[One hour before the confession]
Alastar was pleased with the way the school day had gone. He had successfully kept Serenah from spending extra time with Romeo. He made sure to reinforce his point when they arrived at the law firm. He parked the car and turned to Serenah.
He dug his finger into her arm, and she yelped, "Ow!"
He scowled and watched her whip her head around to look at him.
"Let go, Alastar!"
Not liking her tone, he dug his fingers into her arm even more. Tears welled up, and she gasped. She grabbed his hand and tried to move it.
"Let go!"
He yanked her toward him. She reached out her free hand to stop herself from colliding into his chest. His other hand came around and grabbed her chin in a bruising grip.
"Listen well, Princess. His Majesty has ordered that you only do your school work and tasks related to the internship. You are not allowed to do anything else. If you choose to defy his order, the consequences will be severe."
Alastar gazed deeply into Serenah's eyes. Through his guard bond, he felt her confusion and hurt. Not that he cared. He had chosen his true master.
"You understand what I just said, Princess? Be obedient and get rewarded. Disobey and feel His Majesty's wrath."
He gave her a probing gaze that forced her to lower her eyes.
"Do you understand, Princess?" His words lashed her as his fingers dug into her jaw.
She nodded, and he released her. He got out of the car. After a moment, so did she. They stayed silent as they went inside. They parted at the door, and Alastar went to his station and began working.
[Present]
Alastar had kept a subtle eye on the conference room since the start of his shift. He wanted to make sure he knew where Serenah was at all times. He saw Mr. Lancaster arrive and speak to Romeo. He was too far away to hear what they were saying. They both went into the conference room. They spoke with Serenah, and then Serenah left with Mr. Lancaster.
Alastar frowned. Was she in trouble? He doubted it. Romeo worshipped the ground she walked on. He wouldn't let anything or anyone get in Serenah's way. That was the one thing he admired about Romeo. The human was steadfast and resolute when he chose a path.
A short time later, Mr. Lancaster returned. This time, he got Amanah and her trainer and left. Alastar's interest was piqued. He could sense it in the air. Something was going on. After a long while, Romeo left the conference room.
Alastar glanced at the time. Serenah had been gone for almost an hour. He stood and announced he had to use the restroom. He calmly left the room. Once in the hallway, he tapped his guard bond and followed it.
He was surprised to end up outside in the courtyard. He didn't see Serenah. He was about to go back when the bond pulsed, indicating her nearness. Alaster frowned. He didn't see or hear anything. That meant that some other force was in play.
When they had first arrived in this new world, King Bayrel had ordered them to scout the area and search for magical resources to establish their dominance over their new home. They had discovered that Earth possessed some magic and that magical creatures and societies did exist here. Most surprising was that humans, too, could wield magic, though such people were viewed with skepticism.
If he couldn't sense it with his physical senses, then it was time to use his magical ones. Alastar closed his eyes and extended his senses. He hit a magical barrier diagonal to where he stood. He could see the faint glow of the bond between Serenah and him leading into the barrier.
"Found you," he chuckled and marched toward the barrier.
Alastar stopped before the now visible shimmering barrier. He touched it. The magic didn't feel familiar. He frowned. He wasn't feeling any emotions from Serenah. He didn't know if she was hurt or safe. Not that he really cared one way or the other. He needed to know for his report to King Bayrel.
He sighed. He didn't want to be bothered with this. He would do it, though, because he was getting paid. He tapped the barrier twice, sending a pulse into the barrier's weave until he found a small opening. He pushed his finger into it, forcing the barrier enough to admit him.
He froze as his gaze took in the scene before him. Serenah was closest to him but didn't see him immediately because she was focused on the three Cornibus before her. Alastar's eyes narrowed. He recognized them from their wings and faces.
Why the hell was the Crown Prince of the Cornibus here in this space with Serenah? Had the enemy figured out that she was part of the royal family? Were they trying to gain access to the Poten's inner workings through her?
No, that wasn't right. Serenah still sought love and acceptance from the king. She wouldn't betray that possibility just to be with the enemy. She probably had no clue who the Cornibus was before her. Perfect, he thought. I can use this opportunity to destroy Serenah's relationship with them. It was a chance to gain even more merit with King Bayrel when he gave his report.
And, truth be told, he couldn't wait to see Serenah's pained tears when even the Cornibus discarded her. He took a step forward, intending to interrupt when Serenah's gaze locked on him, and he froze.
Alastar was shocked by the fierceness in her eyes. She shook her head no, warning him not to take another step. He is amused at this turn of events. Well, if she wanted to reveal herself, who was he to stop her?
He couldn't wait to see the Crown Prince's shocked expression when he realized he was dating his hated enemy. If he played his cards right, Alaster wouldn't have to lift a finger. The happy couple would implode without his interference. Smirking, he settled in to watch Serenah's reveal.