I realize that I never included my family in my loyalties. Nobility may be all about filiality but I won’t let the romanticism of the idea cloud reality.

As a subpar caster with a basic fire affinity and zero motivation to improve the family, I wasn’t held in high regards. You really get to know someone when they don’t need anything from you. I’ll never forget the snide looks aimed at my back every time my father guided me out of the Tome estate in Summer Spire with a heavy hand on my shoulder.

Which is why I can’t bring myself to return my uncle’s big smile as he rushes forward to greet us. After riding for hours to arrive here just before nightfall, all I want is a nap but I stuff down my annoyance as the two brothers hug.

“Luke, good of you to come.” My uncle slaps Father’s shoulder heartily as he pulls away. Huh. Never seen him with this much energy before.

“Jackal! Thank you for the invitation.”

“No need to be so formal. This is your family home, you’re welcome here anytime.” Never fails to amaze me how nobles can lie through their smiling teeth. I wonder where that sentiment was when we were thrown out after Father ‘embarrassed’ himself arguing with the head of the Grimoire family. “And you must be Kierra.”

Once again, I’m ignored in favor of my wife. Uncle Jackal’s eyes are practically shining as he takes in the elf, stretching out his hand. “Javarius Tome, but friends call me Jackal.”

“Kierra D’Atainna.”

“Oh? You still go by your old name?”

“Not an elven tradition.”

“I see. I—”

Yup, I’ve had enough of this. “Uncle.” He looks over to me at the interruption. I think I see a flash of annoyance on his features, but if it was there, it’s gone too fast for me to be sure. “It’s good to see you again.”

“You as well. I always knew you were rebellious but to think you would run off and get married. I bet your father had a heart attack.”

Haha. Didn’t run off, I got kidnapped. He sounds way too friendly. It’s sending shudders down my spine. “Can you blame me?”

“Not at all. You wouldn’t be the first to lose reason for a beautiful woman. I can only wish your cousin finds such a wonderful bride. Ah, speaking of them…”

He looks over his shoulder as a door opens and two people approach. Uncle Jackal is a pretty regular looking guy. He has the usual dark skin and dark eyes of the Tome family. The only differences between him and Father is he has a bit more height and his long, braided hair, a style that separates the main family from the rest of us.

Matthias, his son, is a carbon copy of his father, except where my uncle has the round belly of overindulgence, his body is lean and strong from working long days. His dark eyes take in everything with a blank look that hides his thoughts.

Then there’s Jacquellin. The jewel of the family. Glowing bronze skin with bright hazel eyes and doll-like features compared to my more…ehem, striking looks. Her braids are twisted through golden beads that clack together when she walks, giving her movements rhythm. Unlike everyone else, she actually does acknowledge me first, but there’s no familial warmth in her gaze. If anything, I’d say it’s curiosity.

“These are my children, Matthias and Jacquellin.”

“But go ahead and call them Matty and Jac,” I throw in, grinning at the way Jac flinches. She’s always hated the nickname. Claims it’s too masculine. Too bad. Blame your father for giving you a name that’s such a mouthful to say.

“It’s an honor to meet you,” Jac gushes with child-like excitement as she grabs Kierra’s extended hand. The ever-calm Matty simply gives her a quiet nod but he’s smiling as they shake hands.

“We can continue this in the sitting room.”

“Actually, I’m rather tired.” Kierra shuts his friendliness down without mercy. “I was hoping to have a rest before we engaged in any discussions.”

“Of course. You must be very tired after taking on those bandits and traveling all day.” Father grins at their surprised reactions.

“That’s not a problem.” Uncle Jackal snaps his finger and a maid comes out of the side room. “She’ll show you to your room. Your bags—”

“I’ll carry them. Goodnight.” She gives the room one of her classic smirks before gesturing for the maid to lead the way and following her out. I’m ready to follow her but Uncle Jackal grabs my shoulder.

His smile slips away, leaving behind an indifferent mask. Ah, there’s my beloved uncle. “Lou, what do you say about having a drink with the family? We can all catch up.”

“…I’d be delighted.” I let him guide me into the sitting room. A fire is burning. It’s not cold enough for us to need one but it gives the room a cozy atmosphere accentuated by the overly plush furniture. A large bottle of wine made from rare crystal is sitting on a wooden tray on top of the sitting table along with five glasses.

We all take seats and Jac pours for the room.

“Lou,” Uncle Jackal says as he leans forward. “You owe us a story.”

Owe? Cheh. Thinks just because we share a last name, I’m his servant. I don’t owe you anything. “I met an elf in a forest. I thought she was cute so I married her.”

The look he gives me could curl iron. “This isn’t the time for your flippant jokes. With the Guiness taking an interest in our family, this is an unprecedented opportunity.”

“About that opportunity.” I put down my cup that I’m frankly not interested in. Kierra was right. After tasting elven brew, everything else is too disgusting to drink for enjoyment. “What does the esteemed Guiness family want with us? Or, should I say, what do they want with my wife?”

Seeing my serious expression, Uncle Jackal puts down his cup and laces his fingers. “I’d think it’d be obvious. The Guiness family are the richest merchants in the kingdom. They make their money on the monopoly they have over foreign trade but it’s limited to the Dragon Isles and Green Mountain. Kierra is from the elven nation who cut off contact with us centuries ago. There’s only one thing he could want.”

“He wants to use Kierra to establish trade with the elves. That’s a pretty big assumption.”

Uncle Jackal frowns and looks to Father. “You said she was related to the queen.”

“She is,” I say, drawing his attention back to me. “That doesn’t mean anything. I really hope you didn’t bring the Golden Family here on a false guarantee.”

He grits his teeth. “I didn’t make any promises, but I shouldn’t have to tell you the importance of these parties. She’s your wife. Convince her.”

“Huh?” I stand up, looking down at them, an action that would be unthinkable for me in the past. If anything can get me riled up, it’s my wife. “I didn’t come here to convince anyone. That’s the merchants’ jobs. I came here to show solidarity against the Grimoires.”

“The Guiness are offering—”

“Do you know why the elves cut off contact with humans?” My sharp interjection leaves him confused. The same expression is mirrored on every other face. I shake my head. “It’s not something that can be bridged by a bit of gold. I’m telling you right now, I can’t say with any certainty that I can convince her.” Saints damn their greed, I don’t even think I want to. I’m here for the Grimoires. This feels like they’re selling her like cattle.

“Now, now.” Jac stands up with the wine and refills glasses. “Lou, he doesn’t mean anything nefarious about it. All he’s asking is that you bridge the cultural gap. Whether or not an agreement can be reached is, as you said, between her and the merchant.”

With her reasonable tone and open gaze, any more on my part will be seen as unreasonable. I retake my seat with a huff and Uncle Jackal settles back, letting out a deep breath.

“As Jacquellin said, we don’t have any bad intentions.” Uncle Jackal takes a long drink from his cup. “After all, we’re family. That includes Kierra. Trade is beneficial for all but not at the expense of someone.”

“…sorry.” I’m not sorry but I won’t break their smiling facades. They say this now but we’ll see what they have to say when they think they’re alone. “I must be overly tired. To be honest, it’s been too long since I’ve been in the capital. I can’t help but be a bit anxious.”

“Understandable. You should rest. We’ve put you in the second guestroom. Do you—”

“I remember.” I stand and give them a brief bow before walking from the sitting room. At some signal I don’t see, the manservant standing outside the room moves inside and pulls the sliding doors closed. Suppose they want privacy.

Leaning against the doors, I close my eyes and transform my ears, the rounded tips sharpening as green fur sprouts over the skin. Their conversation drifts to me despite the barrier.

“What are you doing, Luke?” Uncle hisses. “Why isn’t she on board? Do you know how important this is for us?”

“Don’t blame me. That girl has always been uncontrollable.”

“For saints’ sake, you’re her father. Reign her in. Lord Guiness has promised us a negotiator’s fee and a contract of 5% of the profits from any merchandise originating from the elven continent, along with a 30% discount on the products we purchase ourselves. Do you know what 5% of the Guiness’ wealth looks like? There are rumors that they are bankers for the crown. They have more money than the king himself!”

“More than that,” Jac cuts in, “this is our one opportunity to impress the other houses. Nearly all the nobles in Summer Spire will be in attendance at these parties. If they see we have a good relationship with the Guiness, it will open the doors for everything. Conversely, if we embarrass them, we’ll be truly ousted from court.”

“Fine points you all make,” Father retorts with a scoff. “And what have you offered her? Lourianne is not as ambitious as you, but she knows an imbalanced trade when she sees one.”

“What does she want?”

“Nothing.” He laughs bitterly. “That was the source of all my woe and the endless string of tutors shaking their heads. She doesn’t want a damn thing. Besides showing up the Grimoires. I’m glad she’s at least eager for that.”

“There’s more to life than revenge!” Uncle huffs. “So, we show up and strut our new friends in front of our old enemies. That doesn’t matter if they don’t stick around. Then we’ll be in the same place as we were before, beneath their heel.”

“Even if you tell me that—”

“Don’t you want to make something of yourself? Think of it. With the Guiness as sponsors, you can go back to research. Mayhap at the Grand Hall!”

There is a long silence.

Uncle voice sounds triumphant when he speaks again. “I don’t care what you have to do or what you have to promise her, Luke. Get your daughter on board or we’re all out in the cold.”

I snort, reversing my transformation as I move through the halls. I knew their ‘happy family’ routine was garbage. At least their real faces are all business. A part of me expected they’d start throwing around insults outside my presence but no, they’re only concerned about their futures. Money unites all. Because of it, they didn’t even blink at their unusual union.

Looks like I need to add the rest of the Tome family to my list of enemies.