Jaegar's smile deepened as she watched her. "I haven't forgotten our deal, my lady." He spoke her title with just enough mockery to make her eyes narrow. "But I require one more service first."
"Presumptuous little prince," Lilianna hissed, though amusent coloured her tone. "You're collecting quite a tab. What is it this ti?"
"The Baxter house," Jaegar said simply. "I want you to pay them a visit. Show them the true aning of night terrors." His voice grew harder. "Your daughter can fill you in on the details of why they deserve such attention."
A frown marred Lilianna's perfect features, her dark wings montarily manifesting again in agitation. "The Baxters? Those self-righteous..." She paused, ancient eyes studying Jaegar's face. "What ga are you playing, prince?"
"My gas are my own," Jaegar replied coolly. "Will you do it?"
The Succubus Queen circled him slowly, trailing one sharp-nailed finger across his shoulders.
"Oh, I'll do it. I do so enjoy a good haunting." She stopped in front of him, her eyes glowing brighter. "But afterward, no more delays. I'll co to collect what you owe , and believe , little prince, the interest has been mounting."
Jaegar nodded once, sharp and decisive. "You'll have your paynt. You have my word."
Lilianna's laugh was like broken crystal. "The word of a prince who deals with demons? How... reassuring." She stepped back into the dying circle of flas. "Watch for tomorrow night, prince. I do hope you'll be prepared to pay your debts. I'd hate to have to take... alternative compensation."
The flas flared once more, and she was gone, leaving behind only the scent of jasmine and brimstone and the lingering echo of her laugh.
The shadows slowly retreated to their natural positions, though they seed sohow darker than before.
Jaegar stood alone in the corridor, moonlight highlighting his face. His expression was unreadable as he watched the last traces of the summoning circle fade away, taking with it any evidence of his dealings with the Queen of Succubi.
In the distance, a palace clock struck the hour, its chis seeming to carry a warning in their tone. But Jaegar had long since stopped heeding warnings, just as he'd stopped concerning himself with the proper boundaries of magic.
He turned and walked away, his steps silent on the stone floor, leaving the corridor to its shadows and secrets.
***
The morning sun bathed the imperial palace's private balcony in soft golden light, the roses in the garden below releasing their sweet fragrance into the crisp morning air.
Jaegar sat in his preferred chair, still in his morning robes; various newspapers spread across the ornate breakfast table before him. His gaze focused on the particular headlines in the corner of the paper.
"BAXTER ESTATE ROCKED BY POLTERGEIST ATTACK!"
"NOBLE FAMILY TERRORIZED BY SUPERNATURAL FORCES!"
"MINISTRY INVESTIGATES ARCANE DISTURBANCE AT PRESTIGIOUS RESIDENCE"
The articles described in lurid detail the events that had transpired at the Baxter family's ancestral estate the previous night.
The Baxter patriarch, Lord Emrys, was quoted as saying the attack was "the work of malevolent spirits intent on destroying our family." His wife, Lady Ophelia, had hysterically described dark, winged creatures that seed to materialize from the darkness, vanishing just as quickly.
The Ministry's Investigations Bureau had imdiately dispatched a team of Arcnytes to the estate, but by the ti they arrived, the paranormal activity had ceased, leaving behind only a palpable aura of dread and the lingering scent of jasmine and sulfur.
Jaegar sat alone, a single newspaper clipping in his hand. His expression was carefully neutral, but his eyes glinted with a predatory satisfaction as he read the accounts of the Baxters' terrifying ordeal.
"That should send a rather pointed ssage," he murmured to himself. Now he needs to take care of Ethan.
Then he turned to news of Soiree.
The Dawning record's front page featured a stunning magical photograph of the previous night's soirée. The image shifted and moved, capturing the exact mont Jaegar had entered the grand ballroom, his imperial markings gleaming.
The headline read: "IMPERIAL PRINCE'S TRIUMPHANT RETURN MARKS SEASON'S GRANDEST SOIRÉE."
Below that was another moving photograph showing Princess Kyra in her erald robes, her hair adorned with magical crystals that sparkled with each movent. The caption beneath noted the "palpable chemistry" between the princess and the prince Lorcan.
"You always did know how to make an entrance, little brother," ca Jacqueline's warm voice as she stepped onto the balcony, followed by their grandmother Vivianne. Both won were dressed in elegant morning wear.
Jaegar stood to greet them, helping his grandmother to her favourite chair.
The morning light softened her features, making her appear younger, though her eyes still carried the weight of yesterday's emotional conversation.
"Good morning, Grandmother, elder sister," he said softly. "Would you join for tea?"
Maids started serving tea to all three of them.
"The papers seem quite taken with you," Vivianne observed, picking up one of the society pages. Her fingers traced the moving image of her grandson. "Though they always are."
Jaegar's smile held a touch of irony. "They see what they wish to see, Grandmother. And the stupid titles they call . Ah! It makes want to smack the ones who gave such titles." Jaegar feined his anger, looking at the papers.
"Perhaps, but the title is just an apt one, don't you think, 'Rebel Prince,'" Jacqueline teased him, emphasising his title.
"I think it fits your character, my child," Vivianne joined in the fun.
"Not you too, grandma," Jaegar laughed, shaking his head. "I suppose I can't escape it now, can I?" Vivianne chuckled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Embrace it, dear Jaegar. Embrace it."
"And what are your plans now?" Jacqueline asked, stirring her tea with a silver spoon that chid musically against the porcelain. "Surely you're not returning to the frontier so soon?"
The question hung in the air, weighted with concern and hope. Vivianne's hands tightened almost imperceptibly around her teacup.
Jaegar leaned back in his chair, his expression softening as he looked at the two won who cared deeply for him. "No," he said finally. "I think I'll stay for a while. Spend so ti with you two." His eyes t his grandmother's, and he saw the relief flood her features. "Perhaps go on a few dates with you two, if you will have ."
"As if I'd let you escape that duty," Jacqueline laughed, though her eyes shone with happiness at his decision.
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