. It wasn't part of his world, and so in that, he had difficulty understanding why it meant so much to some. He supposed that in that regard, his inability and almost unwillingness to understand alienated him from Richard. He was the monster in the dark content to exist there knowing it was his place, but Richard tried and tried again to break free of the dark regardless of the talk of being a demon and in darkness.]

Their tongues will wag for a few days or weeks, and then their interest with wane. Something new and shiny will distract them, especially if we give no new ammunition to keep their attentions.

[It didn't seem like something Richard was willing to put risk on. No matter. He was already mostly resigned to allow his lover to pick and choose who knew, especially if this paranoia and anger was going to be the response whenever someone might sniff around their business. Silco was fine just being Richard's monster in the dark while his lover tried to break free and appease the opinions of others.]

If the idea or reality of 'us' will tarnish this legacy you value and this circle of light you continually strive for, so be it. I will be your dirty secret.

['Do you believe you are worth it?'

It's a good thing that there is a desk between them. Because Richard's knee-jerk reaction to that comment is no other than raise his hand against his lover and strike him. The anger running within his veins makes his pupils dilate as he stares daggers at Silco.

Who else if not him?! He wants to shout at him. Who else would be worthy of carrying his father's legacy and dreams -- to make them come true? Edward? George? The two princes? Hah, hardly. His father had chosen Richard as his true heir, entrusting him with the task to make his name live on. The name of King.

But Silco wouldn't get that, would he now? He didn't hear the voice whispering his name, feel the hand in his own, guiding towards the path of sin darkness. Telling him to do what must be done to obtain what was denied of him so long. The life is hell until the crown is placed on this head. No, Silco doesn't see what Richard sees. Despite his own relationship with Jinx.

So, instead of unloading his mind, Richard falls quiet once again. He lowers his gaze down on the glass placed in front of him. The dark amber liquid left untouched. There's twitch of annoyance and frustration. He hates the defeatists, almost indicating undertone in that lied in that last statement. Why is this so damn difficult? All this does is remind him how much he misses his kingmaker. Guess his and Silco's hearts truly weren't together like with Buckingham. ]

I'll talk with Charles. [Richard says, sighing through his nose. Straightening his back, he leans back on the chair and places his hands on the arm rests.

And it's not like that Richard is completely blind to the conflict at the hand, let alone to the one that was storming inside him -- pulling him to all directions. He knew very well that in the end he was nothing but a demon born in midst of angels, seeking to rob the light like Lucifer himself. It was a crime that he would never be forgiven for. They say that despite knowing everything, Christ still loved Judas. But Richard knew that he would not be granted such kindness.

But the light did not exist here. Richard could not see it reflected on the crown that the council had placed on his hands. He was alone in the dark, with Silco as his companion and solace. There was no light. And yet he could not give up on it - blindly grasping at it with all he got. Despite everything, he still wanted God to love him.]

Are you leaving?

[Provoking Richard was easy, especially where that father was concerned. The younger man had described that relationship, had told him the ends of the Earth that his lover had gone to hunt down that father in that war, only to find that the man had been stolen. He could see some of his bond with Jinx in the bond described by Richard about that father. It was such an easy button to push even without intending (though he had here).

The father's name was a defense, a no-win situation for him to pick which hill he was going to die on. So he had. Some hands in poker were just losers and there was nothing anyone could do about it. Better to use that hand to search out another person's tells before folding and moving on to the next hand to be put in play.

And Richard played his hand beautifully. Silco almost thought that the younger man would strike him, and wouldn't that just be fitting? A person insulted someone, and they usually paid a physical price in the Undercity; that's how it had always been and that's what he was used to. For the last few decades, he had been the person to not offend lest he make someone's life difficult or end completely.

From his standing position, he stepped in and leaned forward. He let his hands settle on the arms of the chair that Richard was sitting in just on the outside of where Richard's own arms were settled. He made a point of leaning over, of trapping Richard in that chair even if they both knew that Silco was not his lover's physical match regardless of them both being thin men.]

Say it. [He whispered those words like a temptress. Explode on him. Strike him. Let it out.] Are. You. Worthy. Of your. Father's. Legacy? This man who loved you enough to cry in front of your enemies. Your world stolen right from under you. Are you living for him or yourself?

[He didn't care about Charles; the ghost had proven to have some sense of privacy when it came to information. Silco had a lot of spies in the city to know if there was that kind of rumormongering happening, and he had not come out to his daughter either. So honestly, technically no one knew because he had never admitted to anything. But there was no changing his lover's mind.

He didn't answer the question, waiting to see what Richard would do first. That might determine his response and whether he stayed or went.]

[The sad truth is that Richard is, in the end, very easy to trigger. There are countless proverbial buttons to be pushed if one wanted to push him over the edge, some of them unknown to him. And Silco, for better or worse, had the unique privilege to be privy to most of them - something that Richard had entrusted with the man. And was feeling a regret now.

It was no secret that Richard held his father as higher being than God himself. Despite his yearning and desire to be loved and stand in the light, he would throw it all away if only he could see his father smile at him again. Richard had told the story of his father's downfall to Silco, yes. But trusting that the man would know better than to misuse it. Having the tragedy of it spilled out from his lover's mouth in such manner felt nothing but like a betrayal. Silco had not only exposed an old, painful scar but ripped it open.

With a swift movement, Richard raised his hand to harshly grab on Silco's jaw and forced him back - raising to his own feet as he pushed the other man.]

Just who do you think I am? [His expression is stern and prideful, voice hissing with poisonous anger. Despite all of his insecurities and fears, the demons plaguing his mind and always making him doubt himself, there had always been one thing he could trust on. And that was his father's blood.] My name is Richard Plantagenet. A name that my father bestowed upon me -- his name. It was me who avenged his death, me who defeated the last spark of our enemies. I grabbed the light and turned the kingdom against the crown princes, crushing the opposing dynasty.

There is no one else who can carry that man's legacy but me. I am the king and I choose whoever I want as my lover. [His hold on the man's face is strong and unforgiving as he speaks, staring right into the mismatched eyes with his own. His voice unrelenting and commanding.] Betray me and there will be no place where you can escape my wrath. Understood?

[Silco valued the trust that Richard showed him, and he admired a man that would release their emotions for someone they cared about to such a level. What Richard shared with that father was something he liked to believe that he somewhat could have with Jinx, but their realities were very different. He did wonder what it was like though for a child to value their parent in such a way that they would travel long distances, fight and kill soldiers all for that chance to be united again.

A part of him would have very much been curious to meet this man who was so important to Richard. He wouldn't have the chance unless this other Richard ended up here in Aldrip, he supposed. It was a moot point, punctuated with the sudden fingers closing around his jaw and forcing him to stand up as Richard rose. Otherwise, he held his ground and simply folded his hands behind his back, calm in the face of the potential for physical violence.

He let Richard speak, watching the younger man steadily. It did seem that his challenge had been met with words as he had hoped, and the contents of them listed a parade of atrocities that he could imagine well enough. Stamping out the will of one's enemy - and perhaps life - was something that they had in common. Yet another reason that seemed to see eye-to-eye on many topics.

Though, he did never particularly understand why parents named their children after them. Was it arrogance? Hubris? An odd family tradition? Well, he supposed one had to grow up in a family to potentially understand that concept.]

And what of your brothers? His blood runs in their veins the same as yours. [He spoke calmly as he stared at Richard, studying the younger man's mismatched gaze. Such pride in that man.] Indeed, you are king. Charles told me as much. And what does this choice of lover mean to you as king?

[They had already spoken openly and plainly about what betrayal would mean for each of them. Neither of them were men that took any such slights lightly.] Does discussing your father count as a betrayal?

[Richard's fingers can feel the shape of well-defined, sharp jawline through the layer of leather. The tight grip works as both sign of control and warning for a danger, as they were standing on knife's edge. One wrong move, from either of them presumably, and who knows how badly the situation can escalate.

There's a huff of mocking laughter from Richard when Silco brings up his brothers.]

My brothers were weak and pathetic. One lost his mind and reason in wine while the other one hid his royal behind in the rooms of a brothel, trying to drown himself in another form pleasure. Both fighting and quarreling over petty territories, ultimately weakening our family's position. Would you truly place a crown on their heads? Hardly. [For all the times that Richard had spoken about his Edward and George, this was the first time he was close to being honest with his feelings towards them. There had always been envy, of course, but more than that: a deep rooted frustration, bitterness and anger. Both of them daring to look past him, disregarding the possible danger that he possessed. Richard lost his faith in them and the ridiculous sentiment called 'brotherhood' ages ago.] They hardly could even be counted as thorns on my path, so easy it was to remove them out of my way.

[Oh? So, Silco had been aware of his true status and yet held his tongue. Richard's not too sure to what think of that -- other than that he needs to have more than just few words with Charles. Because right now there was more pressing matter at the hand.] It means that I can do whatever I want with the person I choose. I owe no soul any explanations or reasoning of my actions and choices. Not to some little girl or ghost with too much time on his hands.

[Richard pulled Silco closer by his jaw.] Do not question the strength and validity of the bond between me and my father. I have warned you once before. There will be no third time.

[And with that, he let go of the other man.]

[He was aware of some of what Richard was capable of, and he had enough experience in the underground to imagine what the worst case scenario would be. After all, this was not the first time that his lover had manhandled his face, and this situation was as charged at the last as well. It seemed that Richard favoured grabbing his face as a form of threat, like trying to bring another to heel or knowing the neck was an easy target if one could get a blade there.

Previous conversations involving Richard's brothers had mostly been about their fair hair and bright eyes, their handsome features and build that made them truly 'men' in the eyes of Richard's society. He had suspected that his lover had assisted in taking them out of play, and he also had no doubt that Richard's previous lover also had a hand in that. A rise from the bottom required removing those at the top first to pave the way. This description seemed more accurate of what he imagined siblings might be like. ] So you removed those that stood in your way, even if they carried the blood that you value so much. I suppose they tarnished his legacy with their addictions whereas you were focused on his good name. Do you believe he would be proud of what you've had to do to be king in his name?

[It was foolish to underestimate what Silco did and didn't know around these parts. He made it a point to know as much as he could. Information was a valuable currency even here. He raised his eyebrow at the claim of being able to do whatever was wanted with a lover; he supposed that hiding in the shadows and secrecy were the choice on the matter.] And yet you worry about how tongues will wag should someone beyond us know. It is an interesting choice; I wonder how long we can drag out the secrecy.

[For Silco, he was willing to drag it out if he must. What he had with Richard was not something he expected to have with anyone. He was so far unwilling to lose it.

He leaned in with the pull on his jaw.] Discussing your father and his love for you is not questioning the bond. You two seemed to have chosen each other from the moment you arrived in the world.

[He drew himself up, stepping away from Richard so that he could rest his hip on the side of the desk and wait for his lover to decide if staying in a confined room remained the play for this interaction. Perhaps Richard would walk away and require time apart. He wouldn't blame the younger man.]

[If there is one thing that is sure way to get on Richard's nerves it's looking down on him. He had spent majority of his life being ridiculed, both directly and indirectly, just because of his appearance. Even after reaping glory in the battle he could hear the sneers behind his back, questioning whether he was a knight or a maiden. And for so long he had swallowed his anger and bitterness in resignation, but no more. Of course, to say that Silco had tried to ridicule him was a leap, but the man had tried to physically corner him in the chair in his own rooms while deliberately poking at sore wound - rousing the anger in him. Richard had no issues reminding his lover that he was not only capable of overpowering him, but that he would do so, too.

It's really good thing that Richard likes the man, and that they're alone. Both Catesby and Buckingham would have beheaded him for such insolence.]

My brothers forgot what was important. A man who does not fight is no king. It is what our father taught us as children. They died and I lived, because I never stopped fighting. [Maybe there was once a point in his life when he had believed in Edward as a king, dedicated his life to protect the sacred blood of the York family. But that felt like a lifetime ago. Now Richard understood that all which mattered was that he carried blood of that man in his veins. He understood now that only he could fulfill his father's dream. Surely that precious man would understand.]

We keep it secret as long as we want to. You are master of puppets, are you not? With eyes and ears all around the shadows. I'm certain you would know how to slip in lies and deceit in the place of truth, hm?

[Richard continued to stare down at his lover, eyes cold and calculating. Would he like to break free from the confinement of the room? Yes. But at the same time he felt the voice press at his mind, preventing him from budging. He would not be the one to leave his own office.

The sound of heavy dark wings flapping through the air filled the room.]

You questioned my worthiness to carry on his legacy. That is a betrayal, Silco. I do not speak ill of your relationship with your child, nor question it. I expect you to offer the same respect as I do.

[In that, they had such a sentiment in common. Silco had spent a lifetime being looked down up and rated as being relatively worthless. His value had been what he made it, and he let no one question that without a response. It was why Richard initially calling him a peasant had earned such a strong response from him, and he had no doubt that his lover continued to feel the same way unspoken. Yes, Richard said there was no shame in this pact, but he knew a lifetime of focusing on blood's importance would always set them apart on that sliding scale.

Richard's words also rung true for him as well, and his expression momentarily softened towards an affectionate stare. See? Richard just got it, though replace king with leader he supposed. Those that didn't fight didn't deserve to grow fat on their positions of power; someone would always take it from them.]

I knew there was a reason that I liked you so much. [He corner of his lip tugged in near smile. He finally picked up his tumbler of whiskey and lifted the glass aloft in the form of a toast, as promised before he had picked a fight.] To the fight that neither of us will stop being a part of. Those that won't fight will be put in their place, removed, or manipulated into action. And to the start of your new fight for power here, starting with this inn.

[He made a point of taking a sip from the tumbler before setting it back down on the desk he was leaning against and next to Richard's own abandoned glass. It seemed that his lover knew him well enough to guess where his strengths lay beyond simple business acquisition. Controlling information was as important as gathering it after all.]

As long as you want to. [He corrected that immediately. Silco did not have a vested interest in this particular secret.] But yes, I can spread rumors and deceit far and wide. If you want even a hint of this narrative to go away, I can see it done.

[Silco also would not be the one to leave first, not yet. This was not his space, but after their little tiff, he wouldn't wish to lose ground by turning tail and fleeing. He'd keep a distance for now, respecting that Richard likely wished a boundary of space between them.]

Is it? Well, that won't be a mistake that I make again. I consider myself warned. [It took twice for that to be something he considered as an actual threat.] Ah no, you do not speak ill of my miscreant of a daughter, but your thoughts are loud enough at times. You do not approve of her or the effect she has on me, I expect. Everyone does.

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cw: internalized & religious homophobia

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