Claire Luana - The Confectioners Exile

T he afternoon sun gleamed off the horses sweat-lathered flanks. The racetracks crowd roared as the ebony beast rounded the corner, pulling ahead of the dappled stallion next to him.

Hales friend Roan leaned forward from their viewing box, roaring for the stallion to run.

Hale grinned in satisfaction. The little black horse would win this raceHale could feel it. And the victory would be all the sweeter knowing that the long odds on the horse would net him a pretty penny.

Roans groans were echoed throughout the stadium as the black horse crossed the finish line two noses ahead of the gray stallion. Roan collapsed back in his wicker chair with an expression of such despair that Hale couldnt help but chuckle.

Did you bet on the black? Hales brother, Calladan, leaned forward, squinting suspiciously at Hale.

A wide grin stretched across Hales tan face.

Of course you did. Cal rolled his eyes. Because when do things not go your way?

Its not my fault I like an underdog, Hale said.

Yet somehow you always pick the right underdog, Roan said. When I play the long odds I always lose my shirt.

Hale picked at his friends seersucker button-down playfully. You could stand to lose this shirt. No one is wearing salmon this season.

I didnt know it was possible, but you grow more insufferable by the day, Cal quipped.

You took the words right out of my mouth, Roan said.

Yet you keep coming back for more. Hale ruffled Roans and Cals blond heads as they both struggled to escape his grasp.

Im stuck with you, brother, Cal said. Im not sure what his excuse is.

Im here for Hales castoff ladies, Roan said, draining the copper mug set before him, the sweat from the mug leaving a ring of condensation on the glass table. Consoling them after their inevitable heartbreak has become almost a full-time job for me.

Now, mates, greens not a good color on either of you. Im very open with my admirers. They know what theyre getting with me and they know what theyre not. Its not my fault that they all think they can change me.

Like moths to a flame they are, Cal said.

Hale and Cals mother, Brea, chose that moment to glide over from the other half of their viewing box. Her flaxen hair was pulled into a sleek chignon and her coral dress was impeccably tailored. She looked no older than thirty, despite having two teenage sons. Did you enjoy the race?

Hale did, Cal grumbled.

The black? Brea asked, glancing down at where the horse now stood with a garland of roses draped across its withers.

Hale nodded, puffing up with pride.

Brea laughed, a sweet, melodious sound. You always were my good luck charm. She picked at a stray lock of his golden hair affectionately.

He shied away from her touch. Mother

A wistful shadow passed across her smooth face. I cant believe how big you boys are getting. Look at you. Youre practically grown men.

Some of us just think were grown men, Cal said pointedly.

Why dont you stand up and tell me that? Hale said, standing to his not-insubstantial height of six and a half feet. Though Im not sure Ill be able to hear you from all the way up here.

Cal rocketed out of his chair, meeting Hale chest to chest. He couldnt stand that his baby brother had grown inches taller than him in the past few months. Its easy to be tall when your heads filled with so much air. Youre probably floating off the ground right now.

Brea let out a long-suffering sigh, throwing her hands up towards the heavens. I dont know what I did to be punished with two boys. I couldve had girls. Your mother did it right, Roanone boy and three girls.

Im not sure my ma would agree, Roan said. From all the screeching, it doesnt seem to be going well.

But if I had girls, I could go shopping with them, go to tea parties

You could do those things with Hale, Cal said with mock innocence. Hes pretty enough for tea and pastries.

I thrive in all environments, Hale said. Its not my fault your ugly face is only fit to be hidden in a library.

Lets see how well you thrive after my fist spends some time in your face, Cal said playfully, smacking Hale upside the head. Hale met his brothers challenge with a headlock, and the two scuffled in a flurry of hooked elbows and knees.

I turn my back for five minutes and this is what I return to find? a deep voice thundered.

Hale and Cal broke apart in a flash, standing at attention before their father.

Willum, they were only playing, Brea said, placing a soothing hand on her husbands forearm.

Thats all they ever do. When I was their age I was already serving as a page for Grand Minister Excentium. Hales father was the Trade Minister for King Vespian of Aprica and seemed to object to anyone who did not take life as seriously as he did. Especially his youngest son. Clean yourselves up. Were late for lunch with Minister Turbino.

Yes, sir, the brothers said in unison.

Hales father spun on his booted heel and swept from the viewing box.

Hale sagged slightly as the tension in his spine that accompanied his fathers presence uncoiled. Do we have to go to lunch? All the ministers ever do is talk politics. I need to go collect my winnings, Hale said.

If your father wants you there, youll be there. End of story, Brea said.

You should come too, Hale said to Roan, hoping his friends presence would lessen the tedium of a lunch with the ministers.

No, no, no. You couldnt rope me into that lunch for all the gold in Aprica. All the ministers will be complaining about the patricians. Ill be at lunch with my own kind. You know, where the patricians will be complaining about the ministers.

The ministers wouldnt be complaining about the patricians if they would stop trying to overthrow the king, Hale said.

Hale! Brea said. Dont say such things. You know the situation is complicated.

Doesnt seem complicated to me. The king looks like death warmed over and the Grand Patrician has his eye on the throne. Simple.

Roan shrugged. True enough. My dads trying to stay out of things as best he can.

Your father is an honorable man, Brea said. Im sure Hale doesnt mean to suggest that he or any of the other patricians would do anything untoward.