Nathaniel shifts uncomfortably in his seat, focusing on nothing else but the cup of coffee in front of him. Marlin and Kian have taken their leave, with the blond mage telling him to seize the opportunity and talk to Caleb Vatore. Right now, the kitchen is occupied by him and the vampire lord.

Caleb, ever the polite man, offers to make coffee for both of them, the first of many steps in getting to know more about the blond Emberlynn. While he understands that Nathaniel is still guarded when it comes to accepting him, he wants to use this alone time to help them open up with each other, mainly for Primrose's sake.

"How is coffee?"

"I-it's good…" the blond nods "I'm quite surprised that you know how to make coffee, considering all the servants you have in this place."

"They have their duties, I don't think it's a good thing to add more work onto them when I can just simply learn how to make it myself." Caleb chuckles "Besides, it helps me blend in more with your kind."

Nathaniel wonders if he is referring to his human side or his mage side. But that doesn't matter anymore. Another pregnant pause, awkward and unpleasant as the two men try to figure out a topic to converse. The blond thinks about how this man is treating his older sister, Primrose. He is still surprised that the vampire lord has not advanced any further in terms of his relationship with her.

"So, you guys are…"

"I know her feelings for me and she knows mine too. It just…" there is a hint of disappointment in Caleb's striking silver orbs "If she needs more time to adjust to the idea that I'm by her side from now on, then let it be how she wants it to be."

Nathaniel stares at him, baffled at those words. The young lord has been very patient with Primrose, giving her the time and space she needs to process each step of their rekindling relationship. While the blond can clearly see how enamored his sister is when she is by Caleb's side, it is quite admirable that the Head of the House Vatore is very respectful of her boundaries and emotions.

"Do you love her?"

His question hangs in the air as a fond smile forms on the vampire lord's face, a death giveaway of his sincere feelings for the water mage. But Nathaniel does not understand…

If he truly loves Primrose that much, then why hurt her in the past just to come back and beg for forgiveness now?

"I understand where you are coming from, Nathaniel…"

Turning down her feelings, leaving her without a single word, flipping her whole world upside down with his actions. While Primrose may not think much about his actions anymore, Caleb still feels guilty for inflicting such pain on her. At that time, for a young maiden her age, to experience such a heartbreak was unbearable, but he did it anyway…

Caleb has many reasons for why he did what he did. The civil war between House Vatore and House Straud, the harsh judgment and prejudice of the noble vampires, the vicious cycle of the strong preying on the weak, and so many more. But no matter how many reasons he has, the young lord can not deny that he was the one who broke her heart into pieces, leaving her to mend the wounds and scars on her own.

Nathaniel stays silent, listening to Caleb's words. It's true…

He recalls seeing his sister's tearful face when she returned from Glimmerbrook. He was young and didn't know what happened that led Primrose to give up her magic study at Glimmerbrook School of Magic, but he could never forget that heartwrenching sight.

There is a reason why he is very protective of his older sister, the blond doesn't want her to experience the same pain she went through years ago. So when he finds out that Caleb Vatore is the same man who broke her heart, he simply can not accept it. Their fights these past few months are about her relationship with the young lord and Nathaniel firmly stands against it. He is so convinced that the Head of House Vatore will hurt her again that his hatred for Caleb manifests into insults he throws at Primrose whenever they get into a fight.

"If you ask me, she can never be angry at you for a long time…" Caleb smiles "She cried to me about it, but Primrose never harbors any ill feelings for you. You're lucky to have such a supportive and loving sister like her."

His compliment brings a smile to Nathaniel's face. Of course, Primrose has always been an amazing sister, someone who cares deeply about her family and friends. She has a strong and resilient heart, one that can hold other people's pain as she comforts them in her arms. Caleb knows this and yet, the strength of her heart is also her weakness. She may be the one who wears her heart on her sleeves, but there are times when no one can see through the walls she builds around her.

For someone who can express her feelings so freely without any restriction, it's scary to think that she can also withhold and trap her emotions within the depth of her heart, so deep that no one can reach it.

Oh, how beautiful yet fragile her heart is, one that is shaped by the experience she encounters…

"Marlin is right…" Nathaniel chuckles, circling the coffee cup in his hand "You understand her very well. Even I can't see through her…"

"It takes time and lots of patience, I'll give you that. But for Primrose, it's all worth it…"

Because Caleb loves her. It doesn't matter that she is a mage with great strength in water magic, a popular author who owns many successful romantic titles, a member of the prestigious Emberlynn and Minamoto family. In his eyes, she is simply Primrose Emberlynn, the one who holds the key to his heart.

"I know how difficult it is for you, Nathaniel, given your own circumstances and problems regarding Ember's situation, but stay by Primrose's side." Caleb leans against the kitchen counter, offering a kind and brotherly advice "For you are the only family she can rely on right now."

Nathaniel stays silent. He knows that she needs him, that everything she does up to now is to ensure his safety. Having calmed down after a dreadful fight with her last night, his mind is clear enough to know what his sister and family have sacrificed to bring him here, away from House Emberlynn's clutch. Just like Marlin has said, if he continues to be the frog in the well, he will never see the truth beyond his own perception.

Looking at Caleb one more time, there is something he wants to ask this man. If he chooses to accept the young lord into his sister's life, then he must know his answer.

"Tell me, Caleb Vatore. Do you truly love my sister?"

It is the same question he asked earlier, but something about it seems different. Caleb sets down his coffee and looks at the young man in front of him, bright blue eyes staring back at his own silver ones.

"I love her. It doesn't matter what anyone said, or what opinions they have about her, Primrose is someone who I hold dear to my heart." he speaks up, his voice firm, like a confirmation "And I will do everything to protect her and her fragile heart."

A knock on the door draws Primrose's attention as she turns to see the person entering the reading room before slowly returning to the book she is reading, her hand still petting Mayor Whisker's smooth black fur.

Nathaniel scratches the back of his head and makes his way to sit next to her, knowing that the raven head is still very much angry at him. She ignores his presence and continues to read the book, but the blond can tell that his sister is not fully committed to her little act.

"Hey Prims…"

She shifts uncomfortably on the plush sofa, her ears perk up cutely when she hears the familiar nickname.

"I'm sorry…" he looks at her before holding onto the opened book, taking it away from her hand "I know you're still angry at me, but…"

Chewing his bottom lips lightly, he looks at her with a remorseful face. She turns to him, pouting at his antic. Those bright blue eyes are staring at her, wide open and longing, and she can feel her heart melt at the sight already. Her little brother is using his puppy eyes on her, knowing very well that she can never stay angry at him if he uses this technique.

Putting Mayor Whisker to the side, she grabs a pillow and hits him lightly, scolding the blond for using his good look and puppy eyes to deceive her and stating that she will not fall for that trick anymore. But Nathaniel just laughs softly, raising his arms to block the pillow from landing on his face.

"What are you? A puppy?"

"If you want me to be one, yeah…" he chuckles at her scolding and grabs onto her hands "I'm sorry. I know that what you and everyone did was to ensure my safety. It is not right for me to throw your efforts away like that."

"Now you know?" she huffs, crossing her arms and turning away.

Primrose can not stay angry for long as Nathaniel wraps his arms around her, pulling his sister into a heartwarming embrace. He continues to apologize, saying sweet words that soothe her heart and mind. The raven head pouts, she wants to stay mad longer, but the puppy dog eyes and sweet pleading force her to give up on the intention. She turns to him, raising one hand and patting his soft golden locks.

"You owe me lots of boba."

"All the boba you want, Prims." he laughs "All of them."

They stay like that for a few minutes before she breaks the silence again, asking how they should deal with their parent's capture. The blond informs her that Marlin is looking into ways they can get them out, possibly hinting at the idea that they have to go back to the Emberlynn manor one more time.

"You think that Mom and Dad will be okay?" he asks with worries in his eyes.

"They will be okay. They are much stronger than we are, remember?" she smiles fondly "And nothing can stop them when they are together."

"You're right. But I do wish to rescue them soon." the blond sighs "And Ember…"

He is afraid that Ember might not be able to hold up like his parents can. While she has a reliable twin brother, Emerald, to rely on, Nathaniel doesn't know if she is able to get through everything without him by her side. Her parents, Victor and Lily, are fixated on pushing her to marry Don Lothario. What if she can't…?

"Do not fret, Nat. Emerald and I are on your case. If we can get the girl whom the Fengs hired to defame you, then we can use that proof to force her parents to stop the wedding. I also ask Lilian to keep an eye on Ember too." putting a hand on his shoulder, she reassures him "We all know how they always try to keep a pristine public image. If the news of them bribing the university administration and students to stage a false accusation against you breaks out, you know how they will react."

Nathaniel nods, feeling grateful that Primrose is still thinking of ways to ensure that Ember is safe. For her to go to such lengths to protect everyone around her, the blond can't help but admire her for that. The more he thinks about this, the more he realizes how he sees her through the lens of Caleb Vatore.

"I…talk to Caleb Vatore earlier…" Primrose seems tense in his embrace.

"W-what did you guys talk about?"

"Oh, just stuff and…well…" he sighs "I can see why you love him that much."

Her face is painted with a lovely shade of red, silently nods as she acknowledges her brother's observation.

"I won't stop you guys anymore…" he mumbles "But you have to promise me that you will choose yourself if anything happens."

Primrose looks at him, eyes widening at her brother's words. A sweet smile engulfs her face as she giggles, bringing up her pinky finger to conceal their promise.

Their little happy moment doesn't last long as Marlin walks in, informing them about their parents' situation. While they are under the surveillance of House Emberlynn, Edward and Rosalina are house arrested and currently staying at the Emberlynn residence, Nathaniel and Primrose's childhood home.

"Really?" she raises a brow, finding this revelation is too good to be true "That can't be right."

"But it's true. How else do you think your father communicates to me, Primrose?" the blond mage shows her a ring and both siblings immediately recognize who that item belongs to "Edward plans things out very well. And with the help of Alfred, your uncle, he was able to stay at home instead of being held captive in the jails underneath the Emberlynn manor."

"Then we must come to their aid!" Nathaniel exclaims "We must help them escape!"

"Of course we will help them," Marlin refers to him and Primrose "But not you Nathaniel."

The fire mage points out how risky it will be if they recruit the blond into this rescue mission, knowing that House Emberlynn is waiting for the right moment to capture all of them. By holding their parents captive, the elders's council wants to bait out Nathaniel and seize him the moment he steps back into the manor.

The younger Emberlynn protests, saying that he will not turn into a coward and run away when Edward and Rosalina are facing hardships to protect him. Primrose steps in, agreeing with her mentor. Bringing the blond into this mission will further expose him to the wicked elders and she can not take such a risk, her parents's efforts will prove to be in vain if Nathaniel falls into their hands again.

"But…"

"Stay calm, Nathaniel. We can not act recklessly." Marlin gives him a stern look "You too, Primrose. I will not hesitate to drop you from this little business if you act rashly."

"O-of course…"

She swallows a lump in her throat, knowing that it is not a good time to poke at Marlin when he is serious about something.

"Then I will go with you guys."

Caleb opens the door and steps in, looking at all of them. He does not want to eavesdrop on their plan but the vampire lord can not allow Primrose to venture into such a dangerous place like that. However, Marlin refuses to accept his help, stating that the problem can escalate with his involvement.

"Marlin, you know how dangerous this mission can be."

With a firm hold, the young lord pulls Primrose to his side, glaring at Marlin. He can not believe that the fire mage can come up with such a risky plan and have Primrose join him on the rescue mission. While he understands the importance of getting Edward and Rosalina out of House Emberlynn's grasp, he can not allow her to go.

"Look Caleb, we have everything under control. Lumera, Primrose, and I will get them out in no time. But we can not accept your help, not when you are the Head of House Vatore." Marlin points out the obvious reason "If something happens to you, Primrose will be the one who takes the blame. Even with what happened yesterday, Inna Cents already showed her disapproval of you taking them in as refugees."

Nathaniel silently agrees with Primrose's mentor. House Vatore's desire to insert itself in the matter of House Emberlynn only brings more complications to this problem and the political complexities of the vampire society are not to be underestimated. While he appreciates that the young lord cares deeply about his sister, the blond knows that trusting Marlin is the best option for all of them.

But Caleb doesn't back down, tightening his grip on Primrose's shoulders. He is determined to protect her at all costs as he is not willing to be on standby when she is venturing into a wolf's den. It doesn't matter if Inna Cents or any of the noble vampires object to his involvement, the young lord refuses to let his lovely raven head join in such a dangerous mission.

"Stand down, Caleb. I don't want to repeat myself again. This situation is already bad enough, we don't need the involvement of House Vatore to further complicate it." the fire mage grits his teeth "You need to trust us. Primrose is much stronger than you think she is!"

"It is not about her strength that I'm worried about, I know she is more than capable of doing this. But…"

Caleb's eyes turn red as he speaks, his hold on her tightens as the protective instinct takes over. Nathaniel takes a step back when he senses a dangerous aura emitting from the vampire lord, his sister is glued to Caleb as he refuses to let her go.

The raven head raises her head, her onyx eyes stare at him. She knows that he wants to protect her, he has always wanted to shield her from all the harm that comes her way. But in this particular case, she can not please him. Her parents need her and Primrose is willing to put herself in danger if it means she can bring them out of the clutch of the elders' council.

"Caleb…"

"No, Primrose." he looks at her, firmly denying her request "Either I go with you or you stay here!"

"They are my parents! You can not force me to stay here and ignore them." she wiggles her way out of his embrace but the young lord refuses to give in "Let me go!"

She pushes against his chest, trying to pry herself off him. But she is not as strong as Caleb, especially when he is led by his vampire instinct. Frustration starts to mount on her when Primrose seizes his face with both hands, forcing him to acknowledge her. The young lord flinches at her demand, he has never looked at Primrose with these red eyes before, fearing that they might scare her.

And it's true…

The moment those red orbs fall on her, she can feel a chill run down her spine. The pressure exuding from them is tremendous to the point she finds herself freezing on the spot, she never has this feeling before when Caleb is with her. But now…

"Caleb, you have to trust me and Marlin. I know that you want to keep me safe, but right now…" she takes in a deep breath "Your and Nathaniel's support matters the most to me."

Grunting angrily, the young lord tries to remove himself from her hold. Primrose is faster, planting gentle pecks on his cheek, soothing the frustration in him.

"Please…?"

Furrowing his brows, Caleb curses under his breath. She knows that he can not let her go alone like that and yet, she still asks him to do it. She is forcing him to make a tough decision, just how cruel Primrose can be…?

"Lilith!"

Even when he speaks in a normal voice, the whole estate can hear his call. His younger sister, Lilith, dashes into the reading room immediately with Kian right behind her.

"Caleb, what's wrong?"

"Bring it to Primrose."

The younger Vatore blinks a few times before she understands what her brother is implying. Her eyes shine brightly as she nods, disappearing in a veil of mist. Marlin wants to protest again, but he decides to bite his tongue instead. He knows what Caleb is trying to do and finds his worked-up antic to be out of character, but if this helps to mediate the situation, the fire mage has to accept it.

Lilith reappears again, holding a small jewelry box in her hand. She walks up to Primrose and Caleb, presenting it to her brother. The Head of House Vatore opens the box, pulls out a beautiful pendant with their family crest engraved on it, and puts it on the raven head. She is surprised at first and caresses the necklace in her palm, eyes twinkling as she admires the gorgeous stone.

"Caleb, this is…?"

"A protection charm." he turns to the side, pointing at the pair of ruby earrings he is wearing "Just like the one you gave me."

"This is for me?" she is in awe at the gesture "B-but it looks expensive, I don't want to ruin it during the mission."

The young lord firmly tells her to keep it on, saying that he is not willing to compromise. His words hold an underlying tone as he glances at Marlin, who sighs exaggeratedly and nods his head, giving his approval.

With one hand around her, Caleb pulls her delicate body closer and plants a tender kiss on her forehead, telling her to promise that she will be safe. Her face turns red at his affection, feeling embarrassed as they are in front of everyone's eyes, but Primrose nods softly, her hands still holding onto the pendant with great care.

"I promise!"