Private Parental Duties

[Bastin Arenais]

Bastin knew his wife Rowena Arenais was up to something. The woman was always cooking up some sort of scheme to advance their family's status further than his late brother ever could. He hated Veiere and all that he stood for, most especially with him being a Force User. All while growing up Veiere was the favourite. All while growing up Bastin had to live under his brother's shadow. But no more! Veiere was dead! And good riddance!

He stood at the balcony of their apartment on Illyria, whiskey in hand as he watched the sun set, waiting for Rowena Arenais to join him as she usually did at this time of day when he was at home. More often than not, he was on his ship earning some credits and letting out some steam in a few brawls here and there. It helped him to deal with his anger and didn't spoil his wife's plans. He loved her dearly, yet at times he hated having to be leashed so to speak as soon as he was on Illyria. But that was what the whiskey was for.

At least at their apartment, he didn't have to worry about biting his tongue.

Everything would work out in the end. He was sure of it.

 

[-Shelved-]

"Hello Bates, darling." Rowena often greeted her family with a nickname followed by a term of endearment. It was her way of handling people. She approached him and planted a soft kiss on his lips before gently caressing his lower back while she stood beside him on the balcony. Some people's looks improved with age and Bastin Arenais was no exception. "Welcome home."

She sipped her wine and kept her eyes on the scenery around them, obviously quite pleased with how things were going in regards to her plans for them. "It's good to have you here now. Our daughter's found herself a crush. Her prospects have never been higher." Not to mention their prospects. But Bastin was sure to be able to read between the lines. He was good that way. He'd make a fine aristocrat if he was able to curb his sometimes violent nature. At least it was never directed at her or her daughter.

 

[Bastin Arenais]

Bastin returned the kiss and then continued to gaze at the horizon. It didn't surprise him in the slightest that it seemed their daughter had found herself a crush that his wife found suitable. "And who might that be?" He took another sip of his whiskey and then draped an arm behind Rowena Arenais 's mid back. "You know that I'll have to meet this man, before it gets too serious. It's a Father's prerogative." Ever protective of his only child, Bastin was going to be certain that no one would harm Saraya Arenais or hurt her in any way. Pain was going to be repaid with pain. That was how he lived. Only in time would she be able to appreciate that and thank him for it.

 

[-Shelved-]

"The King of Illyria, no less." Rowena leaned her head against Bastin Arenais 'shoulder with a look of utter delight. Her dreams were coming true and she knew it. Nothing was going to get in her way now.

"I'll see to it that we gain a residence there. Afterall, when she's heavy with child she'll need her Mother more than ever. And should the courts not favour her either, well, who else would she turn to but me?" Rowena doubted that her daughter would turn against her, but it was difficult to say if a Force User would manipulate her mind into doing so. A Force User like the King.

He was the one to be cautious of. That was for sure and certain.

 

[Bastin Arenais]

"A King?" He sipped his drink and remained quiet as Rowena Arenais continued on, however his mind was already chasing different visions of his own. They were merely his protective instincts running wild, however Bastin was the type to go over every scenario that he could think of. It was his way of working out solutions to problems that arose.

"And what if the courts don't favour you either?" It was an honest enough question, and one that he was curious about. Although there was little doubt in his mind that his wife would have figured out some way around that too.

 

[-Shelved-]

"They won't have a choice. If things go well than I'd be a mother and mother-in-law to a Queen and King. That pits me above them. Any efforts to undermine me would be dealt with swiftly." And no doubt harshly. Yet she also had Bastin Arenais to deal with them too. He was, afterall, her greatest protector. He was tall, strong and ruthless when he needed or wanted to be. And she was very much in love with him now as she was all those years ago when they had first met.

Plus he was utterly handsome. Even as his hair had gotten more silver. Some people just age really well and he was one of those people.

"And not to worry, Bates darling, you'll not be tied down to a life of court yourself. We still have a lot of interests to be taken care of." Ones that only they knew themselves.

 

[Bastin Arenais]

Bastin nodded in approval with a small smile before finishing his drink. He then kissed Rowena Arenais on the top of her head. "You always think of everything or close thereto. Shall we go back inside? I'll be heading out in a couple of days." He knew that she wouldn't like to hear that, but it was a part of their lifestyle that she knew and accepted. He was very fortunate that she was loyal, yet also able to think on her own and be independent. In truth she was calling all the shots. It was all part and parcel of their relationship.

Perhaps in retirement they can spend more time with eachother. But that won't be happening anytime soon.