"Thank you for your kindness, Majesty." Magnus said, his eyes cast to the floor. "To sit in your presence is a great-"

"Magnus, was it?" The brown haired demon nodded. "My Ciel tells me that you have been there when he needed a friend and I wish to express my gratitude to you, therefore, please raise your head and enjoy the refreshments that are before us." Sebastian invited as his family sat in the parlor with their visitor.

"Thank you,Ma-"

"Save the formality for the public events, if Ciel considers you a friend, than surely after all you've done for him, I can attempt to do the same." Magnus raised his head, glancing at Ciel who offered a reassuring nod.

"It's all right." Evian confirmed, raising his glass to his lips. My father is a man of his word. He is an honorable king, and on behalf of my siblings and myself, thank you for taking care of our dear mother, he's quite precious to us all."

"Truly my Prince-"

"Evian" the eldest son corrected.

"Right, Evian, it was my pleasure. Your mother is an incredible demon. We've never seen the likes across the sea." Angelina narrowed her eyes at the stranger. Noticing his daughter's expression, Ciel moved to comfort her. He handed her a goblet which she accepted before taking a sip and allowing Ciel to hold her.

"What's wrong,Angel?" He asked.

"I don't like him." She hissed. "I don't like the way he looks at you when Dad isn't watching. My father is the only one who should-" The princess burst into angry tears.

"Angelina Marie, you have to understand that I love you very much and I would never do anything to hurt you. He may like me the same way as your father but it's one sided, he knows this."

"But-"

"Would it make you feel better if I told you a secret, just between us?" Angelina nodded. Ciel leaned closer to her ear.

"I'm still very much in love with your father." He whispered. Angelina turned to her mother.

"Then why did you go?"

"Sometimes love isn't enough, no matter how strong. I just needed to figure it out on my own. Love changes as it grows angel, but if it's true love, it will never, ever disappear." He kissed her forehead and released her.

"Feeling better?"

"Much better, thank you, mom. You always know what to do."

"Of course, I wouldn't be a good mother if I didn't know how to comfort my baby girl, would I. Try to calm down now."Sebastian shook his head.

" some things never change. Offering our children a feeding as a comfort, you're such a mother. "

"But Dad, Mum's is the best kind. It really does make us feel better." Rowan added."it makes it more special now. He doesn't have to do it anymore but we all know we can go to him." Ciel smiled, giving each of his children a goblet. Magnus watched as the grown Michaelis children seemed to become more relaxed, each one giving Ciel a hug. The former Prince then turned to Sebastian.

"Have you been eating enough, you look like you-"

"Ciel, you mustn't worry, I'm being well looked after and I don't want you to feel obligated to-"

"I don't. Do you want some too?" In truth Sebastian missed it.

"Can you spare anymore?"

"I didn't give them all that much, just a small amount."

"You're far too kind."

"It helps me as well. I feel... Needed." He admitted giving the king the small feeding.

"Of course you're needed, you're our mom." Kathryn, Vincent and Rachel said in unison.

"A mother's work is never done, is that not what you used to say?" Evian reminded him.

"I suppose it is." Ciel agreed.

"If all mothers were half as loving as you are, the world would be a better place." Magnus said. "I hope when the day comes, my mate would be a fraction of what I've seen when our children arrive." He turned to Sebastian.

"Sir, your Ciel is one of a kind, you must be very proud."

"Indeed I am. As far as mates go, I had the most amazing one. Never could I hope to find a better demon to give my love to. I respect his decision to travel and it has been difficult. To know he is no longer at my side-"

"I still am, just not as your mate. I'll always be one of your biggest supporters. I believe in you still as I always did. I know it's hard to get used to, but that's why I said you should move on. Fill that place in your life so you don't feel-"

"The answer will remain the same, there is only one." Sebastian replied sternly.

"You know what they say, it gets lonely at the top.'

"Then allow me to bring you along dearest." The king said. The Michaelis children waited in silence, hoping for a sudden change in Ciel's decision. The former earl simply bowed his head and stood up.

"If you don't mind, I think I'll go to bed, I have some catching up to do before I leave."

"As you wish, it's your home, you need no permission." Sebastian said in a disappointed tone. Ciel hugged his children, bidding everyone goodnight before climbing the stairs and disappearing from sight. He decided on a plan to fix the current situation with Sebastian it was something he should have done in the beginning.