Monday couldn't come fast enough for Fidelis. He was up and about an hour earlier than normal. He hadn't done well all weekend because of his worry for Sera and the constant barrage of emotions from her through the fated mark. He would not be satisfied that she was alright until he saw her in person. He got dressed in a hurry, ate, and then rushed to his father's study. He knocked and entered without waiting for an answer.
"Father," he gave a curt nod in his father's direction before plopping down on the nearest couch.
"Son," his father acknowledged as he sipped his coffee and continued typing on his laptop. "You're up rather early."
"I didn't rest well," Fidelis admitted, absently rubbing at his fated mark. "I know something bad happened to her Saturday. I wish I knew what it was. I need to help her, save her from whatever it is that is hurting her."
"Fidelis, we might not be able to help. We are living in human lands and their laws can be rather complicated. I will," his father raised his hand when Fidelis started to object, "do what I can to help her. Sera is a lovely young lady who doesn't have a malicious bone in her body. Such kindness is rare when one is surrounded by so many things that make others the same age selfish, entitled, and prone to enjoying the suffering of others."
Fidelis relaxed at his father's words. He was glad his father had met Sera at the game. His father was a great judge of character, which was why he was an amazing king and father. He was way better than King Bayrel of Poten who only liked to control and harm others. It was why they had fought so long and hard in their old home to get rid of that poisonous tyrant.
The same thing applied to Bayrel's daughter, Amanah, who was cut from the same cloth as her father. He didn't know much about the youngest princess. Their spies had never been able to gain any information on her.
He thought it strange that King Bayrel, who loved to brag about his and Amanah's prowess was silent about the talents of his youngest. Fidelis shook his head. That wasn't really a concern at the moment. He had other things to worry about.
He looked at his watch and wondered if Sera was up yet. He didn't feel anything through the mark. That wasn't necessarily bad. It might mean that she was sleeping still. As long as she wasn't hurting, he was fine. He sat back and closed his eyes, allowing his father's peaceful aura to relax him. He needed to be in control of his emotions. Being irrational and overly excited would only hurt Sera.
His eyes snapped open when a wave of heat rushed through him from the mark. He grunted and caressed the mark. Sera must be up. The heat was followed by some pain, not enough to cripple but enough to make its presence known. Several minutes went by and he didn't feel anything else. At least she was alive. He turned and saw his father staring at him.
"Dad?"
"It's nothing. I was checking on you. I'm assuming you are feeling Sera's emotions now?"
"Yes. What gave it away?"
"Your face."
"Your face. I can always tell when it's about your fated one by your expressions," he replied with a chuckle.
Fidelis felt his cheeks heat. He hadn't realized he was so transparent. He would have to work on that. The mark flared with pain distracting him from his thoughts. "Sera," he whispered and rubbed the mark. He would comfort her when he saw her at school and find out what happened on Saturday. Then he would formulate a plan to protect her.
"Son?"
"It's Sera. I'm going to grab my stuff so we can go." Fidelis didn't give his father a chance to say more as he hurried to get ready for school. He gritted his teeth in frustration at a spike of fear that rushed through the mark.
He needed to get to school pronto. He met his father in the garage, they got in their vehicles and drove to school. On the drive he didn't feel much through the mark, and he worried. Was she okay? He schooled his expression as they walked inside and headed for the front office.
The closer they got, the more he felt from Sera. She was sad, angry, and a little fearful. What in the world was happening to her? They arrived at the front office and the secretary took them to the conference room. Fidelis was in front and went to grab the knob when the door opened. He was nearly bowled over by someone rushing from the room.
He glanced down and opened his mouth to speak.
Sera yelped a "sorry," her head coming up, eyes not really making contact before she scooted to his left and slipped by him. He watched her rush away and he frowned. Her emotions were vibrating through the link, mostly anger and some fear. What had gone on in the conference room? He spotted the principal and Sera's father, Mr. Holland. He saw the man's smug expression and really wanted to wipe it off his face.
He calmed down when his father squeezed his shoulder in warning. Fidelis watched Mr. Holland come toward them and he glared. He couldn't stand the man. Ever since last year when Amy had pursued him and ignored his rejection of her love confession, he had detested Mr. Holland. Mr. Holland had made it seem as if something were wrong with Fidelis for not wanting his daughter. Fidelis despised Amy. She was cruel, malicious, a bully, and entitled. All traits he couldn't stand.
Mr. Holland's expression changed to a frown and tension rose as he came to the door. Fidelis felt his father's grip tighten and then relax. His father was showing his support for whatever he wanted to do.
Mr. Holland smoothed out his expression. "Good morning, Mr. Lancaster and Romeo."
"What are you going to do about the girls who attacked Sera?" Fidelis demanded, deciding that being blunt was best in this situation.
He saw a flicker of rage flash in Mr. Holland's eyes. The man was as arrogant as Amy.
"My understanding is that Sera started the fight. She is in the wrong for behaving in such a foolish manner at a dance of all places. Perhaps this will teach her to not overestimate herself."
Fidelis couldn't believe what he was hearing. Was this man stupid or did he not care that Sera had been hurt by others? How dare he believe other people over his own daughter! Fidelis's opinion of the man dropped even lower.
"I'm sure she told you what happened. Why don't you believe her?" he snapped, not caring that his behavior was disrespectful.
"My daughter is prone to lying. I have learned not to believe what she says without confirming the facts first."
Fidelis derisively laughed at Mr. Holland's stupidity. "Clearly, you do not know your daughter or understand her," he drawled.
Mr. Holland's eyes narrowed, and Fidelis felt the man's anger rise.
"I have been dating your daughter for a few weeks and how you describe her tells me you don't know her at all."
"What did you just say?" Mr. Holland growled, his eyes widening in surprise.
"I said I know your daughter better than you."
"Not that part," Mr. Holland snapped.
Fidelis frowned. "I'm dating your daughter."
The look of shock on Mr. Holland's face was priceless. Having that arrogant prick be speechless was satisfying, too.
"Not for long," Mr. Holland retorted as he straightened and contemptuously eyed Fidelis.
"Don't you think we should let our children enjoy their time together? I, for one, believe they are a good match for each other," interjected his father.
Fidelis smiled at his father, grateful for his help. He watched as Mr. Holland frowned and then shrugged. Mr. Holland glanced at his watch and stepped around Fidelis.
"I have an appointment to get to. Have a good day, gentleman."
Before Fidelis could say anything else, Mr. Holland was gone, and his father ushered him inside the conference room.
They sat, and Principal Greenwood shook hands with his father before starting the conference. Fidelis tuned out for most of the conversation, content to let his father handle the principal. He only paid attention when his father mentioned Sera.
"…My son's girlfriend, Sera, shouldn't be punished for what happened Friday night. My understanding is that she was assaulted," his father explained to the principal.
Principal Greenwood frowned. "That was not what the many eyewitnesses told staff."
His father frowned. "Mr. Greenwood, I am an attorney, and making sure laws are upheld is important to me. When I see an injustice, I do my best to fix it."
Fidelis watched Principal Greenwood start to sweat. Most people forgot what his father's occupation was and how successful he was at his job.
"I will gladly help Sera Holland press charges against her attackers if she so desires and get a restraining order as well."
"I'm sure there is no need to go that far. Besides, you can't press charges unless Sera and her parent agree."
"True, but I wanted to remind you that she does have options. If she chooses to pursue them, it might be a bad look for your school."
Fidelis hid his smile at his father's passive-aggressive handling of Principal Greenwood. The principal was like any other person in power. He was concerned about his standing and others' perception of his abilities. Threatening him in this manner would get his father's point across and hopefully help Sera in the long run.
"I see," Principal Greenwood tapped his pen against his notepad, smiling nervously at them. "I will keep an eye on Sera."
"I agree that is a good idea. Do we need to discuss anything else?"
"No, that is all, Mr. Lancaster."
Fidelis rose when his father did. He watched him shake hands with the principal and then they walked out. He turned to his father once the door closed.
"If anyone messes with her, they will have to fight me," he vowed.
"Do what you must, my son. I will always have your back." His father patted his back. "You'd better get to class. I'll talk to you later."
"Bye, Dad." Fidelis slung his backpack over his shoulder and headed for his locker.