The heavy clacking echoed through the devil's castle, followed by deep, angry growls.
"Majesty, if I may, I could gather the staff and form a search party. I do believe however that we would find master Sebastian safe and quite well. Perhaps he stepped out for something to eat." Cynna suggested.
"Does he not still depend on that very staff in Ciel's absence, I will say this, if he find my son unharmed...he will not remain that way long. If he would like to act like a demonling-"
"My love, please, he has been through an incredible-"
"Enough!" The former king roared, causing his mate to fall silent. "He is in possession of the crown. Tonight was his responsibility. It is not like him to simply disappear, Rhiannon."
"No, it is not. Surely Sebastian had a reason for not attending, please be as gentle as you can, he is-"
"You must stop defending those two,Rhiannon. No good will come of your shielding them." Ann gasped, placing a hand on her chest.
"They are my children, how dare you suggest-"
"Be silent!" The devil hissed.
"I will not!"Ann cried angrily. "How dare you tell me how to be a mother. When you learn what it feels like to carry a demonling, fight through hours of labor and raise the demonling mostly on your own because your mate is off-"
"I was ruling all of hell. I gave you the peace-"
"And I gave you the sons you asked for, only to have to assume that you can step in and tell me how a mother's heart is supposed to work. You are no longer king and I am no longer bound by the role of Queen. But keep this in mind. Once a Queen, forever a mother." The former devil growled in anger, turning from her.
"Consider yourself fortunate. If I did not love you as much as I do, you would regret your words."
"And if I were not the woman I am, you may hear a few more."
"Now, Now, let's calm down. It will do no good. My dear Queen, I understand your position." Cynna began, taking her hand and leading her to the chair. "Master Ciel shares many of your views and I must also agree with some. Majesty, Queen Rhiannon is the love of your life, is it truly worth the fight?"
The former king looked to his mate, kneeling before her.
"It is not. Even in anger, my heart will forever be yours. I was wrong. I beg on my knees for the forgiveness of such a beautiful, kind and loving demon, who has over these many centuries stood at my side, cared for my children and changed my life. Though many years have passed since the day I first saw your perfect smile, your kind and gentle eyes, you were everything I wanted. This holds true today and always. Please forgive me." Ann reached out, touching his cheek.
"I vowed the day of our bonding to love you eternally. I love you now as I always have, I ask for your patience with our children. I know this is difficult for you, but as a mother, I will always see them as demonlings. It is never too late to improve oneself. But know that it is not wise to challenge me when it involves our sons and daughter. You have my forgiveness, this time." Her mate stood, pulling her into his massive arms.
"Oh father, come and see what just walked in." Mordred smirked as he entered, Sebastian and Ciel were close behind. "They seemed to be enjoying themselves." The large beast released his mate, turning to face the group and opened his nouth to speak.
"Gently." Ann reminded.
"This once." He said beckoning them forward. Sebastian took Ciel's hand.
"What's this about?" The former earl asked.
"It is about my son shirking his responsibility. Where were you Sebastian Caleb?" The deep voice demanded.
"Prioritizing. The love of my life needed me."
"How many times must we go through this, he is no longer your mate. You are not obligated to-"
"He is the love of my life and the mother of my children, there for Ciel takes first priority. This is where my heart truly lies."
"Clearly. While I commend your loyalty, I confess myself confused. He broke your heart, and yet you run to him every time he calls."
"He didn't. Also, yes I did request that we keep in touch, not just for the children. We ended on very good terms despite it being my fault he left to begin with."
"I told you, it wasn't. You were always a good mate to me. It was my fault. What's this responsibility your father's talking about. I asked you if I was keeping you from something important and-"
"I told you know because you are important to me, hosting an annual, for lack of a better phrase, tea party is nothing to me." Ciel smiled faintly.
"You would give all that up for me...even now?"
"Always." Ann grinned, reaching out to embrace Ciel.
"Ciel dear, it's so wonderful to see you, how are you?" She greeted warmly.
"I've been better, but thank you. How are you?"
"I'm afraid I too have been better. It has been quite an adjustment. As she released his, she noticed the ring.
"Back where it belongs, wonderful." Glancing over the former king shook his head.
"I am sorry my son. You must take back that ring. The blue jewel is meant for royalty. Ciel is no longer your mate." Ciel held it close.
"Father, it was made for him and no one else may ever wear it. This is my ruling as king." Sebastian said sternly.
"This I cannot allow as your father." Ann bowed her head as the argument continue until finally Ciel offered his treasure to the former king, his heart shattered.
"Ciel-" Sebastian began.
"It's fine. It's not worth your relationship with your father."
"Wait a moment." Ann cried, stopping Ciel from returning the ring.
"What is it mother?" Ann drew in a breath.
"I have been keeping a secret from you all. Please do not judge me too harshly my dears, but there is something I must confess."