III

Greyson never felt the cold. The icy winds tore past him, but this unstoppable force was trying to slam an immovable object. Greyson Fallheart did not budge, not even a little. He looked over the expanse of forested terrain. His terrain. His territory. He commanded everything that could be found here, and was also charged with the responsibilities of such power. His power.

He turned and saw exactly what he'd been waiting to see. A massive lion sauntered up to Greyson and nestled into him gently. The sunny coat provided an source of warmth that his own could never be able to reciprocate. Greyson nuzzled back, a wordless "I love you" to the newcomer. Their muzzles lightly rubbed against each other and they licked at each other softly. Greyson couldn't quite place it, but it seemed that this affection was much deeper than should be possible. He didn't question it, nor did he make note of the fact that a lion was present in the winter-ridden tundra. All he did was look into the emerald eyes of the lion and look at his own reflection in them. His lupine reflection stared back as a low, pleased rumble escaped his maw.

Greyson jolted up. He didn't know how long he had been out, just that it was long enough for Cadeceus to knock rather obnoxiously on the door.

"I dare say, Master Greyson, did you fall in the privy?" the servant's thick accent layered the amusement in his voice, which furthered the potency of its ability to vex Greyson.

"No, Cadeceus. I'm fine. Just fell asleep whilst bathing. You know how I get after a long day in town." He rubbed his temple, trying to recall whatever dream he'd just been immersed in, but it slipped between his fingers and every evanescent detail faded into the deepest crevices of his psyche.

"Indeed, sir. Do you need me to fetch you a towel?"

"No, I have one here already. I'll be out when I'm ready."

"I should surely hope that you're ready fairly soon, Master Greyson. Your parents are expecting you at the dinner table."

Greyson sighed. "Alright. I'll be there shortly."

"Shall I tell your mother?"

"No, let's keep her in suspense."

"Agreed, young sir." Cadeceus gave his signature, dirt-eating grin.

Eurubus Fallheart was indeed a very powerful man. Crossing the Duke of Avalon was not something one would do intentionally. Anyone that did had to be a bloody lunatic with a death wish. His domineering stature and demanding features showed off only a mere smidge of his full physical prowess and grace. Greyson looked at his father and knew, deep within himself, that he would become a spitting image of the Duke. Greyson Fallheart would surpass his father and all who came before him. He would be better. Fate already chose.

Greyson stepped in silently, always making sure to be light on his feet. His whole family had this habit, though nobody seems to know of how or where this instinct came to be. His father stood beside his wife, at the end of table. They both looked up to watch their firstborn approach the dinner table and sit at the end that stood opposite of his parents. The table was made of a dark oak wood with gold and silver trimmings here and there. It really was quite an elegant piece of furniture, yet it only sat here because it attests to the family wealth and not because the family needed it.

Still, Greyson ate at this table and used the Fallheart china and silverware. Not because he had any special reason to, but because there was no other way meals were going to be served. His mother had been very clear on that. Greyson knew better than to fight with his mother when she had set her mind on something.

Helena Fallheart, the Duchess of Avalon, was very much similar to her husband in her natural gift at intimidation, except that she was a more... calculated kind of evil. A tactician at heart, Helena knew exactly how to approach nearly every situation. She waited until she had the best opportunity to strike at your weakest point. Then, she would make you topple over yourself. It worked every time, like a structured science project.

Her eyes were the Fallheart trademark shade of blue and her hair was just as black. It seemed the family looked very much the same, and has for quite some time. Helena Fallheart had a slim and obviously fit body. The dress she wore was very form-fitting, and her corset made her body look even stronger. Helena's expression was as cold as she was, her face being very angular and quite fear-inducing if you didn't see her enough on a constant basis.

Greyson knew what was coming.

"You're late, son." Helena's voice was just as sharp as she was. It almost sent a chill through the Duke-to-be. Almost.

"You know how long it takes me to get dressed after a bath. Especially when I've fallen asleep in the tub."

"You could have had Cadeceus stand outside and keep watch of the time." his father chided.

"Father, I'm not going to have somebody dote on me all my life. I refuse. I have no desire to become complacent by having everyone else worry about my ever-changing whims. It's simply insufferable."

"Don't talk back to us in this manner, Greyson." Helena snapped. "You are to do as we say, and thus are forbidden from raising any sort of rebellious intention."

"So, you basically want me to be as much if a puppet to you as the servants you all seem to be all-too-eager to use for your fleeting gratification. Lovely." Greyson droned.

One of the many Fallheart servants stepped out from the kitchen and wheeled the food up to the table. They served Helena first, then Eurubus, and finally Greyson.

"Thank you, sir. The labours of you and your peers are deeply appreciated."

The servant, obviously freshly hired, flinched at the kind words of gratitude. He bowed to Greyson reverently and spoke softly. "Thank you, Master Greyson. Your words of encouragement are vastly valued amongst the staff here at the Estate. Have you a wonderful evening."

"Same to you, friend."

With that, the Fallhearts began their first course in bitter silence, much obviously left unsaid betwixt the three.