Seren P.O.V.

Another boring day at the factory where I spent most of the time avoiding Lore's many attempts to hold my hand, which I know he was doing to tease me, finally comes to an end. But when we arrive at Lore's estate, Draven waits in the foyer donning an unusually upset frown.

"Your Grace, Sir Trolley is here to see you," he says, causing Lore to tense. "He has a message from His Majesty and wishes to speak to you himself."

"So be it." Lore follows Draven towards the lounge. He gestures for me to follow. Draven leaves once we enter the room. A vampire waits alone on the couch. His eerie smile twitches when I enter the room. I almost expect his expression to shatter, revealing whatever foul feelings are beneath, but the messenger of a king likely has to be very skilled at keeping their composure.

"Lord Seymour," Trolley says. He rises from the couch to extend his hand for Lore to shake. "I hope you've been enjoying your stay here in Vexsis and that things are moving swimmingly at your factory."

"My work is moving along as I had hoped and we should be returning to earth by the end of the week, if things keep up. So," Lore takes a seat in one of the chairs. "What are you here to discuss?"

Trolley's gaze drifts to me. He hesitates, eying me skeptically when I take a seat in the chair opposite from Lore. If I sat on the couch with Trolly, his head may explode and our chaperones would probably assume I used a spell to kill him. Better to keep my distance.

Clearing his throat, Trolley says, "His Majesty has invited you and the paladin of the Holy Church to Blue Wing Manor for a dinner party tomorrow night."

What?

I glance at Lore, who keeps a composed expression. He forces a cordial smile. "An invitation from the king's messenger, how flattering, although I must admit that I'm surprised to hear Seren has been invited."

Why am I almost offended by that?

"It isn't everyday that members of the Holy Church visit Vexsis. His Majesty wishes to show that we are welcoming," Trolly replies with such a joyous tone that I almost believe him. I'm surprised when he shifts his attention to me. "Our guests tomorrow night would be thrilled to see magic from the true source. Many have never seen it in person and there are so many tall tales. Your appearance would be appreciated."

So I'm a show pony? The question almost slips out of my mouth, but I bite it back.

"I suppose it couldn't do any harm to go," I say, checking on Lore, who gives no sign that I'm saying the wrong thing.

"Splendid." Trolley rises and claps his hands. "A car will be sent for the both of you at eight. And I must remind you, Lord Seymour, that your butler may not attend. This is a private event."

Lore nods. "Of course. We appreciate the invitation."

I don't know how they can keep up this back and forth. It's exhausting just listening.

Lore calls for Draven, who returns with Trolley's coat. I don't see why he needs one. It's a warm day, but whatever, much be a rich person thing. Lore walks Trolley to the door. I follow behind because I think that's what I'm meant to do. Draven waits patiently, holding the door open as Lore and Trolley exchange a few pleasantries, then the vampire leaves.

"You will be alone with Cyan tomorrow evening as Seren and I attend a party at Blue Wing Manor," Lore says to Draven, who actually gapes.

"They invited Seren?" He glances at me, and I swear there's concern in his eyes.

"Yes, you and Cyan cannot attend though. Do me a favor and inform him for me?"

Draven's lips form a thin line. "As you wish, Your Grace."

"You know it wouldn't kill you to tell him no," I say, but Draven struts past me without uttering another word.

"Any idea on why the king invited us?" I ask while following Lore to the lounge.

"I could make a list," he replies, grabbing a bottle of wine from a glass cabinet along with two glasses. "He could try to convince me to sell my mine. He has tried that on numerous occasions, but I can't see why he'd want to invite you."

I take a seat on the couch, watching Lore pour a glass for the both of us. He hands one to me while speaking over the rim of his own, "It could be an act of good faith, showing the church that we can be civil, only for him to start trouble later. There's really no telling with Valyork. I heard he was a very great man once, but the years have not been kind to him."

"Which means he won't be kind to us," I say.

Lore sits next to me on the couch, tossing one leg over the other. "Certainly not, however, there is more than Valyork you'll have to worry about at that party."

"Obviously. We'll be surrounded by vampires who would love to sink their teeth into me."

"I fear it's worse than that." Lore scans me like he's attempting to decipher if he should tell me what's worse. "Valyork's children may be more of a pain than he is. Each one is a golden eyed vampire with all the best tech money can be. If you thought the Warlords at the airstation were intimidating, theirs are nightmarish. They aren't even permitted to be viewed by the public."

"Do you believe I would see them?" I ask, trying not to think about how a part of me almost wishes for a fight. I know how to fight. It's familiar and, lately, I've been craving familiarity. "Causing me harm could result in another war," I add.

"And that's exactly what his children want. Valyork is paranoid because his influence is failing after the last war. He isn't confident to start another, even if he wishes to do so. As most nobles are, his children are kind to his face and cruel behind his back. There have been more and more rumors about them trying to start trouble as an excuse for another war where they can make a name for themselves and push him out of power."

"Let me guess, this is the part where you tell me not to leave your side for the whole evening?"

Lore smirks. "I'd prefer if you didn't leave my side for the rest of my life."

I take a long drink after that one and choose to pretend I didn't hear him. "Who am I looking out for then?"

"The two most dangerous ones to worry about are his eldest daughter, Roemithia, and his fourteenth son, Maxwell." Lore sets aside his finished drink. He reaches over to rest his hand on my arm. "Roemithia and Maxwell have some unpleasant traits."

"And you're worried they're going to get the better of me if given the chance?" I ask, basking a bit in the concern evident in his eyes.

"Seren," he says. His hand gently moves down my arm to take my hand. I don't stop him when he interlocks our fingers. I like it. "I know what you wish to say, you wish to remind me that you are a paladin of the Holy Church capable of handling himself."

I finish my drink and smack my lips together, grinning at Lore's eye roll. "Yes, I am. They don't frighten me. Stop worrying so much."

"Am I not allowed to worry?" He asks, bringing up his other hand to rest beneath my chin. He forces me to look at him, immediately caught in his ocean eyes. "I want you to be safe."

"Then I guess you should work extra hard at staying by my side all night," I whisper, too caught up in these feelings to battle against Lore leaning in to take my lips. Every kiss is as good as the first. They make me forget, make me lose myself. I lean into him, basking in the feel of his lips. His scent. And the gentle caress of his thumb against my pulse.

When we break apart, my mind's a haze. I could try blaming it on the alcohol, but why bother at this point? Lore's caught me. I don't know if he'll let go. I don't think I want to go.

"Why don't we head to my room and discuss our plans for tomorrow?" He asks, wearing a charming smile that urges me to agree.

"I... that..." I can't bring myself to say yes though. Something's stopping me even after I thought the fear had faded. I feel like we're moving too fast. I haven't caught up yet.

Maybe Lore sees that because he releases me. I'm grateful he doesn't pull away, continuing to lean towards me as he says, "Or we may continue speaking here and go to my room another time for a different conversation, preferably one more appropriate for the bedroom."

That gets a chuckle out of me and a small ounce of courage to say, "Yeah, just not... this is a lot."

"I know." He kisses my cheek, then retreats to give me some breathing room. "As I was saying about Roemithia and Maxwell, you should know their traits. Roemithia can get into your mind, see your memories, and even put herself in them. All it takes is for you to feel a little self-doubt. She has tormented people into madness without ever touching them."

Self-doubt. Not good on my part. Especially right now. The church and Lore, I'm filled with doubt. Traits like that are difficult to fight against unless you've already been caught and break yourself from their hold.

"And Maxwell is capable of speaking to the dead, which sounds like very little until you have an army of lost souls ripping out your guts," Lore adds.

"That is very unpleasant and oddly specific. Have you seen--"

"I rather not relive it," Lore interjects, making me grimace. "He likes to show off sometimes at parties. They're all repulsive and troublesome, but they are the worst. I'll point them out to you."

"Thanks for the warning." I grip Lore's hand a little tighter. "And don't forget that I am capable of protecting myself. And maybe you, if I'm feeling generous."

"If you're feeling generous?" He repeats mockingly as he leans in again to brush his lips against mine. "Is there anything in particular I have to do to earn your generosity?"

"Um... another kiss might do the trick." I barely finished my sentence before Lore's kissing me again. My fingers twist into his hair. He wraps an arm around my shoulders, bringing me closer. I feel the world shift as my body rests between his thighs. Lore lies on his back on the couch, hungrily kissing me like this is the first. Not that I'm any better. I can't get enough of him, leaning in for another and another, even some that are brief and nothing more than a peck. They're simple and sweet, but it still makes my toes curl.

Is this okay? This back and forth? The flirting? It's so much so fast. I do want it. But then my mind goes fuzzy and I panic. I'm scared of what may happen if I accept these feelings, this... sense of perfect normalcy.

I push away from Lore, peering down at his flushed features and messy hair. Courtesy of me.

"We should, um, dinner's probably about done so Cyan or Draven might show up," I say in a poor attempt to end this before I do follow Lore back to his room only to panic afterwards.

I'm relieved Lore doesn't push it. He gives a slow nod just in time for us to hear Cyan coming down the stairs complaining about not receiving an invitation to the party. I jump off of Lore and hurry to fix my hair. By the time Cyan comes into the lounge, we're both composed. Physically, at least. I'm a mess internally and I can't imagine I'll be much better at the party.

- - ┈┈∘┈˃̶༒˂̶┈∘┈┈ - -

Valyork has invited Seren and Lore to a party. Could this be a trap or is he truly just trying to be civil? Will Valyork's children start any trouble? And the relationship between our boys continues to advance. They're really incapable of keeping their hands off each other at this point. Will Seren give in to Lore and choose to try a relationship or will he continue fighting these feelings?