Fidelis stared at his phone. Ever since he got home, he'd had the nagging feeling that something was wrong with Sera. He started texting his friends from school while sitting with Blainel and Sodalitas. The trio was discussing Sera's situation. He wanted input from everyone before he made any moves.
"…So Al was useless?"
Fidelis glanced sharply at Sodalitas, who shrugged.
"What? I'm just saying. He seems pretty apathetic about this situation to be someone who claims to be Sera's friend."
He had felt that way, too. There must be something else to this situation that was unknown to them. He sighed. "I'm going to go see my dad later. Maybe he will have some good advice."
His two friends nodded and took off to go train. He sat around for a little while longer and thought of what to do. He ran into a brick wall and headed for his father's study.
The visit went well, and his father's advice was spot on and helpful, like always. The solution was so simple. He would ask her. No one would mess with the quarterback's girlfriend. Also, everyone knew that he had refused to date someone who was only looking for a quick lay. His first year at Coeburn High he made it known that he valued his virginity and that of his prospective girlfriend.
If you liked to sleep around, he was not interested in that. That had managed to thin the herd of girls who wanted to date him down to a handful. For that, he was grateful. He now knew that Autem probably influenced his choice so that he would be open to being with his fated one.
He started planning out how he would ask Sera out. He would make it private so people wouldn't get in their business. He also would make sure Al was not around to sabotage his proposal. Pleased with his thoughts, he grabbed his phone and texted Sera.
[Can we talk?]
[Can we talk tomorrow? I'm really tired right now.]
[Isn't it early to be tired?]
[I know. Maybe I'm getting old.]
He chuckled at her reply. He let his mind wander for a moment as he imagined her as an old woman. He grinned. It was an interesting mental image.
[Ha! If you're old, then I'm ancient. LOL. You are an interesting person, Sera.]
[Is that bad?]
[No. It's a very good thing. I like interesting. Better than arrogant and bitchy. Seriously though. I want to know if you're alright.]
Nervously, he waited for her response. Her evasive answer made him frown.
[When is your first football home game?]
He decided to let her change the topic.
[In two weeks. It will be homecoming week. You'll love it.]
[I will?]
[Yes, I swear you will. I'll make sure of it.]
[I'll hold you to that. Now, I'm off to bed. I'll see you tomorrow.]
He frowned. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. He recalled his father's words to woo, not trample. He answered, hoping she wouldn't take his silence the wrong way.
[Night, Sera. Tomorrow I'll have a surprise for you. Look forward to it.]
He thoughtfully stared at his phone before texting his friend,s including Blainel and Sodalitas. He outlined his plan and was happy that they agreed to run interference with Al so he could get Sera alone and ask her out.
Satisfied, he finally went to bed.
~***~
Fidelis was full of energy. He smiled at the castle's staff and danced around. He was amazed that he even slept last night. Today was the day. He prayed to Autem that his fated one would agree to be his.
"Son, good luck."
"Thanks, Father." He mock saluted his father and got in the car.
Blainel and Sodalitas laughed at his exuberance.
"You got this, My Prince."
He nodded to Blainel and threw a thumbs-up at Sodalitas as he slid into the driver's seat. He managed not to speed on the way to school. He pulled into his assigned spot and got out. He scanned the parking lot for Al's car. He frowned. He didn't see their vehicle.
"Maybe they are running late, Romeo."
"You're right, George. Let's keep an eye out for them."
Together, they headed inside and went to the guidance office. Ms. Owens greeted them with a smile.
"Good morning, boys."
"Good morning. Did you get my father's email?"
"I did indeed. His request is not that hard to fulfill. Just want to remind you not to make a habit of this, though, Romeo."
"I won't, ma'am. If this works, it will be the only time I do this."
"Good. Well, I wish you luck, and you are cleared for what you want to do during fifth period."
"Thank you." He gave her a bow and left, Blainel and Sodalitas on his heels.
"Are you nervous, Romeo?"
"Hell yes! But," he paused to look at Sodalitas. "It will be worth it. I have a good feeling about it."
It took all of Fidelis's willpower to contain his excitement when he spotted Sera and Al in first period. His excitement dimmed when he got close to Sera, and his fated mark shot him a jolt of pain. He slowed his step and took in Sera's appearance. She was dressed in baggy clothes and was hunched in on herself. Her aura was tense, and her hair was falling in her face, keeping it covered.
"Sera," he stretched out his hand to touch her, but Al snagged his hand.
"Morning, Romeo," Al said and pushed his hand away.
He started to say something, but the teacher's arrival prevented him from prying. He went to his seat, pulled out his phone, and texted his guards.
[Blainel, Sodalitas. You have to help me separate Al from Sera during lunch.]
[Understood, My Prince.]
That's what he liked Blainel. Always quick to action.
[How long will you need, Fidelis?]
[Not sure. Maybe the whole of lunch?]
Sodalitas gave him a thumbs up. [Got it. We will get you alone time with your lady.]
Fidelis sat back, satisfied for the moment. He would get to the bottom of whatever was going on. His mark throbbed again with that echo of pain. He knew from his research that the mark could send the fated one's emotions to the other partner. This was especially true if the emotional bond between the fated was strong.
He wasn't certain of how deep of a bond he had with Sera. They had only known each other for a month. He knew that once they started dating, it would grow deeper. He was looking forward to that.
For now, he would have patience. Whatever was wrong, he vowed to fix it. Content with his plan, he focused on his class.