After ending the phone call with Ben, Mikel went to speak with his son and Amy. He was sure that the girl would make some kind of scene. Sometimes, he really couldn't fathom these humans. They held such beauty and ugliness at the same time. The twins were a perfect example of this.
He sighed. This situation was complicated. Humans, like most species, believed that the young should be protected. Getting that protection could occasionally be difficult, especially as the child got older. You also had the problem of helping teens to see that they could trust authority and find safety from unsavory conditions.
Not to say everything would go perfectly or that every human adult was kind and trustworthy. Yet, the majority of the adult population did want what was best for the younger generation. So many things were at play. It was a balancing act that needed razor-sharp focus lest the heavy side destroy the intentions of the balancer.
Mikel paused outside the workroom. He brushed against Fidelis's magic aura. He felt his son respond and stand. Fidelis came outside.
He spoke tersely, "How did it go?"
"The twins' father was forced to concede. He wasn't happy about it. I am worried about Sera's safety, but I will take this small victory." Mikel stroked his chin, studying his son's face.
Several emotions crossed Fidelis's face. Relief, worry, anger. He understood all too well those emotions. He had felt them when his queen, Fidelis's mother, was sick and dying. Knowing he was going to lose her and feeling every excruciating moment through their fated bond almost shattered him. If he hadn't had to be strong for his then young son, Mikel would have happily followed his queen into the eternal sleep.
He glanced at Fidelis, smiling faintly. He was incredibly proud of the man his son had become. His other sons were on a similar path. He was content to see his family thriving. Mikel pulled his thoughts back. Now was not the time to walk in memories. There were things to accomplish.
"Time to break the news to Amy."
Fidelis's grimace pulled a chuckle from Mikel. "I know, my son. I'm sure her response will be, as the humans say, "extra."
"That's an understatement," muttered Fidelis.
Mikel clapped his son on the back, opened the door, and called for Amy. He watched the girl strutting toward him. His expression was neutral as he stepped aside so Amy could step out into the hall.
"You asked for me, Mr. Lancaster?"
Her sweet grin and tone couldn't conceal the predatory, malicious gleam in her gaze. He refrained from saying what was truly on his mind about this arrogant teenager's behavior. Bad parenting created monster children like her. She fidgeted, and he focused on her.
"Amy, thank you for delivering everything from your father. We discussed it and reached a decision."
"Yes?"
Her vicious eagerness was a palpable thing, Mikel frowned, then continued explaining.
"The decision is that both you and Sera will continue the internship. Sera is excused for these two weeks to get herself in order. She will come back to her spot in my program at that time."
Amy's stunned silence lasted mere seconds before she furiously exploded, her tone shrill.
"What the hell!"
"Language," replied Mikel calmly. He gave her a disapproving look.
Amy didn't heed his warning as venomous words poured from her mouth.
"I don't understand why you and Romeo seem so intent on keeping my useless, pathetic, weakling of a sister around when you have someone like me. I'm more capable, am popular, and have been trained by my father to handle all tasks assigned to me. I'm going to be the next CEO of my father's business, not Sera," spat Amy, her face red with her ire.
Mikel let her rant before calmly speaking. "This is my company, and what I say goes. If you can't abide by my decisions, you are free to leave through the door you entered from."
She stood before him, chest heaving. He saw it. She wanted to rail at him, but some semblance of rationality asserted itself. She settled for glaring, tapping her foot in agitation.
"That is all. You may return to work," said Mikel.
She whirled around with a huff and stomped back inside, all traces of the confident girl dispersing. She slammed the door. Mikel shook his head. Teenagers. He turned to his son.
Fidelis stood, his hand covering his mouth, his body shaking with his silent laughter. He collected himself and said, "Nice, Father. Very nice."
"I try. Now, back to work, son."
Fidelis gave him a smirk and a salute. He went inside, and Mikel chuckled. Time to get back to work.