“Did you know that Floria was having an affair?” James asked.
“Yes.” Orion answered the question quickly.
“When did you find out?”
“Today.”
James started pacing again, with his hands behind his back. “Do you want this divorce?”
“Yes and no.”
“Clarify.”
“I don’t want anything to do with her. She is the mother of my child. I don’t want Paul to continue growing up without both parents active in his life.”
“Are you aware of what will happen if a divorce is allowed?”
“Yes.”
James continued to pace. “Explain.” He roared.
“She petitioned you which means she gave up all parental rights to Paul.”
“Then that is a none issue.”
Orion looked up at James, following him with his eyes. “No, it isn’t a none issue. You can allow my wishes in this matter.”
“What would you suggest?”
“Let her live here.”
“Are you daft?”
“No, let her marry her lover. I don’t care.”
“You will subject Paul to another father figure?”
Orion lowered his head, “she told me Paul knows.”
“What?” James was in a state of disbelieve. “What kind of mother is she?”
“He is suspicious. She hasn’t come right out and told him.”
“And you believe her?”
“She has given me no reason not to.”
“For the love of God man.” James flung his arms wildly. He stared at his wife. “What is this mess?”
Orion wanted to die. Sarah could feel the desperation emanating from him.
“What about you?” James continued, “what does this mean for you?”
“I give up my right to the throne.”
Sarah looked at him in amazement. “You want that? Haven’t you been preparing for this your entire life?”
Orion looked at her. There was so much torment on his face. “I am going to die. What does it matter?”
“You don’t know that.” Sarah reported flabbergasted.
“See, she has sense.” James stormed.
“I will move into the North wing. No one lives there. Paul has always had open access to me. I will not deny him that.”
“You are acting like this is going to be allowed?”
“If you love me, do this. I beg you.” Orion pleaded.
James stopped in his tracks. He became weak in the knees almost falling. A state of shock consumed him. His heart was about to explode. “Have you cheated on her?”
“No.”
“What is the most you have done?”
He looked at Sarah, “we have slept together, fully dressed.”
“And you expect me to believe nothing happened?”
“Absolutely nothing sire.” Sarah spoke up.
“When did this happen?”
“One evening on the train.” She answered.
“Explain.”
“I don’t sleep much. I had been trying to get him to eat. So he reversed the situation and tried to get me to sleep.” She was staring a hole through the Count. “There is a new concept being studied called “cuddle therapy’. It is exploring our human need for intimacy without involving sexuality.”
James was taken aback by her answer. His demeanor completely relaxed at this. However, he continued questioning Orion. “How was this marriage consummated?”
Orion wanted to fall through the bed. “You are kidding right?”
James returned Orion’s almost scared stare. “No.”
“I’m not comfortable talking about this in front of my mother.”
“Get comfortable.”
He had made Floria a promise that he would never tell anyone what happened. It was humiliating for him and would be devastating for her if anyone found out.
“I can’t.” He shook his head.
“You will tell me.” James calmly reported.
He closed his eyes. “Please don’t make me do this.”
“Five minutes ago you were begging me to do this.”
Sarah thought that was a cruel comment.
“I can’t.”
“You are a strange man.”
He looked up at his father. “Strange to have respect.”
“You call not breaking your covenant respect?”
Through all of this, Orion never raised his voice. Sarah was beginning to believe that nothing angered him.
“If you know about it, then why are you asking me?”
“Your stories have to match.” Rao whispered.
“With your permission, I will take my leave now.” David bowed leaving.
“As will I,” Sarah started to walk away but Orion grabbed her by the arm. The look on his face was one of pleading. So she stayed.
“David,” James stopped him at the door. “Please stay. As a witness and as my friend, stay.”
David resumed his place.
