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“You portalled into my Headquarters without leave?” Salem cut straight to the chase.
“Testing your defences, Principal,” Cord’s eyes were full of amusement. “They’re weak, I will strengthen them before I leave.”
“Do you think that will appease me?” Salem scoffed as leaned back in his seat. “I see you got your wish,” he indicated to Cord’s robes.
“The Great Council were acquiescent to my request,” Cord’s head dipped again in reverence.
“Acquiescent to my request,” Salem bit out a laugh. “By the Ancients, you get more like your father every day.” He didn’t miss the flash of annoyance in Cord’s eyes as the younger male sat quietly.
“I would like to think not,” Cord murmured quietly.
“Did you know he was coming?” Salem asked Sloane.
“No, he scared the shit out of me in the library,” Sloane admitted as he relaxed in his chair. He ignored his older brothers self-satisfied smile. “I didn’t realise you knew he chose his Cast?”
“I am Principal, I don’t actually have to answer to you, Sloane – despite you and Michael’s misguided notion I am here at your beck and call,” Salem answered dryly. “Although, I was not aware the Cast had been chosen, I merely knew your brother had an unusual result.” Salem’s eyes flicked to Cord’s who was sitting quietly, his posture relaxed.
“Sorry, it’s been a tough couple of days,” Sloane conceded to his Principal.
Salem nodded in agreement. “It really has,” his mirthless laugh filled the room.
“She seems to be very skilled,” Cord said into the following silence.
“When did you see her?” Salem focused once more on the Castor.
“In the library, she’s feisty.” A small smile hovered on the young Castor’s lips, causing Salem to frown.
“She is of no interest to you, or your Cast.”
“Maybe, maybe not,” Cord shrugged. He watched the Principal shift in his seat, barely concealing his amusement that he was affecting him with his apparent careless words. Nothing Cord did was careless, and he was enjoying making the Principal squirm.
“Ignore him, Salem, he is merely being annoying,” Sloane interrupted the staring contest.
“Am I?” Cord asked, as he regarded his brother coolly. “My father needs to be informed she is here,” he carried on, enjoying it when Salem stiffened and also his younger brother’s look of incredulity. “Cornelius gets tetchy when he is left out of things and he isnotgoing to appreciate that he is in the dark about this.”
“I plan on telling your father when the time is right,” Salem answered tersely. “Tegan needs to settle here first; she has had enough family thrust into her life as it is.”
“Unacceptable,” Cord stood. “Sloane will inform our father tonight.”
“I will not be disrespected like this, Castor. I don’t care how powerful they say you are,” Salem snapped. “This is of no concern to the Crimson Cast.”
“Indeed, it may not be,butit is of concern to my House and my House has my loyalty,” Cord’s dip of his head again was mocking, “Iamthe Heir.”
“Your Cast should be your only loyalty,” Salem growled at the young male.
“Come now, Principal – even you don’t believe those lies,” Cord mocked. “I will make use of the Castors chamber when I am here,” he walked to the door. “Sloane, come, I will make a fire message for you.”
Sloane sat for a moment before reluctantly getting to his feet. “I’m sorry, Salem, I have to let him know.” His head was down as he followed Cord from the room. When they exited the room, Sloane wasted no time slamming his brother against the wall in the hall. “What in name of all that is Ancient wasthat?”
Cord’s laughter unnerved him, and he dropped his hands from his brothers robes as he stood back. “You know you cannot best me, Sloane, I don’t know why you lash out at me.” Cord straightened his robes as he resumed walking along the hall.
“You could have handled that better,” Sloane rubbed his jaw as they both walked down the hall.
“He annoys me,” Cord shrugged.
“Everyoneannoys you,” Sloane snapped irritably.
Cord looked at his brother from the corner of his eye, “You don’t,” he murmured quietly. He took perverse pleasure when he saw his younger brother falter.
