As someone recently forced into an arranged marriage, Anthony was surprised by all his free time. Someone much smarter than him once said idle hands did the devil's work, but that sounded worse than what Anthony was actually up to. The most impressive decision Anthony made was agreeing to send the wedding invites.
Just saying yes.
If Anthony was any more bored, his organs were going to start failing.
Or worse, he'd do something drastic to cause a stir. Like set a small fire in the lawn.
Anthony sat on the floor of the castle, outside of Knox's study with his ear pressed against the wood. At first, Anthony was innocently dropping by to ask Knox for a tour of the town, when he stumbled upon Knox arguing with his uncle, Maurice.
Someone slammed their first against the desk. From Maurice twice as loud volume, it must've been him. "Any other coven values the opinion of their council."
"And I do," Knox insisted, sounding a little tired. Anthony pressed closer into the door, hearing Knox sigh. "But you're not the only one on my council."
"It's your mother," Maurice spat like an accusation. "I know. If she says jump, you ask how high. You're too old to be hanging on her teat."
Anthony covered his mouth to keep from laughing. He should've popped some popcorn and brought a chair. This was too entertaining.
"No matter how crude you speak, Maurice," Knox said and despite not raising his voice like his uncle, his words were colder and if he was any icier, Maurice would surely be burned. "It'll never persuade me. This might work on the people around you and your staff, but not me, so don't insult my mother."
"Then I'll stick to insulting you. You're weak."
"I'm careful."
"You're too soft."
"I have a heart," Knox argued quick and Anthony avoided raising his fist like this was a baseball game in need of some celebration.
"Well," Maurice said with a haughty laugh. "Your good nature doesn't pay the bills or fill this castle. Meet me in the middle and sire at least a dozen."
"You want me to make a dozen new vampires? All at once? Just anyone?"
"I could vet them for you. A good leader divides their tasks."
"I have it handled, Maurice."
"And the tax?"
"I'm not charging a full tax on people who are living a half-life. Everyone is still under curfew. I have this handled."
"No, you're right! We just have enough money to throw around for a wedding too!"
Anthony frowned. This didn't sound good. Not enough people to defend the coven from these monsters and not enough resources to sire new vampires and train them. A creak in the flow made Anthony jump. He whirled around at a tall wispy staff approach. He wore the familiar black uniform, but with a small green pin in the shape of a branch.
"Um, excuse me—" The nervous thing piped up, but Anthony put a finger to his lips to hush him. Anthony looked at him again, at his warm brown skin and feathery black hair. It looked like an attempt to tame it had been made, but his hair had other plans. This kid had sunken tired eyes and elegant features. He was lovely, but also in that shiny coin sort of way. So bright, so young, and new.
Anthony heard more rustling behind the door and jumped to his feet. He grabbed the staff by his arms, hoisting him slightly off his feet and hurried down the hall. When Anthony finally stopped, he was surprised that this kid actually covered his mouth to not make a sound.
"Sorry about that," Anthony said. "Who are you?"
"Uh, hi I'm Bernard Khan and I—"
"Bernard?" Anthony gave him another glance. "That's quite the grown-up name."
"I- uh am an adult."
"Uh, huh..." Anthony strung his arm around Bernard's, leading him slowly back down the hall. "You got a nickname?"
"I sometimes get called Bertie."
Anthony snapped a finger gun at him. "Yes, that makes more sense."
"If that's what his highness wishes, I suppose—" Bertie stammered, glancing back to where they came from and then, back to the front. Anthony ignored his panic and continued their leisurely walk.
"What are you doing here, Bertie?"
"Oh! Right. Her Majesty, the Queen hired me to be your attendant."
"Why?"
"Why me or why hire me?"
"The first one seems mean. The second one."
"She thought it'd be nice for you to have some company and help."
"How thoughtful..." Anthony said, but he doesn't know what he did to deserve the help. Glancing at Bertie again, it dawned on him. "Aren't you the one that spilled that gunk on me my first day?"
Bertie's shoulders slumped again. "I was hoping you wouldn't remember that."
The door to Knox's office swung open and Maurice stormed out. Even spotting Anthony, he stormed right by, shoulder checking Anthony as he left. Knox spilled out next with Milan close behind.
"Anthony?" Knox noticed him, his brows popping up his forehead.
"Oh, hello," Anthony said and glanced behind his shoulder. "He seems lovely."
"If he's lovely, I must be poison," Knox grumbled, and Anthony bit down a smile, thinking the true irony that Knox was actually the antidote. Anthony frowned. He was getting stupider. Knox looked right at him like a menace and asked, "What are you up to?"
"You say that like I'm up to something bad. I'm just getting to know my new attendant. Oh, which reminds me, Bertie, would you get the car ready? Knox and I have a date tonight and I'd like to buy something for it."
"Uh, yes, sir," Bertie said, nodding like an excited puppy. "Right away!"
And with that, Bertie scurried away. Once he was out of sight, Knox bumped Anthony's shoulder. "But we don't have a date tonight."
"No, we don't. I'm just testing something. Don't worry."
"Or..." Knox glanced at Milan and motioned his bodyguard away. Milan nodded and created distance but didn't disappear. Knox grabbed Anthony arm and Anthony tried not to make a face. This prince smelled as sweet as ever. Just being near him was going to give him cavities. "Or do we need to have dinner? How are you feeling?"
Anthony picked his hand off. "I'm fine. If I get peckish, you'll be the first to know."
"It's not just about your hunger, Anthony. I'm worried about you changing."
"Me too. I'm perfect the way I am..." Anthony held up his chin and after a beat of silence, he nudged him. "You're supposed to agree with me."
Knox's shoulders jumped when he laughed. "Yes, dear," he said and nudged Anthony right back. Anthony flushed, all his comebacks disappearing right on his lips. Laughing to himself, Knox met back up with Milan and they went on their merrily giggling way. There was only one thing worse than a charming prince, but one that also made jokes.
***
The Lavigne Coven was just as advertised, in a wealthy part of the town chockful of boutiques and restaurants where you needed a reservation. Anthony just sort of wandered, leading Bertie and Milan like he had to walk his pets. He didn't ask or want Milan to join them, but apparently Knox insisted.
Knox also texted:
Knox: Be home before dark.
The curfew was mandatory for everyone. He debated killing time by actually shopping, but Anthony didn't feel like using the black card now knowing his family's debts and using Knox's money just felt like stealing. Instead, he window shopped in silence, wasting time until dinner. He also received a text from Johanna:
Johanna: We're having a family dinner tonight. This is mandatory. There are urgent matters to discuss.
"Just as I expected," Anthony whispered. It was a pretty place, Anthony had to admit. All the buildings looked built from history and stood the test of time. Anthony eventually went to the park and lay in the grass. He thought about texting one of his siblings, but even texting Nino might send him into a fit of worry. Bianca and Dante weren't helpful and Bianca rarely texted back. Mathew was out of the question. Especially, after Anthony's beautiful yet poetic threat.
"Didn't you want to go shopping?" Bertie asked.
"I changed my mind." Anthony didn't break his stride. "I remembered I already have a one-of-a-kind suit at home."
"You do?"
"It's called a birthday suit, Bertie."
Bertie didn't ask another question, but Anthony could swear he heard Milan chuckle. Suddenly, in a better mood, Anthony decided to stop by a bakery. He hoped having a taste of something sweet would curb his craving for Knox's blood. Ben's blood never put him into this much a fit and he was a feast.
The cashier boxed up a few pastries and a slice of cake. "I'll carry it," Bertie offered and gathered up the box. Anthony sighed, letting him do it. Milan opened the door for him and Anthony realized that not only did he have nothing to do but people now surrounded him who wanted him to do even less.
"Milan? Is that you?"
"Oh, no," Milan said under his breath that only Anthony must've heard because when he turned around, the guy waving at them was nothing but smiles.
"I thought that was you," the man smiled. He had dimples for days and pretty little freckles across his cheeks. He had soft copper hair and pinkish pale skin. He wore a somewhat flashy blue coat and striped pants, but everyone looked flashy compared to Anthony, who was bred in black and white suits and business casual obscurity.
Standing out wasn't a good thing in their profession. Even Anthony's curly hair was up for debate with Dante claiming it made him stand out too much. Bianca vetoed in on the grounds that Anthony had a misshapen head from being dropped as a baby and could never shave it.
"How are you?" The smiley man asked, giving Milan a quick hug.
"Good, thank you." Milan stiffly returned it and by the constipated look on his face, Anthony jumped to save him.
"We haven't met," Anthony spoke up and offered his hand. "I'm new in town. New resident, really. Anthony Ventura."
This guy's brows flew up his forehead and he even laughed, but it was too late to take back his hand. "This is perfect," the man said, taking Anthony's hand in a tight shake. "I've been wanting to meet Knox's new fiancé."
"And you are?"
"Flynn," he said, and Anthony recognized the name, but still managed to get the rug pulled out from underneath him. "Knox's ex-fiancé."
Anthony hated not being prepared.
But even worse, he hated having the wrong information.