At the appointed time, King Mikel made his way to the conference room. He stood outside for a moment to observe Fidelis with Sera. His eyes noticed the young woman's aura. It wasn't its normal vibrant violet. He had realized over the course of the past few months that her aura matched her eyes. Whenever she was under duress or not feeling well, that lovely violet shade turned sickly gray, much like it was now.
Today that gray was mixed with streaks of orange that indicated pain. Just looking at Sera would fool anyone into believing that she was fine. It couldn't be farther from the truth. He waited one more moment before knocking on the glass door.
Fidelis glanced up, saw him, and stood. He came out of the room, closing the door behind him.
"Father, I'm ready."
"The courtyard is ready. I'll take Sera with me first to my office and then get Amy and move her and her trainer elsewhere. You can meet Sera in my office and take care of what is needed. Enjoy your time with your love, my son."
His son grinned happily and went back inside the conference room. Mikel followed him in.
Sera's guarded gaze searched his face for something before lowering.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Lancaster."
"Good afternoon, Sera. Can you come with me to my office? I need to discuss some things with you."
He saw the brief flash of fear and worry before she stood and followed him to his office. Once inside, he smiled warmly, trying to ease Sera's fear. Her posture screamed wariness and resignation. It was like she was waiting to be hurt. His heart hurt for her and her situation.
"Sera, please relax. You are not in trouble. I invited you to my office to talk about a few things."
He saw the slight relaxing of her tension but not by much. He continued, his voice calm.
"I know I have offered my assistance to you in the past with your situation. I want to extend that offer again. Please think about it. I know you aren't eighteen yet, but there are laws and protections we can get in place to help you," he told her gently.
Her violet eyes snapped to his. Pain, sorrow, and a flicker of hope burned in those depths. Mikel felt in that moment that Sera had reached some sort of resolve during the two weeks she had been kept at home. She was finally ready to take the help she desperately needed.
"Thank you," her whispered words were loud in the quietness of his office.
"Not a problem. You're an amazing young woman and it is a pleasure to be able to aid you." He clapped his hands, startling her. "Now, please wait here a moment."
Mikel left his office with a smile on his face. He was happy for his son and Sera. The honesty would strengthen their bond. Only good things would result from that. He schooled his expression to neutral when he arrived back at the department and called Amy and Jade to come with him.
Jade had been informed ahead of time of the plan to move Amy to a different room to learn some new skills. It was a good distraction to keep the older twin from interfering with Sera and Fidelis. The two followed him to the south section of the building.
Mikel knocked once before pushing the door open. He entered and grinned at the loud greetings from the staff inside. Jade laughed and waved at her fellow employees. Amy looked confused. That was good. Keeping her off balance was key.
"Amy, let me introduce you to, Alee Harris. She is in charge of the verification of the evidence and witnesses that are used in our court cases. I felt that your attention to detail and your diligence in your work qualified you for this opportunity to try another facet of my firm."
He watched Amy proudly straighten, a smirk gracing her lips. She flipped her hair over her shoulder and smugly said, "I told you I'm the better twin."
Mikel held back the retort that rose in his mind. He rarely thought poorly of people. Amy and her father were an exception. They both radiated evil that he couldn't tolerate. Shelving his thoughts, he continued his pleasant façade as he watched the young woman preen and gloat at her supposed good fortune.
It was a means to an end. His son and Sera could talk in peace and one of the biggest problems was out of the way.
"This week, please continue to come here with Jade to learn the ropes. You will be evaluated at the end by Alee and her team. If they feel that you are a good fit, you will be promoted to this division."
He saw the gleam in Amy's eyes and knew this bait was successful. Satisfied that the diversion had worked, Mikel smiled.
"Everyone, work hard and I'll see you later."
He turned to leave but was stopped by Amy's "excuse me, Mr. Lancaster?"
He gave her his attention. "Yes?"
"Is this a secret?"
Mikel stifled a laugh. He understood the maliciousness behind that innocent question. Amy wanted to gloat and hold something over Sera. This was within expectations. He would let Amy think she was victorious. He had a feeling that Sera wouldn't even notice her sister's behavior because of the good news from his son.
"Not really per se, but if you could keep quiet until after your evaluation is done, it would be appreciated."
"Of course, sir!" Amy beamed happily, a smirk playing across her lips.
Mikel nodded and left before he laughed at the very obvious and conniving young woman. He reached out and brushed against his son's mind. He felt Fidelis's confirmation. Satisfied that everything was going according to plan, Mikel went to check-in with his other department heads.