What Belonged to My Brother

William's reply was cold. "Out of consideration for your loss, you find I'll tolerate a great deal, Countess. I'm not one to typically scold a bereaved mother. But I won't tolerate disrespect towards my wife, is that quite clear?"

Deafening silence followed.

William continued, his voice a shade softer. "Anyway, we digress, talking about my wife. The matter at hand for us to discuss is the arrangements made for Lord Henry. Is there anything else you wish to know about it?"

"It just seems odd, Your Grace, that Henry is to serve in another prince's battalion instead of yours." the earl said. "Given Richard and Your Grace were so close, I would've expected our Henry's training to be a matter of your great interest."

"It is. My cousin Rufus is an exemplary knight and leads some of Islia's greatest warriors in his battalions. Lord Henry will benefit greatly from learning under them." William's voice was steady.