It was early evening in the Crimson estate. Edward was reviewing documents from the Senate's last meeting. It was such a boring task, especially since he had taken part in that meeting, that his eyes began to feel heavy. He was in a comfy armchair in his own… his father’s office. He could as well call it his office; he was there constantly. The cushions were so soft that he wondered if it was a good idea to take a nap. Cassian wouldn't even realise, so absorbed in managing the town's small businesses' rental payments.

  When he was slowly dozing off with documents still in his hands, a knock made him jump out of the dream. It didn’t sound like Rose; her knocking was always soft and playful. Cassian cleared his throat and welcomed the visitor.

  In the now open doors stood a very familiar old man. Edward smiled, seeing the wrinkly smile on Ron’s face. He used to think of this butler as his uncle. He and Sebastian, his own butler, both. The man looked slightly tired, probably from a trip here. It took him exactly three days, still better than most. Sebastian would probably say something like, ‘I could do it quicker.’ They always had that rival-like friendship.

  “Master Edward, Duke Cassian, it’s a pleasure to see you two in good health.” He spoke, which made Ed realise why his brother’s butler was here.

  Ron crossed the room with a letter in hand; of course, his brother wouldn't write to him. Why would he? He was just his only brother, who was worried sick about his happiness. Edward visibly pouted.

  The duke thanked Ron for the quick delivery and proposed a room for him to rest, but the butler stood his ground. Dante must have not told him anything. Right, why would he, when the marriage isn’t gonna happen...never. – Edward thought, and took a sip of his cold coffee. It was hot just an hour before. Cassian moved from his place, probably to straighten his legs, and walked to the fireplace.

  “Hmm…I see.” He mumbled to himself. “Dante and Alicia are getting engaged.”

  Edward blinked, desperately wanting to suddenly be hard of hearing.

  “What?” His tone was so sweet that Cassian shuddered. “What did you just say?”

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  “I would like to know too, Duke.” Ron matched Edward’s tone perfectly, surprised and apparently just as angry. Everyone knew that Dante didn’t fancy women.

  “He and Alicia…”

  “Stop right there!” Edward didn’t feel sleepy anymore as he abruptly stood up. “Didn’t I tell you to write to him that he mustn’t feel pressured?! What did you do?! I swear, if you let him marry a woman, I’m quitting! Find yourself a new heir!” he started walking towards his father. In that moment, Cassian decided to toss the letter into the fire. “What are you doing?! What was in that letter?!”

  “Just that he agrees, and it’s his choice. He pointed it out a few times.” The duke answered calmly. What made Edward inhale.

  “You...dismiss it now. There is no engagement,” he demanded of his father.

  “I cannot; he chose it.”

  “Alright...alright.” From the outside, it looked like Edward was slowly calming down. “Duke Florent can be a brother-killer, I can be a father-killer; there’s no law that would make me lose title if I propose a good reason for that murder.”

  “Edward, calm down.” The duke didn’t take that threat to heart.

  “Ron, will I have your help?” the young man continued, Ron not wanting to overstep a boundary with the Duke, only nodded in confirmation. Cassian sighed, suddenly tired.

  “You have to take it with your brother, not me.” He pointed out what made Edward look at Ron.

  “I know you're tired, but…”

  “I’m suddenly not so tired, master Edward.” The young man nodded.

  “Great, I’ll pack my things, we are going to the Florent’s duchy, tell Sebastian to pack too.” Ron didn’t need to be told twice. He nearly ran out of the office.

  “What about your work, Edward?” The duke sighed, taking back his place at the desk.

  “You made a mess, now deal with it.” He scolded, and Cassian realised that his son often directed those words at him.

  “But…” the door closed loudly after Edward, with such strength that it made the painting on the wall tremble. “…I didn’t do anything this time. I hope Alicia’s happy. Both she and Dante need to stop making him a fool; it makes me look bad in his eyes.” He mumbled, and soon he realised that his children already didn’t have a good view of him.

  Cassian sighed again and smiled, as the words ‘fake engagement’ played in his mind.