The day seemed to go by quickly. Fidelis's concern for Sera was growing. He had felt her pain since her arrival, and it was driving him crazy. She was hiding it like always. From her baggy clothes to the way she moved, he could see that her body was crying in agony. And, if all those clues weren't enough, their fated bond groaned and cried from it.
Their bond, which was strained from the forced separation, slowly began to strengthen. He also cuddled and hugged Sera every chance he got. He kept an eye on Al. The boy's behavior toward his fated one continued to be a source of aggravation to him.
Al was even more clingy than usual. He kept crowding Sera's space. Fidelis felt suffocated for her. He made sure to insert himself between them whenever possible.
Everything came to a head at the end of the school day. They made it to the parking lot, and Fidelis hugged Sera.
"I can't wait to take you out to eat after the internship."
"That won't be happening," interrupted Al.
Fidelis turned to glare at the other boy. "Excuse me?"
"I said, 'not happening.' Guess you're going deaf," mocked Al.
Fidelis counted to ten and fought to remain calm. "You're not her father. She can do what she wants."
Al stepped up, getting into Fidelis's personal space. "I said, she can't go. Her father said her grades are not where he wants them to be, and she is grounded from doing anything fun. School and internship only. That's all she can do."
Fidelis's eyes narrowed, his hands balling into fists. He was going to knock Al out. How dare he try to control Sera? He opened his mouth to say something when Sera's hand clutched at his sleeve, stopping him.
"Romeo, it's fine. Let's go to your dad's office. I'll explain later," she whispered.
The fight went out of him at her frightened expression. What the hell had happened to her during her two-week absence?
"Fine," he gritted out, his anger at Al and Sera's father increasing.
She released his sleeve and got in the car. He noted that she wasn't driving either. Yep, this was getting worse.
He stomped to his car and got in, ignoring Blainel's and Sodalitas's worried looks. He was going through with his plan. He no longer had any hesitation about the right choice. He needed to remove any obstacles that were keeping Sera shackled to her horrible family.
They arrived at his father's firm, and Fidelis hurried inside. He found his father in his office.
Fidelis entered without knocking and announced, "Father! Is everything ready? Today I'm telling Sera the truth without fail."
His father turned to him in surprise. "And good afternoon to you, too, son."
Fidelis flushed. "My apologies, Father. I'm pissed by the events at school today.
"Want to talk about it?"
"Al said that Sera is being punished for poor grades and isn't allowed to do any fun stuff. She can only go to school and here," Fidelis growled.
His father's disbelief mirrored his own at such a ridiculous statement.
"Hmm, I see. Her family is trying to make her seem unappealing while elevating her sister."
"It'll be a cold day in hell before Amy is ever appealing or attractive to me. She's about as beautiful as a viper getting ready to strike. Who in their right mind wants a wife like that?"
Fidelis shook his head. "My wife needs to be one who has compassion, strength, intellect, and be equal to me. She needs to be someone who is not overly selfish and looks at the large picture. I don't want a greedy, self-centered, hateful woman. That's a recipe for disaster not only for myself, but also for my people."
His father clapped him on his shoulder. "You will make an amazing king, my son, when it is your time to rule. You have pondered and thought of the best route to take in regard to your future and this kingdom's future. Sera complements you and fills in what you lack. I look forward to having her as a daughter-in-law."
Fidelis felt some of his anger dissipate at his father's words of praise for Sera. He looked at the clock. "I'd better head to work. Sera should be here now."
"My son, everything is prepared in the courtyard. I'll send Blainel to get you and Sera when it is time. I've set it up so that Amy is suitably distracted. Not that it would matter much. She will not be welcome into the barrier space."
"Thank you, Father. I can't wait to get this weight off my shoulders about our secret. I only hope that Sera doesn't run screaming to the hills when she finds out."
His father's laugh rang out as he gazed in amusement at Fidelis.
"My son, have faith. Sera is made of strong stuff. She will not run. If anything, she will either dig in or pepper you with questions. Her intellect is truly amazing."
Fidelis agreed. His fated one was wonderful and gorgeous. She really could do anything with the right support. Support he would give her for as long as they both lived.
He smiled, waved, and left for his department. His heart beat with nerves. He couldn't wait to reveal his truth to Sera.