A Conversation Between Two Liars

Duke Karina Castenie sat primly at her desk, scribbling out a letter. Her son, Ferris Vivaldi Castenie, first born and heir to the duchy sulked in an armchair in the corner. A tall man stood behind the duke’s shoulder, lightly running a hand through her loose hair. She finished the letter and rolled it into a scroll, tying it tightly with a piece of twine. She held it up with an air of finality to the man behind her.

“Here. Make sure it’s sent on its way tonight.” The duke did not turn to look at him, but he accepted the proffered letter. She glanced at him as he strode toward the door, a smile creeping onto her face. “Mattia, close the door on the way out.” 

Mattia paused and shared a glance with her, he glanced once more at her brooding son in the corner, and then at the already closed door. Without so much as a nod he briskly exited, the door snapping behind him with a crack and then the distinct click of one of Mattia’s spells. A lock. Suited Ferris just fine.

“Ferris.” Karina tapped the butt of her pen on the expensive polished wood. Her son did not budge in his chair. “You need a break, I think.”

“A break...” Ferris side eyed his mother as she picked at the silver tray of food beside her. “A break from what may I ask?”

“Sulking!” Karina popped a grape in her mouth. There was a long pause. Ferris gazed at the ceiling thoughtfully.

“You know mother… I think you’re right, I do need a break.” The scowl that had almost perpetually adorned Ferris’s face these past few years had faded. Making his neutral, calm expression almost more unnerving.

“Of course I’m right! I’m glad you’re coming to your senses.” She smiled pleasantly. “Because there are a few things I need you to do.”

“Of course mother.” Ferris rose from his seat. “I’ll do whatever you ask. It will be… good for me.” Karina smiled again.

“See, Ferris!” Karina waved her pen at him. “This is the kind of attitude I’m talking about. We’re going to do great things. And I need you by my side.”

Ferris slowly approached his mother, smiling. “Mother, I think you need a break too. You’re always working so hard. Why not... leave some things to me for a day?” He gently placed a hand on the desk.

“To you? No. You must be joking, Ferris. You aren’t ready for any of this yet.” Karina’s smile quickly faded and she narrowed her eyes up at Ferris.

Ferris withdrew his hand from the desk, backing off. “Well- No. You’re right. But… There has to be something that I can do for you. - To make things a little easier.”

“Yes!” Karina’s smile returned. “That’s exactly what you can do with this errand.” She opened a drawer in her desk and took out a piece of paper. “You know Ferris… I do love you. I’m glad you’re leaving silly things behind you.”

“I love you too, mother.”

“I loved Vivian too, you know.” Karina tutted. “But she just didn’t listen. Not like you Ferris.” Karina cooed. She turned her chair, facing the mirror on the wall and checking her reflection. “I always believed in you. But leave the big things to mama, okay?” Ferris loomed beside the desk, picking up the paper and looking it over.

“Of course, mother.”