Sebastian felt lost as he allowed himself to sink to his knees, no longer aware of the gentle breeze or swaying grass around him. His father's words echoed in his head.
"I'm sorry Sebastian, Mordred is right, as the eldest son of the king, the angel Ciel belongs to him." The deep voice played over again in his thoughts, crushing his heart.
"Father, you know what will happen to the angel, Mordred is already courting another, is that not-"
"He has chosen, so it has been since the beginning of time, so it shall always be. You must put your feelings for the chosen one behind you now."
"He is unworthy to be at his side, Mordred has nothing to offer him but pain and endless days of torment. He cares not for Ciel and you know it. Surely as the Devil you have some say in this matter." Sebastian pleaded.
"You have my final word, Mordred will take the angel's grace and he will return home with us to be bonded immediately."
"You mean imprisoned don't you, Father, Mordred will use him to get what he wants and show no mercy in doing so. Ciel is-"
"Your brother's property now, I'll hear no more."
The heart wrenching scream brought Sebastian back to reality and tears to his eyes.
I am so sorry precious angel, I have failed you. He couldn't bear to watch the scene unfold.
"You did all you could, Master, sometimes, as painful as it is, life has its own plan, sir. It is by no means fair, and nothing anyone says can heal a broken heart, this I know." Cynna placed a hand on his master's shoulder, speaking softly in an effort to comfort him.
Another scream of pain tore at the younger prince's heart, filling him with anger.
"Ciel deserves much more."
"Yes, sir. I quite agree, however there is nothing to be done for him now. My deepest apologies Master." All was silent now, even the birds seemed to have stopped singing.
"He is one of us now, Sir. The time has come to return home." Sebastian stood silently, turning to leave. He growled deeply as he caught sight of Mordred bending to pick up the lifeless form that just moments before had been the most beautiful angel Sebastian had ever seen. The figure, now pale and limp in his brother's arms, while still stunningly beautiful, gave Sebastian an overwhelming sense of loss.
"Father, I would very much like to begin preparing for our bondage, I shall like to have it preformed immediately after he wakes. Perhaps a private ceremony to speed things up a bit." The devil nodded.
"As you like, my son. He is yours. Though I ask you to remember the lessons taught to you by myself and your mother. You must be more gentle with your mate." Mordred forced a smile.
"Of course, Father. I do apologize, I was quite excited and lost control temporarily. I will be more gentle in the future."
"Sebastian, come, we must return now, your mother is expecting us."The Devil called.
"Instantly, Father."He called back. Cynna guided him back to the gateway with a comforting hand.
"It's not over, Cynna. I cannot allow Mordred to treat Ciel as he does Nephthys. It matters not whether he bonds with Ciel, the angel's heart belongs to me and mine to him. This is the way of it. As long as this remains true, I will not abandon him, I will do everything in my power to help him, no matter what the cost may be."