Once all the interns arrived and sent to their assigned departments, Mikel made his way to his office. He sat with a sigh. His fingers drummed on the desk, his thoughts on Sera's dilemma. Romeo was sending real-time updates to him about Amy's reaction to the work assignments. He grinned at Jackson's responses to the young woman's whining and attempts at control.
Jackson was the wrong person to try to wheedle into doing things. Mikel valued Jackson's firm leadership and sense of justice. The screening department head was steady, punctual, and effective at his job. All qualities that Mikel admired in his subordinates, human and Cornibus.
The reports on Sera were all positive. The shy young woman did her best to fly under the radar. It was a pity that her home life was such a mess. She was intelligent, good-natured, and a hard worker. All traits he liked seeing in young people. She had a good mindset about work. She would go far in life if she managed to escape her father's grasp.
"Speaking of fathers," he muttered and pulled out his phone. He dialed a number and put the phone on speaker.
A few seconds later there was a click and Mr. Holland's irritated, "Hello," came through.
Mikel shook his head. The human was always in a state of anger and irritation. At least, that's how it seemed to him.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Holland. This is Lancaster."
The pause lasted for a second before Holland's tone changed. "To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?"
"I wanted to update you on your daughters' progress."
"How is Amy doing?"
"She is doing well. She came on time today, which is much appreciated. She is in the same department as your youngest. Typically, family members are not placed together but there hasn't been an issue so far. Sera had no issue with it and continues to work hard."
"What department are they in?"
"The screening department. They have a good teacher as head of that department."
"I see. As long as they are together, everything will be fine."
Mikel bit back a sarcastic retort. This man's worship of his oldest daughter was maddening. In his time as king, Mikel had seen many families in the nobility behave the same way. It was a pity. Oftentimes a more talented offspring was neglected because of the parents' laser focus on their favorite child. He did his best to be objective toward his three sons.
"If there is nothing else, I have work to finish."
Mikel smirked. He could hear the other man's irritation again. "No, that was it. Have a good afternoon, Mr. Holland."
"You as well." Mr. Holland abruptly hung up.
Mikel shook his head. Humans were fascinating creatures. Always extreme with their emotions. He found it exhausting. How they didn't was beyond him. Satisfied that Sera was safe from her father's ire, Mikel returned to his latest case files.
~***~
When his phone rang, Bayrel was in the middle of a meeting with Grand Duke Noward. He smirked at his visitor and answered the phone. He was surprised to hear Lancaster's voice. Had Serenah defied his orders and not gone to the same department as her sister? He relished the thought of punishing her for her disobedience.
He was surprised to learn that everything had gone according to his wishes. Pleased with the call he hung up and turned his attention to Noward.
"We will proceed with the plan at the end of the school year. If we change anything now, the humans will get suspicious. I don't need any interference disrupting what is to come."
"I agree. How is Princess Serenah doing?" Noward nonchalantly asked and sipped from his teacup.
Bayrel wasn't fooled by the other man's calm demeanor. Noward was as crafty as himself. He always trod carefully around the grand duke. He didn't want Noward to destroy the legacy he was building. It was part of the reason he entered into a mutually beneficial relationship.
"She's fine. She thinks the human loves her. He is just trying to get back at Amanah for her rejection of him last school year. I pity my youngest. She is so desperate for attention that she's willing to go for things that don't belong to her."
Noward chuckled and Bayrel frowned. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing, Your Majesty. Isn't Princess Serenah behaving like a royal? Always seeking to get things they shouldn't?"
Bayrel's eyes narrowed at the implied insult. He shrugged, choosing to let it slide for now. "She may have my blood in her veins but she is still useless."
"If you say so, Your Majesty." Noward stood and bowed in Bayrel's direction. "I must get going. I have lands to oversee."
Bayrel waved a dismissive hand toward the door. Noward smirked and left. Bayrel stared at the door for a long time after he left. He wondered if this deal with his "frenemy" as the humans called it would return to bite him. He shook his head. It was too late to change course now. He pushed his concerns aside and went back to his paperwork.