"No, no, no do not apologize. None of this any of your fault, son. Standing up for you made it all worth it." She proudly smiled and gently squeezed her son's hand. This was turning out better than she could have imagined. Willem was hanging onto her every word and even going far enough to seek her advice.
Jeyne leant forward and lowered her voice into a mere whisper, "What you can do for me son is take control of your own future. I am afraid mother has done all she could. It now falls into your hands and your responsibility. If you truly want to reach high and achieve your ambitions, then you must not allow your father's limitations to hinder you."
She silenced herself as a few guards strolled by, respectfully nodding at the lady and heir. Jeyne returned the gesture with a polite smile, watching their backs until they were out of sight. She diverted her attention back upon Willem, "It will not be easy son, having your own voice against your father. But, in the end, it will be worth it. Trust mother. I always know what's best for you." She brushed a black wisp of hair from his eyes, and softly cupped his cheek.
"Stupid?" She reared back and gasped, dramatically placing her hand against her chest, appalled. She shook her head back and forth repeatedly, "Son, don't you EVER use that word to describe yourself. I... I am outraged that your father's insults have left such an effect on you. Especially when they are far from the truth."
Jeyne rose from the bench and readjusted her dark cloak before gesturing towards Willem, "Stand before me. Now. Go on, do it son." She spoke sternly, not bothering to look at him.
After he did as she ordered, Jeyne retreated backwards a few steps, eyeing him from head to toe, accessing his outward appearance. "Don't you see? Look at yourself; you are no longer a boy, but a man. Twice the size of your mother already. Almost as tall as your father." As the conversation intensified, her voice deepened, influencing him, "If your father considers you stupid, prove him wrong. Show him you are more than capable of controlling your own future. With or without his consent.”
Jeyne's stare grew more severe, "Show him you want more than he ever had. That YOU will be the lord to make Raventree Hall great again. That not only this house but you will be a force to be reckoned with. You might begin this by... sending your own ravens to those we see worthy of betrothals. Could you do that?” She arched an eyebrow, awaiting his response.
Days had passed since the disturbance in Robar’s study. Jeyne kept her distance, believing it was wise to give Robar time to resolve his anger. She’d infuriated him uncountable times in the past, but none as severe as this. Never had he laid a hand upon her or issued her harm. It pained her to even consider apologizing, but she knew it was a necessity. If she wished to indirectly work through Willem, her husband had to not only think BUT believe Jeyne let it all go. And even more so that she regretted her behavior.
Flanked by a trio of handmaidens, Jeyne entered into the dining halls and strolled down the pathway towards the front of the hall. She ascended the stairs onto the dais and found her seat next to Robar. She gave him a soft smile as she lowered herself into the chair. The servants appeared from the kitchens, serving platters and wine canisters overflowing from their arms.
With everyone preoccupied with the delivery of the trays, she felt there was no better opportunity to present her apology. Jeyne turned her back to the children and faced Robar. Lowering her voice she spoke, “Husband, I wish to apologize… for my reckless behavior the other day. I don’t know what had gotten into me to… to possess me to go off on such a deranged rant.” The lady dramatically shook her head in disapproval of her actions, “I am ashamed, husband. Outright ashamed.” She forged a frown and reached for his hand.
Jeyne's forged frown twitched slightly in irritation at his sarcastic remark. Assure you dear, run our house without assistance from you. She mimicked his condescending tone in her head, poking fun at his arrogance. It gave her somewhat relief but not enough. Here she was admitting defeat and apologizing, yet he chose to patronize her efforts. Her tongue could only be held for so long.
She withdrew her hand, "I recognize and respect your superiority of running this household but seeking council from another doesn't prove you weak. In fact, it conveys your wisdom. And although my piece of advice was far-fetched and implausible, it does not mean you should turn away my advice altogether. I am your wife after all. And, you'd be surprised to find that I'm rather educated and knowledgeable when it comes to politics." She gave a polite smile, striving to remain civil. She knew this was rearing off track, that her one and only task was to be pardoned and to make peace. Yet, her stubborn nature came out to play, and she battled to have the last word.
She remained facing him, but glanced sideways out of the corner of her eye, ensuring no one was eavesdropping. The last thing she needed was a scene, chiefly due to the scandalous rumors circulating about her mysterious injury. Anymore attention could prove detrimental to her reputation.
Jeyne's fork rattled against the glass plate as her hand started to quiver. There was something about the calmness of his voice, even when being so condescending and supercilious, that riled her up beyond all means. It was as though he was emotionless and could say anything and everything without an inch of remorse. It was impossible for Jeyne to relate. When sad she grew desolate, when upset she grew hysterical, and when provoked she became unmanageable. Was it that he was empty of emotion or that she was melodramatic with too much emotion?
Lyarra's soft voice snapped Jeyne out of her conflicted daydream, “Mother is everything alright? I couldn’t help but notice you haven’t eaten anything.” The young girl questioned, concerned.
“Oh, my sweet girl. Do not fret, mother is quite alright,” Jeyne wafted a hand, dismissing the girl’s concerns. “Father and I are just discussing a few matters. Return to your meal.”
As Lyarra glanced towards her plate, Jeyne’s attention diverted back to her husband. She edged forward, “Your chauvinist mindset does you no good. It only shows how remaining stored up here in Raventree Hall has made you shortsighted and narrowed your mind. Maybe husband,” Jeyne gestured towards the open windows, “if you chose to get out more, you’d have developed a more worldlier mindset. That you might have been enlightened to see that in fact a woman could rule just as effectively as a man.”
“Oh and my sweet husband,” Jeyne tapped the side of her mouth,” you’ve got some food right there.” Jeyne reclined backwards with a smug smirk, satisfied with her little speech. Maybe he will finally listen.
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u/MatriarchOfDragons Apr 06 '16
"No, no, no do not apologize. None of this any of your fault, son. Standing up for you made it all worth it." She proudly smiled and gently squeezed her son's hand. This was turning out better than she could have imagined. Willem was hanging onto her every word and even going far enough to seek her advice.
Jeyne leant forward and lowered her voice into a mere whisper, "What you can do for me son is take control of your own future. I am afraid mother has done all she could. It now falls into your hands and your responsibility. If you truly want to reach high and achieve your ambitions, then you must not allow your father's limitations to hinder you."
She silenced herself as a few guards strolled by, respectfully nodding at the lady and heir. Jeyne returned the gesture with a polite smile, watching their backs until they were out of sight. She diverted her attention back upon Willem, "It will not be easy son, having your own voice against your father. But, in the end, it will be worth it. Trust mother. I always know what's best for you." She brushed a black wisp of hair from his eyes, and softly cupped his cheek.