by Diane Lennox
“You don’t have to like it. I doubt we’ll even be in contact much so long as Rafe doesn’t report anything back to me that I don’t like. All that matters is that you understand that Rafe is very precious to me and if you cross me you’ll find out why your gut isn’t taking a liking to me.”
Paris nodded. “Got it.”
“Good. Now if that’s all I shall take my leave. Good day to you, Paris-khan.”
“You too, Evgeni.”
Evgeni nodded then made his way out of the forest and back on the tram, doing his best to hide his slightly trembling limbs. Though logically he knew he had little to fear from Paris, his instincts kept reminding him that Paris was, by nature, a very fierce predator. And now, after expending so much nervous energy, Evgeni could feel his second, demonic heart yearning for sustenance.
In all honesty, Evgeni found being a demon to be more of a hassle than an advantage. For one, it was annoying that he could only feed through his fingertips and that it had to be skin to skin contact. In their conservative society it wasn’t exactly always easy to find excuses to touch other people, then there was the added layer of difficulty of having everyone dressed so modestly in public. There was hardly ever any skin showing for him to touch!
Luckily, the tram was a perfect spot to feed, and he wasn’t the sort of demon that required all that much energy. It wasn’t hard for him to “accidentally” brush his fingertips against the hands of other patrons as they walked past him as he stood in the middle of the tram, and he’d become so expert at it over the years most people didn’t even notice his brief, gentle touch against their skin. They also wouldn’t notice any side effects either, not when he took so little energy from them, and those who did for some reason would probably just want to take a few minutes to just sit and rest and perhaps get a little snack to perk back up.
The trip ended up being just enough time for him to “eat” and lose the shakiness in his legs. He was ready for round two.
Which apparently was going to happen right away, because as soon as he entered the Desjardins manor Kai emerged from who knows where to help him hang up his coat and pass on a message. Sometimes Evgeni had a hard time believing Kai was human with how sneaky he could be.
“Shar Desjardins would like you to join him and Master Yves in the den as soon as possible,” Kai said with a little bow.
“No rest for the wicked it seems,” Evgeni said with a little sigh. “Thank you, Kai.”
With that he made his way to the den and sent a quick prayer to the gods. He’d need all the help he could get.
“Where were you?” Yves asked as soon as he walked inside.
Shar Julius was in his favourite armchair by the unlit fire while Yves was lounging on the chaise, both of them already dressed for the day and sipping at their tea.
“Visiting my brother and his soon to be suitor,” Evgeni said and took a seat on the couch, sprawling his long arms along the back of it.
“I’m not going to change my mind, Evgeni,” Yves said, his voice tight.
There were a lot of routes Evgeni could take and honestly a part of him wanted to be a cocky little shit. As much as he adored Yves, he was being a complete idiot right now, and it would feel so good to just put him in his place after having to stay out of his way for ten fucking years.
But that would be a mistake and Evgeni knew it.
No, Evgeni was going to have to be patient, far more patient than he wanted to be when his little brother’s fate hung in the balance, because yelling at Yves was going to get him nowhere and possibly make things worse. His older brother was extremely prideful and getting him to admit he was wrong was going to be a near impossible mission. What he needed to do was appeal to the things that mattered to Yves right now and slowly, gently, steer his brother towards figuring out how wrong he was.
“You can disapprove all you like, and you can kick him out of the house while he ‘rebels’, but you’re going to look like an absolute dick if you disown him, especially after only a couple weeks. It’s too much, Yves,” Evgeni said.
“I’m sure he’s told you this is more than just ‘rebelling’,” Yves replied.
Evgeni shrugged. “Who cares what he says. He’s a twenty year-old boy trying to figure himself out. His opinion could change in a month or two, Yves.”
“Do you really believe that?”
“I think it’s totally possible, yes,” Evgeni replied, making sure to keep himself honest. He didn’t want their father potentially outing him for any lies, not when he had to make Yves trust him. “He’s been stuck in this house, alone in his room, for years, Yves. Is it really that surprising that he’d want to go experience something entirely different?”
“I understand that, Evgeni, but Paris? Really?” Yves asked and Evgeni could already see that his method was working. At the very least Yves was talking and not immediately clamming up anyhow.
Evgeni smirked. “He’s a Desjardins, Yves, of course he’d do something this dramatic. I’d actually be disappointed if his rebelliousness was half-assed.”
Julius chuckled softly as he took a sip of his tea, but otherwise kept quiet.
Yves rolled his eyes. “The problem is, Evgeni, is that as much as I’d like this to be a little bit of rebelliousness, I’m worried it’s not. Rafe’s not one for flights of fancy.”
Evgeni tilted his head. “I know what you’re saying, but even if Rafe is taking this seriously, it doesn’t mean it’s going to last, either, especially concerning Paris,” he said then smirked. “He’s a highly sexual man and Rafe isn’t. At all. This is going to be a problem very quickly and not one easily solved, especially since I’ve made sure that Paris intends to be a gentleman.”
Yves’ violet eyes sparked. “He’d better be.”
“He will. But you could go yell at him yourself too, you know.”
“I’m not going anywhere near that beast.”
Evgeni shrugged. “Then you’ll just have to take my word on it and trust Rafe.”
Yves sipped at his tea and studied Evgeni. “You’re far calmer today than you were last night. What have you got up your sleeve?”
“Lots of things,” Evgeni said, again not wanting to lie in front of their father. “And just so we’re clear, I’m still pretty fucking pissed I’ve been left out of these conversations, but we’re here now and you seem willing to at least listen to me. It helps.”
“It’s easier to listen when you’re not being a petulant brat and actually being somewhat reasonable.”
Evgeni had to bite his tongue for a moment so he wouldn’t comment on how ironic that statement was coming from Yves.
“Of course,” Evgeni said, just because he had to say something, then took his arms off the back of the couch and leaned forward. “All I want right now is for you not to disown Rafe. I know you’re pissed, I know you’re scared, but he’s your son, Yves. How can you just throw that away?”
“Because he chose that fucking beast over me!” Yves exclaimed, his violet eyes absolutely electric.
“Of course he did, and I’m glad he did! If he had chosen you your relationship would’ve taken an even darker path. He would’ve grown to resent you, hate you even, for locking him up here. Gods, Yves, what he’s doing isn’t personal, in fact it has nothing to do with you. He only left because you didn’t leave him any other option. For him this wasn’t about choosing between you and Paris, you made it that way. Stop acting like the child in this relationship and calm yourself. We’ll figure out how to get Rafe back, but being this way might push him away for good,” Evgeni said, a little disappointed in himself for going on a bit of a tirade, but it was so hard to keep himself calm when he was dealing with Yves. There were just so many emotions involved.
Yves sighed heavily and looked to Julius. “What have you got to say about all this?”
“Evgeni is making some good arguments,” Julius said, sipping away at his tea.
“So useful,” Yves said with a roll of his eyes. “Fine. I won’t d
isown him. And you may be right about the relationship dying before it ever really gets started. But he’s not coming back home until he’s done with that beast.”
“As long as you don’t disown him that’s good enough for me,” Evgeni said. He’d work on the rest later.
“And you shouldn’t be visiting him. It sends a mixed message. I want it to be known that I don’t approve of what Rafe’s doing and I want us to be united on that. It’s going to be even more of a scandal if you’re off doing your own thing,” Yves said.
“Fine, I won’t visit, but I will keep in touch with him. He certainly won’t be talking to either of you about his relationship with Paris and someone has to keep tabs on it, and perhaps steer him in certain directions,” Evgeni said. He wasn’t entirely sure which direction that would be, but he’d steer none-the-less. It simply depended on whether the relationship with Paris was helping Rafe grow or if it was leading him into a dead end.
“Fine,” Yves agreed. “Father, you should probably phone him and tell him of our new decision.”
“I will,” Julius said.
“And you’ll keep me updated, Evgeni.”
“Of course,” Evgeni said. “See? Was it really so hard to talk it out? Now we’re all on the same page.”
Yves stood. “Don’t be a brat about it, Evgeni. You don’t want to push your luck with me.”
“Where do you think you’re going? We’re not done talking yet,” Evgeni said.
Yves cocked an eyebrow at him. “What else do you want to talk about?”
“The theatre. I’ve heard you’ve been having some trouble with a certain supporting actor,” Evgeni said with a little smirk.
“How do you… Actually I don’t want to know,” Yves said with a shake of his head then sat back down. “What about it?”
“Let me help,” Evgeni said. “You don’t have much time and you know I’ve been doing a lot of directorial and coaching work the past few years. I’ll make sure he performs the role in a way you like, but let me be the one to get it out of him.”
“Done,” Yves said, throwing his hands up as if he was happy to be rid of Ezra.
Evgeni blinked, incredibly surprised by that response. “Seriously? I was expecting you to say you could handle it all on your own.”
“Not this time. I don’t have the time to give him the extra coaching he needs and I also don’t want to be seen playing favourites more than I already have. If he’s training with you the only gossip it will cause is actually the truth – Ezra needs the extra help.”
“And you trust me to do it?” Evgeni asked, still shocked at the lack of fight.
“Should I not?”
“No, you should, I just… I didn’t realize you had that much faith in my abilities.”
“Just because I don’t bloat your ego with endless praise doesn’t mean I haven’t noticed the good work you’ve been doing. I’ve watched the videos of your theatre’s shows, I’ve seen the progress of the actors you’ve worked with.”
Evgeni suddenly felt like he was ten again, getting recognition from his twenty year old star of a brother and soaking it all in like it was the greatest gift in the entire world.
“Oh come off it, you’re looking at me like I’m a complete asshole who never compliments you,” Yves said, crossing his arms.
“You do, it just… never mind,” Evgeni said with a grin and shook his head. “Point is I’m going to make Ezra star material.”
“Good. Do it.”
“And if he shines brighter than your leads?”
Yves shrugged. “Then my leads better step up their game.”
Evgeni cocked an eyebrow. It wasn’t the answer he was expecting and it made him wonder if perhaps he made a mistake in thinking Yves wasn’t aware of the problem with his current leads. For now he wouldn’t probe too deep in case he was wrong, he didn’t want to accidentally show his hand.
“Fair enough,” Evgeni replied with a little shrug of his own.
“Alright. Come on, boys, we’re going out,” Julius said and stood.
“What? Where?” Evgeni asked.
“The gardens. We need to be seen out and about now that you’re home and there you two won’t have much to bicker about,” Julius replied.
Evgeni looked to Yves.
“A show of solidarity would be a good idea,” Yves said.
“It would, but if it’s alright, I’d like to wait a bit longer. I only just got home and I wouldn’t mind a bit more time to myself to get my bearings,” Evgeni replied. It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t exactly the entire truth, either. As much as he did want to start feeling like a family again and go out and do things together, he was still pissed off and needed a bit more time to cool down before he could go out in public and pretend like he was alright with everything that was happening.
But the other problem, the one he didn’t want to say out loud, was that he didn’t want to upset Rafe. If his little brother found out that his family was out and about it would undoubtedly upset him to know that he was purposefully left out. He’d have to deal with it eventually, but Evgeni wanted to give him a bit more time to get used to the fact that he’d need to carry on with life away from his family for a little while.
Yves smirked. “I suppose you do deserve a little more time to get settled in, especially since you intend on staying here permanently now.”
“Thank you,” Evgeni said and stood. “And right now settling in means getting reacquainted with the Gardenia’s latest play and figuring out what to do about Ezra Scarlett in the quiet of my bedroom.”
“A good way to spend your time,” Yves agreed. “See you at dinner then?”
“Of course, see you two then,” Evgeni said then left the den, not wanting to address the third problem he had concerning going out with his family.
Deep down, in places he’d prefer not to acknowledge, Evgeni was scared that perhaps there was no hope for him to be close to his family anymore. That perhaps he’d been away so long that he was only a Desjardins in name now. It was hard not to think it true, especially when nobody had bothered to even ask his opinion about Rafe before trying to take their name away from him.
~~~~~
“Leander?”
Leander Kane looked up to see his twin in the doorway of their bedroom, looking at him with concern, which wasn’t all that surprising considering where Leander was. He only ever curled up on Simon’s bed when he was upset.
“Hey,” Leander greeted sullenly, squeezing one of his favourite stuffed cats in his arms.
“What’s wrong?” Simon asked and shut their door before coming to sit on the bed with him. “Did Marius say no?”
Leander shook his head. “He said yes, but I’m not sure if it matters anymore.”
“What? Why not? This is exactly what you wanted.”
“Was. Was what I wanted.”
Simon tilted his head. “What happened, Leander?”
“Lots of things.”
“Tell me all of them,” Simon said and his hand moved, as if it was about to reach out to Leander, but stopped and returned to his lap.
“Why? You don’t tell me everything,” Leander spat at him then hid his face in the soft, fake fur of his stuffed cat.
Simon frowned. “What do you mean? Is this still about my preferences concerning men? I thought we agreed that was a bit awkward.”
“It is awkward, but it’s still a secret, as is the other stuff that you refuse to tell me about every single time you get upset and hide in grandpa’s room,” Leander said.
“I will tell you anything you wish to know except that one secret. Anything at all. Even if it makes me uncomfortable,” Simon promised.
“Then tell me if you think it’s a bad idea for me to be Shar,” Leander said. “And tell me honestly.”
“Why would I think it’s a bad idea? Leander, I swore myself to you, and I meant it,” Simon said, his dark eyes boring into Leander’s.
“You can still be loyal to me and think it’s a
bad idea.”
“I’m not sure if I’m following. What do you mean by a ‘bad idea’?”
“Because you’d do anything for me! What if… what if I asked you to hurt someone? Or destroy their life completely? You’d do it, wouldn’t you?”
Though the look was almost entirely opposite in how it manifested, Leander had a feeling it meant the exact same thing. Their father’s eyes had burned and flickered, but Simon’s eyes instead turned dark and shadowed.
They’d do it. Gods, if Leander asked, they’d do it.
Then Leander felt that overwhelming feeling in his gut again, the one that told him he should be pleased knowing he could have so much power at his fingertips.
“I can’t handle either of you looking at me like that,” Leander said, shaking his head. “Father was right. It’s a bad idea for me to be Shar.”
“You spoke to father?”
“Yes. I had to. Marius told me that father had been violent with him and I had to confirm it. He didn’t deny it, but when I asked why he refused to tell me. Then I ended up saying how I wanted to be Shar and he said it was a bad idea and gave me that same look you’re giving me now.”
“What, exactly, did he say?” Simon asked, leaning forward a bit.
Leander was tempted to lean back. Simon looked almost as scary as their father with that strange look in his eyes.
“I don’t remember the exact words,” Leander replied. “But he said he’d follow Amos if he were Shar, but if I were Shar he’d do anything for me, and that it was a bad idea.”
“We would do anything for you, Leander, it’s true, but would you really ask us to do something horrible? Would you really put us in that position if it wasn’t absolutely necessary? If it wasn’t the last possible option? I think you love us too much to make us do something that would darken our souls,” Simon said then smirked a little. “We aren’t exactly in the criminal underworld, Leander, I don’t think we’ll be getting ourselves into such extreme situations.”
Leander smirked a little in return. He supposed he was being a little melodramatic, but it didn’t make him feel entirely better. “But when I see you two look at me like that, I feel… I feel too powerful, too ambitious, and I’m worried that I’d look for ways to show off the powerful men I have at my command.”