Zenethor walked through the King's wing and inspected the work, the servants had done well turning the cold derelict area into a warm and habitable home for their new king. No-one had occupied this area since the old king had passed. He inspected the innermost sanctum, the place where the King would come to relax, his bed chamber, and he nodded as he checked every aspect of it. The room smelled pleasing, the choice of Bay candles had been right, giving the place a spicy manly scent to it. The bedding was new, fresh, cream linen sheets, large plump pillows, a thick black velvet comforter threaded with silver, bought from the Prince's old room.
The newly lit fires in the large fireplaces gave the place a comforting warmth.
He was sure that Sabre would be comfortable, even more so in Abigor's arms he smirked to himself. Abigor had desired Sabre ever since they had started training together as young men, Zenethor had seen it the moment the old General's son had laid eyes on the slightly younger Prince. He watched him with a needful gaze during every lesson, during each meal and Zenthor did nothing to discourage it. He watched as Sabre became aware of it, flaunting himself and flirting shamelessly, it was to be expected the boy was born of a succubus. He knew how to use his becoming looks to tease and beguile even the most hardened. Zenethor punished him when he saw it was getting to Abigor, thrashed him quite thoroughly under the guise of being displeased with his learning. He also knew about the kiss in the corridor that night, Zenethor had spies everywhere and nothing got past him. He was surprised though that Abigor had showed enough restraint not to take the handsome Prince in that alcove....but that was his Abigor...his warrior...all restraint and nobility while Sabre was wily, crafty...a beauty beyond all beauty but with his own air of grace and nobility but different to Abigor's.
Then there was Viola......what could he say about the beautiful demoness who desired power above all else. He was demanding and strict with her, it was he who counselled the king to send her into the battlefield. She was far to fond of batting her eyes at Sabre, not to have him or love but to use him to further her own advancement. She would have bedded the old king if she thought it would have got her higher up the food chain. In fact she did once or twice but the old king was too wily to let her use it for any progress.
Zenethor sat by the fire in the King's chamber and poured himself a spirit from the decanter at the side of the armchair. He had heard that Sabre had taken a queen, a mortal...and that she was full in her belly with his seed. He would chastise him for that foolishness, he should have taken a wife of his own race, but what was done was done. He would ensure she stayed where she was meant to, he understood that Ana and Lui had already been summoned by Abigor and were doing their duty. He grinned wryly, ever the protector was Abigor...more likely he had summoned the nursemaids to keep this queen out of the way so he could be with his Sabre.
It was a web of intrigue to be sure...but such was their way.
He took a long draw on the glass and smacked his lips and momentarily closed his eyes.
When they were home he would take Sabre and Abigor to the Weapons Training Yard and he would see whether his boys had kept up with their training....it would be like old times.