Suave's POV that evening

"And there's your dinner, M'Lords."I say, removing the lids from the trays of food on the table.

"Thank you, Suave."Fallacy says

"It smells delicious!"Felicia says

"Are you sitting next to me, Suave?"Jasper asks

"I'm afraid not, M'Lord."I say

"What? But you always sit with us!"He whines as they sit down.

"Where are you going to eat then?"Fallacy asks

"With Encre. I believe he could use the company."I say

"Those tables are always full. He will have plenty of company."Felicia says

"Then I think you'd be surprised with how little company he has. The others cast him out and avoid him like a disease. Mostly due to who sent him here."I say

"Then bring him here! He can sit with us!"Jasper says

"He is a sweet one that I wouldn't mind dining with. Not that talkative though."Felicia says

"Yeah! He talks the most with you, Suave! I've even heard him laugh with you! Why is that?"Jasper asks

"He speaks French, M'Lords. I know French so I can hold a conversation with him. He is comfortable with me but for a few reasons, he isn't comfortable around you. Not that you can control that either....Mostly."I say

"Oh really?"Fallacy asks, crossing his arms as his eyes spark with interest.

"Yes, M'Lord. You have to understand his position and what he has gone through which causes him to do this. He was captured by a king who burned his village down, ruining his life and causing him to lose those that he loved. From there he was passed around, hurt and used while witnessing horrific things for things as little as talking without permission or tripping on a twig. He watched those around him get executed with a snap of some fingers. Many that held his soul in his hands despised his French and would rather that he stay quiet. So he fears giving any reason for any of you to harm him, even if it is a simple conversation."I explain to them 

"You said that it's mostly out of our control. Is there a part in our control?"Jasper asks

"Yes, it is the impression that you give him. Both you and Lady Felicia have given him good impressions that makes him think that you're very nice...the nicest that he has met in years. Though Lord Fallacy could certainly improve on his impression."I say

"What?"He says

"He has a reasonable fear of fire due to the horrific attack that led to his capture and your first words upon his arrival was to have him burned. Though in your defense, you didn't know that he was the gift you wanted burned. But you certainly have taken a liking to displaying your power through fire and we both have seen how scared he has reacted to your dramatic entrances using those powers."I say

"Yes, you could really dial it back."Felicia says

"Don't give him a soul attack! What's wrong with you, Father? I told you to cut that out!"Jasper snaps

Fallacy says nothing.

"But regardless, he doesn't think that he could be around good people...Around you...Even if that were to change. He knows he doesn't belong here as the other servants say and believes that it would be wrong to connect with you."I tell them

"And why is that?"Felicia asks

"King Asgore is using him for a scheme. He was sent here as a punishment for not satisfying the last ones who owned him and bet that he wouldn't last long here. They were relying on winning this bet to have reason to attack or wage a war. He wasn't a gift, M'Lords. He was a sacrifice as they are hoping for his death to cause trouble. Nothing but a trick so they could justify themselves with more tales that villainize you and your people. He is fully aware that he's their tool and doesn't feel right connecting with the ones this plan will harm."I explain

Jasper gets up from his seat, running out.

"Poor darling...It's not his fault that he is being used by Asgore..."Felicia says with a shake of her head.

"So am I dismissed to eat with him?"I ask

"May I ask what you talk about with him that opens him up? He always seems so stiff with me."She asks

"Well, what have you tried?"I ask

"I've only tried a few things. Family, favorite flowers...favorite food, that sort of stuff. But he isn't open to any of those chats."She says with a pout.

"Lady Felicia, his life has been the complete opposite of yours. He hasn't had the privilege of considering what his favorite things are or admiring things such as food or flowers. Anything that he cares or could care about is stripped away from him and he starved or struggled through it. And he lost his family when he was captured, which we are aware of thanks to Asgore's letters. I usually discuss simple things like checking in on how he is doing, what he thinks of certain things, or cracking a few jokes. He usually will listen or take the conversation from there, yet he doesn't like being pried for details. A lot of his past is sensitive to him in comparison to asking you about common subjects like family and stuff. And it certainly isn't something to ask a stranger out of the blue."I say

"So how do we get him to feel comfortable around us?"Fallacy asks

"You, M'Lord, could dial back with the fires for one thing. And neither of you should sneak up on him or get too personal with him. Instead of asking him what he likes, introduce him to things. I've gotten closer to him by sharing experiences with him. And it may help if you learn some French so that you can understand him. It could also put him at ease if he knows that you don't have an issue with his language."I tell them

"GAH!"I hear Encre yelp as they both nod.

"You're coming with me now!"Jasper says

I see Jasper pull Encre in with his plate of food, forcing Encre to sit beside him. 

"I want you to join us!"Jasper says

Encre looks at him, seeing that he is serious. Then he nods.

"I also apologize for my father's behavior. I will make sure he fixes his habits."He says

"HEY!"Fallacy snaps

Everyone freezes, seeing Encre flinch and raise his arm from the shouting. It seemed instinctive like a reflex and it was like things clicked for them. They realize what I mean. Jasper glares at Fallacy as I see worry twinkle in the eyes of all three of them. Jasper sees what little Encre has on his plate and pushes more food onto his plate with a smile.

"I was also thinking that we could do art together again! I could show you around too! It'll be fun."Jasper says 

Encre nods, digging into his food hesitantly.

I notice Fallacy's gaze lingering on Encre and Felicia also seems to notice, grinning.

What are M'Lords planning now?

TBC