Disclaimer: Noblesse isn't mine.
Broken Glass (Part 10)
Roctis Kravei closed the latch to the birdcage, locking the door into place although there was nothing inside. "This is quite impressive woodwork."
Frankenstein remained silent. The words were neither meant as a compliment nor spoken to him. The clan leader was merely making idle chatter, using the birdcage as an excuse to busy himself during one of the many lapses in conversation, and for once, Frankenstein was glad that the master did not answer. He did not wish the Kravei clan leader's excessive praises to be directed toward him. Instead, he glared unabashed threats from across the room, and if the man had known the depth of his unconcealed wrath, he would have taken his life into account and left the birdcage alone.
Was it not enough that the clan leader had showed up unannounced? The man entered the house without permission and ambled through the hallways until he encountered Frankenstein. If Roctis had desired to see the master, he would have gone to the great room just as the Kertia clan leader had done. The master was always at his window. But that man's true purpose wasn't to visit the master. He was here to evaluate the human.
Frankenstein's glare deepened further, livid and fueled with hostility. That man had made the master come to him. Had forced him from his window. Was it not enough to meet the clan leader under such discourtesy? Such disrespect. Did that man have to fiddle with the birdcage, as well?
The master watched the birdcage with longing as Roctis pivoted it onto it's side, but he made no motion to stop him. Frankenstein studied the master's eyes, waiting for one sign that could be mistaken as a command. Anything as an excuse to throw the guest out. If there was even the slightest scratch on the one gift he had made for the master, he would make that man regret it for the rest of his long life.
"Exquisite." Either unaware of or unconcerned for the vehement against him, Roctis continued to inspect the birdcage. His nose hovered an inch from the slats as he peered inside. "There is even detailed carving on the interior! Finely made piece."
Was it ignorance or provocation? Frankenstein seethed, contemplating a reason to intervene. Of all things for that man to concentrate on, did it have to be the master's gift?
All at once, Roctis' hands fell to his sides, and he looked at the master. "If you would like, I could send you a bird to house in it."
Frankenstein's glare erupted into unbridled fury.
"Frankenstein."
The master's calm voice immediately caused him to suppress his anger but the jealousy remained. Frankenstein stomped across the room, and instead of awaiting the master's request, he snatched the birdcage from the coffee table. Roctis shifted back in surprise, clenching his hands into fists as if expecting an attack.
Frankenstein gingerly placed the birdcage on the desk next to the stack of letters. Once it was safely set aside, he walked to the sitting area and stood at the master's right hand. "We decline your offer."
He glanced down to read the master's expression. Was such a blatant declaration permissible? Was he able to speak on his behalf? The master's eyes warmed with relief. He had disliked the Kravei clan leader's behavior as well.
Roctis slowly fanned out his fingers and relaxed his hands comfortably on his knees. "Cadis Etrama di Raizel-nim, I admit that I was concerned when I first heard that you took in the human, but I trusted your decision. Now I can see that you were right. It would seem that Frankenstein is already loyal to you. There was nothing to fear."
Loyal? His muscles stiffened involuntarily as his breathing tensed. He was playing the part of a servant. He was not loyal to anyone. Frankenstein looked down at the master. He was not loyal to that man.
"I shall take my leave, then." Roctis rose from his chair. The fabric from his coat swept down his shoulders and concealed his arms. "Frankenstein, a pleasure to meet you."
Frankenstein did not return the parting words.
"I bid you good night." Roctis ducked through the door and let himself out.
Frankenstein walked to the window and watched the clan leader disappear into the night. Nobles could not be underestimated. They may not be on par with his intelligence, but they had lived for hundreds and thousands of years. They were cunning enough to understand simple manipulation. The clan leader had an objective. What was it?
The master appeared at his side, and Frankenstein stepped out of his way, allowing him to take his usual place. He was not loyal to that man. Roctis Kravei had only wanted to place that thought in his mind. Rather, the displeasure of that thought. But the master? How would he react to this information? He had intercepted them when Roctis appeared in the corridor. It had been an act of protection. Frankenstein was certain of it. The master had been worried about his servant. Had the master been reaching out to him in his own way?
The master could be so helpless. The corners of Frankenstein's lips turned up softly. That man needed someone to take care of him. It wasn't that he was loyal to the master. He was just… concerned.
Frankenstein leaned against the wall next to the master. He had no interest in what lay beyond the window, but if it was important to the master, he would try his best to understand. He would try to see the special things the master could see. If only the master would meet him halfway.
The master touched his fingers to the glass.
"Allow me." Frankenstein moved forward, pushing the window open father.
The master gently touched his arm, stopping him, and curved his fingers around the windowpane. He pulled it closed, and without a word, he sat down in one of the chairs.
What did this mean? Frankenstein slid into the chair across from him, awaiting an explanation, but the man merely stared back at him.
The master could be so difficult to read sometimes.