Indenuel was in the library, a book opened between him and Inessa. Tolomon was at the door, keeping watch.

Indenuel checked the book cover again. “I can’t believe this is the simplest book Pablo could find.”

“This is a fine library. I doubt they’d have children’s books here,” Inessa said, her brow furrowing in concentration.

“You could always buy some,” Tolomon said from his post.

Indenuel frowned. “Can we… do that?”

Tolomon shrugged. “I don’t see why not. You are the Warrior, after all. You should have the funds.”

“Better than trying to figure out DeValian the Noble’s philosophy,” Indenuel said.

Inessa rested her head on his shoulder. “Well, until they arrive, let’s keep trying. I think I’m getting better.

Pablo walked in, bowing. Indenuel frowned, glancing out the window at the sun. The children got special permission to come visit early, since Indenuel hadn’t seen them in a while. They were going to be so busy with the High Elder’s trial tomorrow, Indenuel wanted them to come a day early. But they just finished lunch, and their carriage usually didn’t come until dinner. “Are the children here?”

“No, not yet. Post war travel is far longer than any of us would like, but I certainly will not complain that the war has ended. No, Nathaniel and Rosa are here and wanted to know if they could stop for a social call.”

Indenuel knew he shouldn’t, but he glanced in Tolomon’s direction anyway. The man kept his face unreadable.

“Of course, we will accept them. Is it a social call for me, or for Tolomon?” Indenuel couldn’t help but ask.

“Both, I believe,” Pablo said.

“Perfect. We’d love to see them,” Indenuel said, taking Inessa’s hand as they walked out of the dining hall. They saw Nathaniel and Rosa in the entryway, talking to each other.

“Ah, there they are,” Nathaniel said, his face brightening as he gathered Indenuel in a tight hug. Despite the joy Nathaniel undoubtably felt at seeing them, Indenuel still noticed how exhausted Nathaniel looked. From what he’d heard, Nathaniel had been at the Graduate building the moment the King promoted him to his new position. He must have just managed to get away to visit them. Indenuel hugged Nathaniel back, though he felt the welts through the fabric and let go.

“Your back. Is it alright?” Indenuel asked.

“A week has done wonders to it. You can pound it if you like,” Nathaniel said.

“No, no. I better not,” Indenuel said as Nathaniel let him go.

Nathaniel turned to Tolomon. “You, though. Is your back alright?”

“It’s fine,” Tolomon said, hugging Nathaniel.

“Those wounds close up again?” he asked.

“They did, yes,” Tolomon said.

“Again?” Indenuel asked. “What do you mean again?”

“It’s nothing,” Tolomon said.

“He tore open the welts while fighting those two Graduates,” Nathaniel said at the same time.

Tolomon sighed, looking at his feet. “It’s nothing,” he said again.

“I didn’t know that happened,” Indenuel said, surprised.

“Because I didn’t let you know,” Tolomon said, giving Nathaniel a chastising look. “Thank you for giving us a social call. I hear you’ve been incredibly busy getting things organized with the Graduate program.”

“It is partially why I came. We have the new rules and regulations written up,” Nathaniel said.

“Already?” Tolomon asked.

“In a sense. I’d like to run them by you first before we formally announce them on the first day of next week. I’ll stop by again on the Sabbath, just to finalize ideas with you. I value your opinion,” Nathaniel said.

“I’d be happy to give it,” Tolomon said.

Rosa held up a container. “We also brought this. I think it tastes nasty, but Nathaniel has taken a liking to it. A new import from Kiam, now that the trade system is going.”

“It’s best to drink it in the morning. I was warned if I drank it at night I wouldn’t sleep. Did help me stay awake at the Graduate building last night, though.”

Rosa shook her head. “That cannot be healthy. Once we get home, you’re going to bed.”

“What’s it called?” Tolomon asked.

“Coffee. I’ll drop it off at the kitchens with the instructions on how to make it. It shouldn’t take long,” Rosa said.

“Yeah. The kitchens are…” Indenuel hesitated, feeling momentarily lost in his own home.

“I’ll show you,” Inessa said, taking the container from Rosa’s hand.

“Thank you, Inessa,” she said.

The two walked off. Tolomon kept his eyes toward the ground. “Shall we meet up with them in the sitting room?”

“Of course,” Indenuel said, at least knowing where that room was.

“She was devastated when you left without saying goodbye,” Nathaniel said as they walked into the room.

“We just finished convincing the King and Queen there was nothing between us. I couldn’t fan the flames of gossip again,” Tolomon said, his eyes darting around to make sure no servants were around.

“I thought so. Your mind is really made up, then?” Nathaniel asked.

“Yes. You have children. What would they think? Let alone the adultery punishments. I can’t put her in harm’s way again,” Tolomon said.

“You won’t. I triple checked it with Adosina. She has no idea, but I used a hypothetical. I can forgive any man who sleeps with my wife and no harm will come to him. It will be as though it never happened. It doesn’t matter who tells on you. Even the High Elders themselves. As long as I forgive you, you and Rosa will not get hurt.”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Tolomon frowned, giving him a careful look. “Nathaniel…”

“I told you. I did some research.”

Tolomon about said something but stopped, glancing at the door right before Indenuel started to hear voices. Rosa and Inessa were coming back. They moved closer to the couches. Inessa and Indenuel sat across from Nathaniel and Rosa. Tolomon took one of the seats to the side.

“Have you told him about the adjustments?” Rosa asked, patting Nathaniel’s knee.

“Not yet,” Nathaniel said, taking her hand and facing Tolomon. “I’ve been trying to look at the Graduate program in a more compassionate light, considering my friendship with you, as well as knowing my own son has expressed great interest in still becoming one. I think the biggest change is lengthening the training period. It was longer, once, before the war, and I’d like to go back to that length now that we’re in a time of peace.” Nathaniel studied Tolomon’s face. “What you were asked to do in such a short period of time was far too brutal for me to stomach.”

Tolomon nodded. “That’s fair. How long are you thinking of doing the training period?”

“A year and a half. Maybe two,” Nathaniel said. “Six months was too short. And the powder you’re given to gain muscle? It’s through corruptive means. You won’t be receiving anymore.”

Tolomon nodded, a sad look on his face. “I guess I never thought they’d lie about that. My own mistake for not questioning them about it.”

Nathaniel shook his head. “It’s done now. And it won’t happen again.”

Pablo walked in with a tray. “Forgive the disturbance, I believe this drink is done.”

“Thank you, Pablo,” Indenuel said.

It was served in a tea kettle. Pablo poured the cups, dishing them out to the guests. It was hot, like tea, but very black, with a nutty smell to it. He took a sip, not necessarily enjoying it, but not hating it either.

“And some sugar and cream, per Inessa’s request,” Pablo said.

“Worth a second try for that,” Rosa said.

Pablo bowed before leaving the room.

“What else have you changed?” Tolomon asked, taking a sip.

“No secret assassin missions, obviously. King Ramiro and I must give joint approval on all missions that involve killing of any kind, which I wholeheartedly accept.”

“Good,” Tolomon said.

“Everyone who is a Graduate right now will go through a three-month training if they would like to keep doing what they’re doing,” Nathaniel said.

Tolomon shrugged. “Shouldn’t be too hard.”

Nathaniel glanced over his cup, giving Tolomon a smile. “And anyone who has been one for longer than ten years is officially done with the duties of a Graduate.”

Tolomon swallowed the coffee before giving Nathaniel a strange look. Indenuel’s chest constricted. Was Tolomon going to leave?

“Are you… graduating me from the Graduate program?” Tolomon asked, an underline of humor to his voice.

Nathaniel leaned forward, placing his cup and saucer on the table. “I’m saying I don’t think anyone was meant to live this kind of a life for more than ten years. You have your own wounds you need to heal. That can only happen with some rest.”

Tolomon leaned back in his seat, still staring at Nathaniel. “I don’t remember how.”

“All the more reason you must,” Nathaniel said.

“And Indenuel?” Tolomon asked.

Indenuel tried hard to keep himself in control, but his eyes started to burn as he looked at Nathaniel, recognized the stings of panic, the fear of Tolomon leaving. Afraid of being alone. He realized he was being incredibly selfish. He knew maybe as much as Nathaniel that Tolomon needed to rest.

Inessa squeezed Indenuel’s hand, rubbing his arm. Nathaniel placed his arm around Rosa as she settled back into him with her coffee, drinking it carefully. “I am working with the King and Queen to set up another program for other men who are eligible to end their time as Graduates. We have decided that bodyguarding is putting them to good use. Usually meant for noblemen who just need extra security but aren’t in any real danger.”

“I’d rather stay with Indenuel,” Tolomon said, draining the last of his coffee.

“You can, that’s what I’m trying to say,” Nathaniel said.

“Indenuel is not a nobleman who just needs extra security. He’s still in very real danger right now, especially with this mental war he’s raging with the High Elders. Not only that, but the few years after a war are extremely shaky. I have no doubt there might be some Kiam extremists who do want to seek revenge.”

Nathaniel turned to Indenuel with compassion in his eyes. “Those are valid concerns, but I’ve also never seen you more relaxed than when you’ve been with Indenuel.”

Tolomon set his empty cup on the table. “Probably because you’ve never actually seen us when I’m trying to save his life.”

“I’m quite sure Indenuel wants you to stay,” Nathaniel said.

“I do,” he said, maybe too quickly.

“Do you want to stay with Indenuel?” Nathaniel asked, turning back to Tolomon.

“Of course I do,” Tolomon said. Indenuel let out the tiniest breath of relief, but still watched, his gaze bouncing between the two men. “But I understand Nathaniel’s sentiment. I’m getting old. I might not be able to protect you as well as I have.”

“Dammit, Tolomon, I will beg in front of everyone on hands and knees if I must. Don’t leave. Especially not before the High Elder’s trial. I need you here,” Indenuel said.

Tolomon leaned back in his chair, watching Indenuel closely. “I’m getting old, and you need to be protected by the best.”

“You may be getting old, but you are still the best. Pretty sure any soldier can verify that,” Indenuel said.

Nathaniel’s nod was firm, with no hesitation. Tolomon glanced at Nathaniel, before sighing. “Pre-mission jitters is all. Indenuel is, after all, the most important person in the world right now.” Tolomon looked at Indenuel. “And I don’t want any harm to come to you.”

Indenuel’s shoulders visibly relaxed, and Nathaniel smiled at that. “Good. I’m glad. You will remain a Graduate until you are formally released with the updated laws announced on the first day of the week. Pretty sure they’ll have some sort of ceremony for you, considering how legendary you are.”

Tolomon gave a small scoff at that.

“Diego has already offered to give a speech about your fight with Captain Luiz after you recovered from grey death, complete with visuals on how you accomplished it,” Rosa said.

Tolomon laughed, shaking his head. “I trust you won’t actually let him.”

“I’ve heard the story a hundred times now. He’s gotten quite good with the reenactments,” Nathaniel said.

“How is Diego, anyway?”

“Recovering just fine. I dare say, he has become quite popular among his friends, but he’s not letting it go to his head. He’s convinced if he stays humble, he’ll be able to knock you out in another year,” Nathaniel said.

Tolomon smiled, saying nothing.

“He does hold you in such high regard,” Rosa said. “All my children do.”

Again, Tolomon looked away. “Tastes just fine without cream and sugar, not sure what you mean.”

Rosa placed her empty cup back on the table, shaking her head. “Well, I think it tastes better. Thank you for the suggestion, Inessa.”

Inessa raised her cup before taking another sip.

Nathaniel took Rosa’s hand again, and she placed her head against his shoulder. “What do you think of the laws.”

Tolomon nodded, folding his arms. “I trust you completely.”

“Good,” Nathaniel said. “Because one of the unintended consequences of the law is that once a man is done at the end of ten years, he can start courting or get married if he so choses.”

The barest flicker of Tolomon’s gaze turned toward Rosa before again falling on Nathaniel. “Right. Seems reasonable. What with Diego wanting to be a part of it.”

“I always said women were the biggest deterrent to the Graduate program. There might be men willing to put in the two years of training plus ten years of work to then get married. And as a commoner, the title of Graduate would still stay, and elevate your position.” Tolomon nodded, saying nothing. “You’d just have to be in communication with Indenuel so he’s aware when you’d like to start courting someone.”

Tolomon winced. “Yeah, I…” he cleared his throat. “It’s not…”

“Is there someone else besides Rosa?” Nathaniel asked.

“Of course there isn’t,” Tolomon said. “But… damn, man, I doubt your children would approve.”

“Tolomon,” Rosa said. “Nathaniel and I have always said you’re like a second father to them. And they believe it, too. We might as well make it so you officially are.”

“There’s a huge difference between the two. I doubt they would… that they’d…”

“We might as well try,” Nathaniel said.

Tolomon stared at the table, then glanced up at Indenuel. For a man who could hide his emotions so well, Indenuel was surprised how easily he could read Tolomon’s face. “You don’t need to ask permission, Tolomon.”

“Nathaniel just said I did,” Tolomon said.

Indenuel shook his head, smiling into his cup. “You know how I feel about it already. Of course you have my permission.”

Tolomon looked at Rosa. “I don’t want to… I still…” He sighed, rubbing his head. “I’d like to talk about this later. Once I’m done being a Graduate. There are more things I’d rather discuss amongst the three of us.”

“But you’re open to the idea?” Nathaniel asked.

Tolomon said nothing for a moment. “She kisses too damn good for me to not have a discussion.”

Nathaniel smirked. “Yeah, I know.”

Rosa’s face turned red, but she smiled, reaching over and taking Tolomon’s hand. He squeezed it back.