Fidelis didn't think that the days could go by so quickly, but before he knew it, two weeks had passed. It was time for the dinner date with the twins. Amy had spent the two weeks harassing Sera whenever she could. It drove Fidelis crazy. He dearly wanted to teach the annoying girl a lesson. However, on Earth, challenging a girl to a fight was frowned on.
He thought it was silly. Women were just as capable as men of fighting. Many times, they were more ferocious than their male counterparts. Just take a look at his father's army. Many of the top generals were female. They were also amazing strategists.
He pulled his thoughts back to the present. They were in the last class of the day, and Sera looked exhausted. Her sister's cronies had hounded her nonstop all day. Fidelis and his friends had nearly come to blows with Amy's group. Sera's quiet reminder about the dinner later that night was the only thing that kept him from losing his cool. He would not give Amy or her dick father the chance to keep Sera from the dinner.
Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of school. He stood, stretched his arms, and turned to Sera. He saw her pensive expression and held out his hand to her. She took it, and he gently pulled her to her feet. He embraced her, placing his chin on the top of her head while stroking her back. He could feel the rapid beating of her heart
"It'll be alright, Sera. I promise," he murmured so only she could hear him.
Her arms tightened around him, her face nuzzling closer to his chest and his heart. He could feel her emotions through their bond. Paramount was worry and fear. He also sensed anticipation, which he was sure had to do more with him than with dealing with her bitch sister.
"I look forward to seeing what you're wearing tonight," he whispered in her ear.
She blushed that beautiful shade of pink that stained her olive skin. He loved seeing that blush. It let him know how aware she truly was of him.
"I have to go home and get ready," she said, her arms loosening from around him.
He heard the reluctance in her tone, and his anger rose. Home should be a safe space, not hell. He couldn't wait until he could take her away from there and give that to her. He caressed her cheek. "Me, too. I'll see you at seven."
She gave him a tight smile and left with Al. Fidelis turned to Blainel and Sodalitas. "Let's go."
The trio left for the parking lot. Fidelis got them home in record time. They went inside, and he made a beeline for his father's office. He greeted the guards, knocked, and went in. His father was over by the window, looking out at the trees behind the castle.
"Father?"
His father turned, and Fidelis froze at his sad expression. He must be thinking about my mother again, he thought. He waited a moment to give his father time to regain his composure. It took seconds for his father to school his expression into a neutral one.
"Welcome home, my son."
"Thank you, Father. How was your day?"
"The usual grind. I left early so I could be available to you for tonight's dinner."
"I appreciate it. These past two weeks have been rough for Sera. I want to make it clear tonight to Amy that she is not, nor ever will be, the girl for me."
"Remember to be careful, my son. Sera's family has the horrible habit of punishing her for your choices."
"I know, Father. I'll be careful. I'm going to go spar with Blainel and Sodalitas before getting ready for the dinner."
"Have fun, Fidelis."
"Thanks." He bowed to his father and went to the training grounds.
~***~
Fidelis checked his appearance in the mirror. He hated formalwear. It made him feel like he was putting on a façade that wasn't really him. The dress code for Ashtin's Heart was strict. You could get turned away at the door if your attire was deemed unfit for their establishment. He stroked his fated mark. He couldn't tell how Sera was doing.
He hadn't felt anything from his fated mark since school. He was sure she was okay. He tugged at his collar one last time before going to the garage. He stopped in surprise when he spotted his father by his car.
"Dad?"
His father handed him two long boxes. He tilted his head, confusion filling him. He took the boxes and opened them. Inside the one with the purple ribbon was a red rose. He closed the lid and fixed the ribbon before opening the second one with the black ribbon. Inside was a sunflower. Fidelis jerked his head up and stared at his father for a long moment.
"Father, you do know what these flowers mean here on Earth, right?"
His father chuckled. "Yes, I do. The question is, do your dates know the meanings? This is a great way to express your feelings without starting a verbal battle that will endanger Sera."
Fidelis smirked. This was why his father was an amazing king. He thought ten steps beyond his enemies. Fidelis was sure that Amy wouldn't get it, but Sera would. She loved learning as much as he did. He couldn't wait to see the girls' expressions when they got their gifts.
"Thanks for the gifts. I'll make sure to get pictures of our clothes. Sera will look stunning no matter what she wears. I'm sure Amy will try to outshine her. There's no comparison. Amy may have an attractive face, but she has an ugly soul. There's no way I'd be with someone like that."
"True. I did raise you to be smart about relationships with family, friends, and the people you will rule. Surrounding yourself with the right mixture will ensure the life and future you want."
"I will always hold your wise words close to my heart and soul." Fidelis stood proudly before his father. "I will make sure that no one can ever disparage the way you raised me and my brothers."
His father put his hand on his shoulder and squeezed. "I know you will. You honor me by doing your best. Good luck tonight."
Fidelis grinned. His father was the best. He opened his car door and carefully placed the flower boxes in the passenger seat before sliding inside. He started the engine and pulled out. He would arrive at the restaurant with fifteen minutes to spare. He couldn't wait to see his dates' reactions to the gifts.