He knew what was coming, and he paced near the entrance of the ravine, wearing a path with his heavy steps, and inviting no questions with his scowling expression. The Klein who had trained to be a doctor would be examining those in Belle’s close circle, to deem them fit or not to be in her presence.
The Titan had recovered from a near death experience only months past, and his body had fought an infection that had almost taken a limb. His long struggle here to the borders of the Ashen Empire had strengthened him through hardship. There was a very real possibility that she might deem him unfit for duty in some manner.
The thought frightened him terrible, he trusted no other to guard his Empress, and couldn’t bare to be banned from his presence. He was her sworn vessel and companion. Yet, if she did not over rule the Doctor, he must obey. He must obey all of the Klein family, who had owned him since childhood.
The possibility left him in a black mood, but by the time the call reached his ears, summoning him with an order, he had wiped clean his expression. He would show no disobedience nor rebellion to his rulers. His heavy stride took him to Lady Lucretia’s den just after that of Belle’s handmaiden. He took a seat in front of the doctor wordlessly, and his ear flicked towards Zee with annoyance at her tone and words. His lips parted over a fang in a silent growl, that he directed away from all to see. He got control of himself again, turned his face to the Doctor and lowered himself into an elegant bow. “You called for me, your Grace?” he said, despite knowing exactly why.
Bloodletter
