Near Mint Mill

The morning dew still clung to the windows of the Avador Palace, not yet burned off from the freshly risen sun.

“Ivy missed her morning check in.” Zoe said as she walked into the Royal kitchen.

Seb paused, partially bent over the table with his spoonful of cereal halfway to his mouth. Given the way Zoe stated that, he lowered the spoon back into his bowel and straightened up. “I mean her last communication was that they were headed into the Great Tear. Comm connections are probably wonky.”

“So then we should send someone to check on them.” Zoe said.

It was way too early in the morning for the King to handle this perceived unnecessary discussion. He looked from the eager Knight to Severan Forza across the table from him, chief Knight and Sebastian’s most trusted advisor. Who just shook his head and took another sip of his coffee.

“So we can lose contact with them as well?” Seb questioned. It was Zoe’s turn to look at the still staying out of it Sev. “Jake’s keeping tabs on them.” Seb waved it off. 

Zoe’s focus turned back to the King. “If we’ve lost contact with them, how is Jake keeping track of them?” She pressed.

Seb raised a hand and started counting off with his fingers. “Seraph Draconis connection, as far as anyone knows, is unimpeded by anything. Bella and my connection. Nate’s there. Kassie. So three of the four Royalty. Ivy, who you both picked out and helped train.” He indicated both present Knights. “Bella’s own training has been progressing nicely. And the last report Ivy did give, they also had picked up a reccubi that wanted to accompany them. I would say that all covers any possible scenario I can think of.” The female Knight let out a huff of frustration. The King leaned back in his chair and let out his own breath. “What do you want me to do?” Seb asked Zoe genuinely. “Last time I got personally involved in something with a contingent of Knights, it did not end well for anyone.”

She scrunched up her nose, knowing he made sense but also wanting to do something, a frustration clearly evident to the other two in the room. “Sometimes.” Seb said steadily. “All we can do is: wait and hope.”

“I don’t like it.” Zoe stated.

The King pointed at her in agreement.“Welcome to the burden of leadership. It is only going to get more diff…” Seb trailed off turning to look out the large window that dominated one wall of the room. “Huh…Bella just had some really strong feelings about me…what are they doing out there?” He asked rhetorically.

Zoe jumped at the opening, able to focus on something other than her annoyance of the situation. “Like ‘oh my god I’m going to die and never see Seb again’ feelings?” 

Sev gave her a look before Seb turned to furrow his brow at her. “Quite the opposite actually.”

Confusion swept over Zoe’s features. “What?”

The Master Knight laughed. “Succubus.” He finally spoke.

Zoe looked at Sev for a moment before the realisation struck her. “Oh…ok?” She shifted her attention to Seb.

“I dunno…” He flopped a hand helplessly. “Stuffs happening. They’re fine. Let’s just be ready should that change.” Seb clarified.

Zoe sighed. “Alright. Sorry for the intrusion.” She told them both before heading out of the room.

After he had taken another mouthful of cereal the King looked across the table. “Good talk.” Seb told Sev. “Always appreciate your wise input.”

Sev just gave the King a thumb up as he drained his coffee.