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The Plinth fortune was Coriolanus’ for the taking. At least it was if he hadn’t overlooked one little detail… or two little details in this case.
Sejanus was supposed to take the majority of his parents’ fortune. It was a little bit of blackmail on the part of his father. A sort of “hush money” for staying in the capital and not making too big of an issue out of it. Coriolanus respected the man for it.
But Sejanus was also supposed to be given the majority of the fortune after graduation because he was the only eligible one to do so. His father was sick, had been for a while, and he wanted his son--his eldest son--to take over in his business.
The only other Plinth children were far too young for this. Second down from Sejanus, Rory Plinth was only 4 at the time of his brother’s death. And poor little Leora Plinth was only 2.
For a bit there, Coriolanus tried his hardest to appeal to Sejanus’ father. Trying to spin tales of him taking over his business for him. But there were better qualified people, and Coriolanus wanted greater things.
So maybe he found his way back to poison, or maybe it seduced him. Either way, in the end, he got what he wanted. The Plinth fortune in his control. He just had to adapt his plan to being the caretaker of two little Plinth children.
***
There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that Rory and Leora were Plinths, related to the late Sejanus Plinth, no matter how hard Corolanius reminded people that their last names were Snow. Rory Snow and Leora Snow.
It had gotten to the point where people made up rumors about the whole thing. Much to his dismay. And much to his son’s delight.
“Were you and Sejanus dating?” Rory asked him over breakfast one morning.
“No.”
“Online people say you definitely were.” Rory turned his tablet around. A photo of a much younger him, posing with Sejanus at the academy. How had people even gotten that photo? Coriolanus regretted allowing them internet access. “Is that why you adopted us, father? Because you were in loveeee with him?”
“Love?” Leora joined in with a giggle. Still young enough to find toads more enchanting than boys.
“We were not in love. But we were great friends.”
Rory gave a little hum. So alike Sejanus. It infuriated Coriolanus.
***
Where Rory was all Sejanus Plinth reborn, Leora was his.
Well, to be correct, the better parts of him. Most of what used to only belong in Tigris. Now they shone through her as well.
Leora took after her aunt quite a bit. The same love for fashion, in creating pieces that dazzled and amazed.
But she had his knack for creating a spectacle.
As the president’s son, everyone was quick to follow her fashion trends. Even the ones that Coriolanus didn’t fully understand.
“It’s glittery.”
That was one word for the over-the-top sparkly, red suit his daughter had made for him. It was a work of art, truly. But subtly was nice sometimes. Flashy colors reminded him of a bird that had flown away many decades ago.
“I think it’s lovely, Leora, truly,” Coriolanus put as gently as he could. “But I just don’t think it suits me.”
“Of course it suits you.”
“Glitter isn’t really my thing.”
Coriolanus didn’t mention the fact that this was also not his shade of red. That would likely upset the girl beyond belief. She was very… delicate about these things.
Leora started pouting. Oh great.
“Yes it is! It represents what I think of when I think of you!”
“You think of glitter when you think of me?”
“Yes! Duh!”
Coriolanus sighed again, turning to the gilden-golden mirror. Maybe he could make do for wearing it to one event. Just to appease her.
He really would do anything for his children.