S2-Ep. 5.9 (R) - This Is How We Do It

Previously on "The Otherworlders": After calling Sebastian into his office, Sir Geoffrey and his First Son go from talking about the logistics for Prince Julian's engagement party to confronting the source of their fraught relationship. Sebastian learns the truth about his father's disappointment in him and why he tends to favor Farid.

Back at the Academy, Patrick gets a text from Stephen's mother, indicating that the Shifter Resistance is moving their headquarters and might be preparing for an attack. Anxious about Stephen's fate, Patrick decides it's time to rescue him. But for that, he'll need the Prius and the help of a fellow classmate with a very particular skill.

**********

"No! No, absolutely not!" Aidan shakes his head adamantly as he shoves his books into his backpack. Patrick and Farid are standing on either side of him at a desk in the library.

Aidan looks up at Patrick like he's growing a second head. "Are you mental, man?! Do you not remember the last time we did this with Jake when you needed the keys to the Prius? And do you remember how close we came to getting caught?! You had to climb out of a third-story window for Pete's sake!"

Farid's brows crinkle as he looks over at Patrick. "Wait! You've done this before?!"

Patrick's hand shoots up, indicating now is not the time for questions. "It's a long story." He barrels on. "Look, Aidan..." He leans in. "I think we both know that you owe me, and you owe me big time."

Aidan stands and slipping his backpack on squints and scoffs at Patrick. "Owe you? Owe you for what?!"

Patrick cocks his head as if to say. Really, you wanna go there?

Aidan sees Patrick's expression, and after a beat, his mouth falls open with recognition. "Ohhh... right..." He says, his eyes widening. "The Boxer Incident!"

"Exactly!" Patrick nods in acknowledgement. "The Boxer Incident."

Farid's gaze pings back and forth between the two of them, and then he throws his hands up in the air. "Well, Hell's bells! Are you guys speaking in code or something?! Could someone please fill me in?"

Patrick intensifies his laser-like gaze on Aidan, just to make sure he is indeed on board.

Aidan nods reluctantly, and then Patrick turns to Farid and says, "Look, I'll tell you more about it on the way, okay? But we've got to go. We don't have much time."

***

Entering the palace, the opulent home of Prince Julian, heir to the Vampyric thrown, is like walking into a mini-Versailles: pink and white marble in abundance, intricately painted panoramas lining the walls, at least four crystal chandeliers hanging above, and gold leaf everywhere.

Nobles and VIP's — dressed almost exclusively in black velvet, red brocade silk, and vintage white lace — comprise the bulk of Prince Julian's court. The guests mill about idly in the antechamber that sits in front of the Throne Room, while the din of voices echoes off the walls and an undulating wave of anticipation washes over the crowd.

Sir Geoffrey and Lady Brigitte quickly excuse themselves in order to mingle, leaving the boys — Sebastian dressed smartly in similar Vampyric formal attire, but Jake and Cameron dressed awkwardly in navy jackets and khaki pants — to their own devices.

Sebastian turns to Jake and Cameron and says, "It seems my parents are off to work the crowd."

Jake looks around at the guests — paler than Sebastian and far paler than Farid — dressed in elaborate formal wear as if attending an 18th century costume party and looking very much like they haven't seen the sun in decades.

Most stare at Jake and Cameron with a guarded interest while a few are openly hostile, narrowing their eyes and subtly baring their fangs. "Some crowd..." Jake mutters.

"Yes, it is," Sebastian quietly agrees as he looks back over his shoulder, keenly studying the families who've come from all the many regions of the Vampyric kingdom for this event. "This is definitely an old-school gathering," he says as he turns back to face Cameron and Jake. "Vampyrs typically use functions like these to make connections, gather allies, and engage in whatever political machinations will further the interest of their families. So, it tends to bring out the oldest and most revered families." Then he adds under his breath, "I hate these things."

"So, what are we supposed to do now?" Cameron asks.

"Us?" Sebastian says. "We wait."

"For what?" Jake probes.

"The arrival of the prince. He'll come in through there..." Sebastian points to a large set of mirrored doors, "...and then proceed through the gallery and enter the throne room over there." He turns and points to a set of gilded double-doors on the other side of the room.

He frowns. "All the nobles and invited guests will scrape and fawn over him as he passes by, and then we'll all follow him into the throne room, get into a queue, and await our turn for a formal introduction."

Jake sighs and rolls his eyes. "Good times..."

"So how long is this gonna take?" Cameron asks.

"I don't know." Sebastian shrugs. "Two, maybe three hours."

"Three hours!!" Jake slaps his cheeks and drags his hands down the sides of his face. "Good gods!"

Cameron shushes Jake, then turns back to Sebastian. "Seriously, dude." He whispers emphatically. "When are we going to find time to scope the place out?"

Sebastian leans in and whispers, "Look. There'll be a buffet-like repast after the formal greetings, and then we can sneak away."

Jake snorts and rolls his eyes again. "Repast..."

"What?!" Sebastian spreads his hands.

Jake just shakes his head, marveling at the pomposity of this very foreign culture he finds himself in. It's so utterly extra! He huffs impatiently. "Well, at least we can grab something to eat before we set out."

"Tell me about it." Cameron agrees. "I'm starving!"

Sebastian screws up his face. "Er... I'm not so sure you guys are gonna like what's on offer."

"Why not?" Cameron asks.

"Well," Sebastian says, "Vampyric meals consist of lots and lots and lots of meat."

"I love meat!" Cameron shrugs and looks baffled.

"This meat is on the rare side," Sebastian adds.

Cameron grins. "I don't mind it rare."

"Mmm..." Sebastian bites his bottom lip. "Probably not quite this rare. It'd be like me bringing a vegetarian to a barbecue. Trust me. Not a good idea." He shakes his head.

Catching on, Cameron groans in frustration as Sir Geoffrey approaches with an older man in his mid-70's.

"Sebastian," Sir Geoffrey says. "I would like to introduce you to Lord Henley, who is a senior member of The High Council. Lord Henley, Sebastian."

Sebastian takes a deep bow and then shakes Lord Henley's hand. "It's an absolute pleasure to meet you, my lord." He steps back. "I'd like to introduce you to—"

Looking behind him, Sebastian sees that Jake and Cameron have wandered off. He holds up a finger. "Pardon me a moment."

He turns to go find his compatriots while Sir Geoffrey continues his conversation.

"So, as you know, Sebastian is attending the Otherworlder Integrated Academy with his brother, my Second Son, Farid," he says.

Lord Henley smiles. "Oh, yes, yes! We've discussed Farid many times on The Council. He's been nominated for so many awards and accolades, he's definitely a rising star amongst the Second Sons."

Lord Henley leans in and lowers his voice. "And we're so glad you insisted on both boys coming to the Academy, as a package. The politics of First and Second Sons can be so complicated." He straightens as his voice rises. "But of course, it was Farid we wanted all along."

"Understood." Sir Geoffrey smiles. "He is my pride and joy."

Sipping their champagne, the men turn back to face the crowd and suddenly notice Sebastian standing before them, having retrieved his classmates. And although they spoke in hushed tones, it's clear from the devastated look on Sebastian's face that he, as well as Jake and Cameron, heard every word they said.

Sir Geoffery, with an artificial enthusiasm says, "And these are two of Sebastian's classmates! Um...er..." He's already forgotten their names.

Sebastian swallows hard, struggling to recover from his humiliation. He inhales deeply and pulls his shoulders back in an attempt to save face as he finishes the introduction for his father. "This is Cameron Baker and Jake Nebahe." He gestures listlessly towards each one.

"Yes, yes!" Sir Geoffery says, recovering. "Cameron and Jake. That's it! Cameron, here, represents the Enchanted community for the school and is an Elemental Mage, if I have that correct?"

Cameron nods solemnly.

"Good. Good." Sir Geoffery adds. "And Jake represents the Shifter community, and he is a werewolf, I believe."

Jake scowls, bristling at the term. As his lips purse into an angry frown, he debates whether or not to correct Sir Geoffrey and risk embarrassing him in front of a very important member of the High Council. Inwardly, he grimaces, and as much as it kills him, he resolves to stay quiet and let this mistake, or slight, or whatever it is pass.

Sebastian, however, takes a step closer. "Father..." he says, narrowing his eyes. "Jake is a Wolf-Shifter. Not a werewolf. There is a significant difference."

Jake looks stunned at Sebastian coming to his defense, while Sir Geoffrey angles his head irritably.

A moment of tension sizzles between father and son. Then, showing a hint of appreciation for Sebastian finally showing a little backbone, Sir Geoffrey arches a brow and turns back to Lord Henley. "Well, I stand corrected then, my Lord. It appears that Jake is a Wolf-Shifter." He says the term, Wolf-Shifter, as if speaking an awkward and newly-learned language but gives Jake a conciliatory bow of his head, nonetheless.

Jake releases the angry breath he'd been holding and nods, politely, back at Sir Geoffrey.

Then, he looks over at Sebastian and gives him a small, almost imperceptible smile of gratitude.

**********

A/N - Oh, poor Sebastian!! I really feel for him. 😭

Don't you? 🙁

Well, let's see how he fares in the next chapter.

~ Paula ❤️