The final days of class drew to a close. Projects and papers were turned in and collectively the student body heaved a sigh of relief. All that was left before them were final exams. Unless of course, a student was brilliant enough to have maintained an average of an “A” in their class. “A” students were exempt from that exam. So, Cecilia discovered she really only had to take two finals, Math and Physics. It would be hard to find an excuse to avoid the knights and spend time with Luki at this rate. The Math exam was on Wednesday and the Physics on Monday. She basically had the last half of the week free.

Cecilia headed out of Father Andrew’s class daydreaming. It surprised her when Father Andrew called her back in. Cecilia blinked herself back into the present moment and returned. How could she just walk off without saying “good-bye” to her favorite teacher? She was surprised how distracted Luki had made her.

“I was hoping to get a chance to speak with you,” the priest said softly.

“Of course, Father Andy. Not a problem. What did you want?”

“I was curious as to how you were adjusting to the two princes. I don’t think you realize how much it means that they are kept safe.”

Cecilia shrugged, “They’re fine. Brianna spends more time with them than I do. They seem to be adjusting just fine and the assassin has yet to make an appearance”.

Father Andrew nodded thoughtfully rubbing his beard.

“That’s what concerns me. I do not know what the assassin is waiting for.”

“Maybe he didn’t survive the fall or was hit by a bus,” Cecilia suggested.

Father Andrew nodded again, but was still dissatisfied.

“I just have an uneasy feeling he may try to ruin the Formal and if you have any connection with the princes, your life may be in danger.”

“I’m not going to the dance with one of the knights,” Cecilia admitted, feeling her cheeks grow hot.

Father Andrew’s eyebrows shot up in surprise and his eyes lit up with interest.

“Oh! That’s new,” Father Andrew said. “Who are you going with?”

Cecilia grew tense, trying to devise a way to explain to Father Andrew about Luki. Somehow she felt that telling Father Andrew the truth would ruin this wonderful relationship. He might think Luki was the assassin. What could she say?

Her long delay in answering alerted Father Andrew to something wrong.

“Who are you going to the dance with, Cecilia?”

“You probably wouldn’t know him,” Cecilia finally blurted. “He’s…not a student here.”

“Where is he from then?”

Cecilia went red and the pit of her stomach turned. If Father Andrew knew she was going out with someone several years her senior, he would certainly disapprove.

“He’s from around here. Don’t worry, Father Andy. He’s a very polite and a mature young man. You know I would not go out with anyone dangerous. I take those self-defense classes, I know how to spot a bad egg,” Cecilia tried to sound convincing, but doubted her success.

Father Andrew knew that Cecilia was hiding something.

“If you know he is safe, then why do you feel guilty telling me about him?” Father Andrew pressed.

“Because, he’s a couple years older than I am and I know you don’t like that,” Cecilia replied. “I trust him. And you know I haven’t trusted hardly anyone for years.”

Father Andrew sighed, “I just don’t want to see you get hurt again, Cecilia. It has taken so long for you to recover.”

Cecilia grew red again, this time in anger. She found the will to clamp her mouth shut, but glared at Father Andrew.

He knitted his brows apologetically and rested his hand on her shoulder.

“I didn’t mean to insult you. I do trust you Cecilia. It’s just this assassin business has made me extra wary. But I do have good news, the evening of the Formal I will be able to send the princes back to their homeland. Make sure you all come to the chapel at some point during the evening.”

Cecilia calmed down and nodded, “I’ll tell Brianna and see that the knights find out about it. Thanks so much Father Andy.”

“Enjoy your weekend. I won’t see you until next week then,” Father Andrew waved and retreated out the door.

Cecilia’s chest felt heavy. Perhaps she did have to be more careful around Luki. He was an older man and that could lead to an undesirable situation. According to her self-defense instructor, it was common for college students to prey upon easily tricked freshman. No, she had spent all her time with Luki alone, if he wanted to advance on her, he would have already. There were plenty of opportunities, but never once. He hardly touched her. He felt safe.

She tried to forget about it and went to find Brianna to tell her the good news.

When Cecilia returned to the dorm room, Brianna was gone. In her place was Antoine sitting on the lower bunk looking at one of Cecilia’s manga.

“Where’s Bree?” she asked, deciding that she really did not have the energy to waste being upset that he was snooping around.

Antoine looked up from the book and shrugged, “I thought she’d be here after awhile. I only got here a few minutes ago. Wasn’t she in class with you?”

“She was, but I talked with Father Andrew after class. I was going to tell her the news but well…I suppose I could tell you in any case. It’s good news for you and your brother. Father Andrew has told me that he will be ready to send you back home on the night of the Formal Dance. We just have to go to the chapel at some point in the evening.”

Antoine sighed and nodded apathetically, “That’s great. I’ll tell Seb when I see him.” He went back to reading the manga.

Cecilia flopped her books onto her desk and plopped into her chair. She did not really feel like turning on the computer. She felt like she needed to talk with Antoine. Stupid conscience.

“Where is Seb?” she asked.

Antoine shrugged again, not looking up from the book.

“I thought you two were suppose to stay together and protect each other from the assassin,” Cecilia said firmly.

Antoine nodded again, half-listening.

Cecilia grew impatient with this game. It was going to end now. She got up, marched across the room, and yanked the manga from his hands, pulling out a few of the pages. She ignored her first impulse to yell at him for ruining the book and got to the meat of the problem.

“What’s wrong with you? Seriously? Why are you moping around by yourself and not sticking with our plan?”

Antoine looked up at her with the saddest puppy-eyes she ever saw a young man make. It filled her with an inexplicable rage, but she curbed another outburst and waited for him to say something.

“I don’t want to leave. I like it here. It’s much better than Pravignon. And…I heard you have another date so, I’m…left without an escort and a way to repay you for your first hospitality. If I leave, I’ll be indebted forever.”

“Not forever…just until you die,” Cecilia remarked sarcastically. “You can’t stay here. You don’t belong here. And don’t you have other duties in Pravignon? Aren’t you the crowned prince? You can’t just walk away from that?”

“I don’t want to be next in line,” Antoine said, getting to his feet. “I’m not fit for it.”

“I wasn’t going to say anything, but I never thought that hereditary lineage was a good idea,” Cecilia retorted.

Antoine nodded, “I agree. Sebastien is much better suited for the job. He can manage things and he’s so smart.”

“Smart-ass if you ask me. Your brother’s all talk and lacks a charming personality. He wouldn’t make a good king either. But you are both also too young. Maybe when you grow up a little, you’ll be ready,” Cecilia replied.

Antoine stared at Cecilia in awe for a second, before diving into another complaint, “What…but I don’t want to leave.”

Cecilia folded her arms over her chest, “First off, I don’t know how you managed to get into the Women’s dorms, but you aren’t allowed in here.”

“I climbed through the window,” Antoine beamed proudly at his achievement.

Cecilia raise an eyebrow and looked out the window.

“You couldn’t have.”

“I did.”

“You’re lying.”

“On my honor.”

“Show me. Climb down then.”

“All right. I’ll show you,” Antoine said lifting out the screen and starting to climb down.

Cecilia smiled deviously for a moment before shutting the window and locking it.

“Hey! Hey! Cecilia! That’s not fair! You tricked me!”

Cecilia enjoyed a good laugh.

Brianna returned moments later, trailed by Sebastien. Antoine was still shouting at the window. In alarm, Brianna ran to the window and opened it for Antoine.

“How’d you get out there?” Brianna exclaimed.

“Never mind,” Antoine growled as Cecilia erupted into a renewed round of laughter.

“I was just at the Formal Planner’s meeting. I’ve secured you a date, Twon. She’s very nice and would like to meet you at dinner tonight. Tomorrow, we will go out and rent tuxes for you guys.”

“Thank you, Lady Brianna,” Antoine said, kissing her hand lightly.

Brianna giggled lightly and withdrew from Antoine, “Well, why don’t we get moving along?”

“Bree…Father Andy told me that he’ll be ready to send the boys home on the night of the dance. We’ll go to the chapel once the party winds down,” Cecilia reported after recovering from her laughing fit.

“Excellent, that’s good news,” Sebastien replied. “And there have still been no signs of the assassin?”

“That’s right. Father Andy suspects he might attack on the night of the Formal too,” Cecilia mentioned.

“Oh, god that would be awful,” Brianna gasped.

“Then we will have to be on our guard. Sebastien, it will be your duty to make sure nothing happens to Brianna,” Antoine said, poking his brother in the chest for emphasis.

Sebastien scowled but said nothing.

“Well, I’m starving. Let’s go down to eat,” Cecilia suggested.

It was the first time all week that Cecilia had bothered to sit with the group. She still felt uncomfortable about her talk with Father Andrew.

Antoine suggested a new plan of action with concern for the assassin. Once again, it was the command for Sebastien and Brianna to stick together. Cecilia smiled to herself as she sipped her milk through a straw. Antoine’s little ploy was so terribly obvious that it hurt. Although, she did not speak her mind about it.

After a few minutes, Antoine’s new date came down to eat. Cecilia recognized her as one of the girls from her self-defense class. It was actually the very girl that injured her knee last week. Her name was Liz. She was about as tall as Antoine and about as broad. Antoine was surprisingly polite and engaged in conversation with Liz. Cecilia wondered if Antoine really approved of his selected date, so she watched for any signs of disappointment. If he had any, he hid it expertly.

Cecilia smiled quietly, feeling somewhat sorry for Antoine. As they finished their meal, Antoine invited Liz to join them the next day on their outing to find dresses and suits. Graciously, Liz accepted , then made the excuse that she had make a phone call and left. The whole discussion about tuxes made Cecilia wonder if Luki had one. She decided she might need to find out, but she did not know where he had run off too.

She wandered the halls a little after hours in thought. Cecilia had grown restless and worried. She wanted to talk to Luki about what was going on very badly. But she did not know where to find him. Cecilia had wandered into the commons to find only one light on in the lounge. She headed towards it curiously, wondering if it was the cleaning crew or hopefully Luki.

Her heart skipped a beat when she recognized his form. Luki was resting peacefully on one of the couches. She wondered why he would have fallen asleep there and not in his own home. Then she wondered if it would be all right to wake him or if she should just go back to her dorm.

Before she reached her decision, Luki opened one eye.

“What are you doing here?” he asked gruffly.

Cecilia froze and fumbled with the ends of her hair nervously.

“Couldn’t sleep so…I was walking,” she said with a uneasy grin.

Luki sighed and stretched himself out.

“I didn’t mean to disturb you, sorry,” Cecilia apologized quickly.

Luki groaned, satisfied with his stretch, “Not at all.”

“Why were you sleeping there anyway?” she asked since curiosity got the better of her.

Luki shrugged, “I don’t remember. Maybe I sleep-walked here. That has happened to me before. And then people claim I’ve done things that I don’t remember”.

“Must be awful. Maybe I better go so you can get some rest.”

“Something is on your mind, isn’t it?”

Cecilia froze, uncertain of what to tell him.

“Many things are on my mind. I spoke with my teacher, Father Andrew and he asked me about you. He’s worried about me and it made me have second thoughts,” she admitted.

Luki nodded and let a yawn escape, “That comes as no surprise to me. I am a suspicious person, but you do trust me, right?”

Cecilia sighed and shrugged, “You have not given me reason not to trust you yet. But I have grown wary.”

“Would you rather be with your other friends?”

Cecilia shook her head vigorously, “Of course not. They’re all set anyway. We’re just going to pick out suits for them tomorrow. Do…you have a suit?”

Luki nodded, “Of course. It is white with a violet vest.”

“That’s wonderful. My dress is also violet. Sorry, if I’ve insulted you.”

“No…no. Not at all, Cecilia. I am very glad you are so honest with me. Now, don’t fret my dear.”

“If…if I need to talk to you this week, where can I find you?”

“I will be here during meals, in the library in the mornings,” Luki answered with a soft smile.

Cecilia grinned sheepishly, “Great. Thanks so much again.”

“My pleasure, now good-night,” Luki said, getting up and heading towards the men’s dorms.

Cecilia turned in the opposite direction and returned to her own room.

Lucifer made a mental note to the names Cecilia mentioned. There would be two more victims to add to his list. This Father Andrew would be a problem. He had not expected that a teacher, let alone a priest would be involved. The other date they had arranged would be merely fodder. Now the question was, who would be the most ideal victim.

At the moment, Cecilia seemed to be ideal, but if she had allies in the faculty and they knew about him, it might prove difficult. Perhaps it would be best to give up the theatrics and just go straight for the punch. Antoine would be first and then Sebastien. That was why he was here in any case.

After the assassinations, then what? Lucifer paced his room like a caged animal, growling. The Baron had not given him an exit route yet nor had he heard from his liege lord since he arrived. After killing the princes, he would be targeted as their murderer and probably killed himself. That was an undesirable ending. He would have to find out more of the details of the dance and see if he could pull off the killing subtly.

A thought occurred to him. It was a brief flash of a memory of something Peregrine had mentioned in passing. When they had sent the princes through the halls, there had been interference by another Tempus Guard. That Tempus Guard would have to be here. Surely, he would be able to convince the Tempus to send him back. So the second part of the plan would be to find that Tempus. He also wondered if the Baron had intended to strand him here. Well, if that was the case then Peregrine had better find a good bodyguard.

After securing suitable suits for the knights, Cecilia drove everyone back. It was rather fun watching Sebastien squirm impatiently. Now that everyone had the proper clothes and accessories, they could return their focus on their studies.

Brianna found it hard to concentrate on studying at all. She was still trying to figure out how to get Sebastien to warm up to her. He was very stiff and cold, she was starting to regret picking him as her escort. It would not be fair to ask Liz to switch at this point. Antoine was always a great distraction, but he had insisted on spending a little time getting to know Liz. It was very admirable of him.

By Monday, Brianna had given up trying to impress Sebastien. There just was not a good opportunity to flirt with him. Brianna went to the library that morning, hoping to study a little before her final that afternoon.

She was not surprised to also find Sebastien there, reading intently. Brianna sighed. She did need to study, but at the same time, she did want to talk to Sebastien alone. Antoine usually ruined any moments for them to relate. Sebastien was always in a poor mood after talking with his brother. She wondered if Antoine was around or if Sebastien was here by himself. If he was, then perhaps she should scold him for being careless.

“Seb, hey…is Antoine around?” Brianna whispered, bending down close to him.

Sebastien blinked and reluctantly tore his eyes from his book. Due to Brianna’s height and bent over position, his eyes did not meet hers, but rather down the collar of her shirt. Quickly he blinked again and forced his eye line higher towards her face.

“I haven’t seen him here. Why?”

“You two are suppose to stick together! You could be killed if you’re alone!” Brianna scolded, taking note that Sebastien had looked down her shirt.

Sebastien looked away from her, “I can’t stand to be around my brother all the time. It’s torture. Besides, if the assassin hasn’t made any appearance yet, I don’t expect him too strike soon. Cecilia’s probably right, he’ll be at the dance.”

Brianna tried to look stern, but she could understand Sebastien’s reasons. Antoine and Sebastien did not exactly get along very well. She sighed and sat next to him, setting her study material down.

“I don’t blame you. Antoine does tease you a bit unnecessarily,” she said, tucking her hair behind her ear and leaning over the table again, just to give him another peek.

Sebastien sighed. Suddenly, his book was not interesting anymore. He let it fall to the table with a light thud and buried his face in his hand.

“This whole mess is a nightmare. I don’t understand anything. Nothing makes sense here. Antoine just acts like its play-time and just frolics without any thought of the risks involved. He wants to stay now and we argued for hours and hours last night. I’m just sick of him to the point that I don’t give a damn if the assassin kills him,” Sebastien growled.

Brianna’s already soft eyes, softened more. She rested a hand on Sebastien’s back, making him shudder.

“It’s all right, Sebby. I understand. I don’t get along with my sister either. But you’ll be okay. You’ll get to go home soon and things will make sense again. I know they will. If you’re tired of your brother we don’t have to eat with him. Maybe…maybe it would be good if you spent time apart. We could spend more time together and Cecilia will keep an eye on your brother,” Brianna comforted, slowly drawing closer to Sebastien intending to embrace him.

Sebastien’s first instinct was to pull away from her. Then there was that feeling again. The sound of her giggle rang in his memory, the gentle, calm of her voice, and the vision of her full, supple breasts made him forget his former anger. A strange desire started to grow with a mix of warning. He could not be interested in her, he had to avoid being trapped by her wiles.

Her head rested on his shoulder as she held him in what she probably considered only a friendly gesture to console him. Sebastien could feel his blood race and his face burn hot. There could be no victory. There was no choice but to surrender to the softness of her body pressed against his.

But there was an escape. It came without warning and instinct was at play. Sebastien roughly pulled Brianna up from the table and pushed her towards the shelves, covering her mouth with his hand. Sebastien tried to quiet his breathing and keep Brianna calm. Carefully, he maneuvered through the stacks of books and pulled Brianna behind him. He continued to drag poor Brianna along until he found a suitable spot to hide.

Forcefully, Sebastien shoved Brianna into a cleaning closet and shut the door behind them. Brianna panted for breath but did not dare make any other noise. Something had spooked Sebastien. She wondered if perhaps it was because she had hugged him.

Sebastien pressed his ear against the door, breathing unsteadily. A single open light bulb swung above their heads. He reached to turn it off, but Brianna blocked his hand’s path. Quickly, he pulled his hand off her chest and redirected his attention to listening.

“Seb? What’s wrong?” Brianna whispered impatiently.

“Sh-sh…I saw him,” Sebastien replied.

Brianna covered her mouth and went pale.

“Wh-where?” she said so that it was barely audible.

“Library,” he answered.

“Did…he see us?”

Sebastien took a moment to reply. He started to slowly open the door again, but Brianna grabbed him and pulled him away.

“You idiot, he’d recognize you. Let me check,” Brianna hissed.

Her face was uncomfortably close to his. He could still smell breakfast on her breath. Sebastien nodded and Brianna released him and opened the door. She looked down the hallways but saw no one suspicious.

“Coast is clear,” Brianna reported shutting the door again.

Sebastien sighed with relief.

“It won’t take long for him to find us,” Sebastien said, worry returning to his voice. “We have to tell everyone. And we’ll need a new plan for our safety.”

Brianna bit her lip and tears dripped down her face.

“Sebastien…I’m scared,” she whimpered.

A feeling of courage rose up in him. The urge to protect and comfort her commanded him to console her somehow. He put his hand against her cheek and pushed the tears to the side.

“We’ll think of something. Don’t worry, I’ll…I’ll…you know…watch you or…”

He could not finish is declaration because Brianna had cover his mouth with her own. Not even she knew where the impulse had arisen, it just had to happen. Sebastien could feel the shackles clamp around his ankles, but he could not find a reason to care. This felt good. It felt right.

It took them both awhile to remember their dire situation. Sebastien forced himself to snap back and move to a new hiding spot. Brianna and he headed towards the monastery where they knew they would find Antoine. Neither of them could forget that moment in the closet, even as they strode meaningfully towards the room. Their cheeks were still flushed and hearts still pounding. Or more likely that was because they had run so quickly into the room.

Antoine was there as they had predicted, writing a letter of sorts. He covered it quickly upon their entry. Antoine was surprised to see Brianna with Sebastien, clinging to his sleeve.

“What’s going on?” Antoine felt was the obvious question.

“We…we saw him. The assassin…it is Lucifer. He…was…in the…library,” Sebastien panted.

Antoine got up quickly and seized Sebastien by the shoulders.

“Are you sure? Are you absolutely sure it was him?”

“Of course I am,” Sebastien half-gasped, swatting his brother off. “I don’t think he saw me, but we need to tell Father Andrew right away.”

Antoine was obviously upset and confused at what to do. Sebastien knew what had to be done, it was painfully obvious.

“Antoine…you have to tell him.”

“Why me and not you?”

“I’m…I’m tired…I…ran here.”

“You’re so out of shape,” Antoine quipped, with a smirk. “Fine. I’ll go find the priest and tell him. You just recover from your excursion, dear brother.”

Antoine strode out, crumpling the letter as he went.

Sebastien and Brianna collapsed on the bed, still breathless from running. Brianna could feel Sebastien’s irritation.

“Why can’t he take this seriously?” he growled.

“I’m…sure if he was in your place…he’d…be more concerned.”

“And if I were in his place I would take this seriously and recognize the danger,” Sebastien shouted exasperatedly.

“I know,” Brianna sighed resting her head on his shoulder and rubbing his other one. She squeezed his hand and sighed, “I know.”

Sebastien felt the anger melt away and leaned his head against Brianna’s. He returned her hand squeeze. He wanted to kiss her again and feed the fire that had begun to kindle. His hand unwittingly traveled around Brianna’s waist, holding her closer. This was stupid and he knew it would be wise to stop. This was exactly why he avoided women. He could not think straight, he could not calculate a simple sum in his mind, he could not hear the screaming voice in his head to not get involved. He could not have her. He was going to leave in a few days or he could be killed at any minute.

Oh what did that matter? Perhaps Antoine had it right. They should enjoy the moment.

“Brianna,” Sebastien said in a low tone. “I…don’t know how to say this, but I am very grateful for your company. And…I know…I’m going to miss you greatly when I leave. I won’t be able to forget you and it will be one of the hardest things for me to say “good-bye”. At least, I understand that much of my brother’s feelings. He hates good-byes. You know, we probably shouldn’t start having feelings for each other, but…”

“It’s too late,” Brianna finished for him, brushing her hair from her eyes.

Sebastien helped her clear the hair from her face. This was a bad idea. He enjoyed the touch of her skin, the clearness of her eyes, the curve of her lips and the little dimples in her cheeks when she smiled. It was not going to last forever. But as Sebastien heard before, nothing lasts forever. It was now or never.

He held her face for a moment, his green eyes flitting over her features trying to commit them to memory. Brianna trembled at his touch, not for fear but excitement. They both could read what the other desired in their eyes.

Brianna shut her eyes and sighed as Sebastien drew close to her and kissed her again. She ran her fingers into his strawberry-blonde hair and entangled it. She pulled his body on top of hers, giving him freedom to explore her body with his fingers and lips.

The exploration never got very far. Sebastien was yanked off of Brianna by his ears.

“What is this? What are you doing, knave? You dare taint the honor of Lady Brianna? I should tear you apart as my oath permits me, but since you are of my blood I will spare you,” Antoine fiercely accused, twisting his brother’s ears.

“Take it easy there, Antoine. He will need those ears,” Father Andrew soothed.

Brianna was bright red and buttoned up her blouse quickly.

“We weren’t going to do anything,” she claimed, although evidence was against them.

“It seemed otherwise,” Antoine scowled, releasing Sebastien.

“I would never taint her honor,” Sebastien asserted, rubbing his ears gingerly. “We were merely getting our feelings out of the way before we had to leave.”

Antoine shook his head and chuckled dryly, “Don’t play me for an idiot, Seb. You can’t make excuses.”

“I was in complete control of myself.”

Antoine laughed again scornfully, “It would appear otherwise, Sir Sebastien.”

He marched out of the room, declaring he would return shortly.

Brianna was in tears and horribly ashamed, especially with Father Andrew as witness. This was far worse than any assassin.

Father Andrew smiled pleasantly, “So, you saw Lucifer in the library.”

“Yes, sir,” Sebastien replied in melancholy.

“Well, then we should decide what we are going to do for your safety. I can not speed up the process of opening the right gates, so we’ll have to think of something.”

He patted Sebastien reassuringly on the shoulder and rested his other hand on Brianna’s shoulder.

“And do not fret about what has just come to pass. You take responsibility for your own actions. Although I would advise, in the future, to avoid your sharing of “feelings” in this monastery. Hm?”

Sebastien hung his head and Brianna cast her eyes to the floor.

“You should also consider that you will never see each other again come Friday,” Father Andrew gently reminded.

“We know, Father, we know. It was…just a spur of the moment and I wasn’t thinking. It won’t happen again,” Sebastien said somberly.

“I’m sorry, Brianna. I did not mean to embarrass you,” Father Andrew said, turning to Brianna.

“I know. I’m sure if Cecilia were here she’d kill me too.”

“Or she’d kick Sebastien’s ass,” Father Andrew smirked.

Brianna could not help but laugh and agree. Sebastien was unsure of how to respond. But that was it. The relationship was over. All that would be left were dim memories and an unquenchable thirst for more.

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