Emil was in a foul mood and it had started with an unpleasant conversation with Feliks. His younger brother had been getting quite big-headed lately due to Emil having allowed him to extend his influence freely in the university. A mistake on his part, as Feliks seemed to think his generosity as Emil throwing in the towel and letting his little brother walk all over him.
Emil didn't usually make a habit of bringing people, especially members of his family, to heel, but this time he had enjoyed doing so with a vengeance.
He couldn't possibly let his brother think he had a chance of taking over Emil's position as heir, now could he.
Emil was quite used to being underestimated due to his chosen profession, but he didn't think that his younger brother would be stupid enough to fall into the same trap as well.
Followed by that unfortunate meeting, was his even more unfortunate meeting with Yuliang Davos.
He had extended his invitation to the younger man to join him at the ball, only to be turned down. His mentor-brother had already agreed to be the youngest Rydel's date to the ball.
Now he was seated in his office fuming at how things had turned out.
His brother had challenged his authority today, damaging whatever good relationship they had been maintaining these days.
He had agreed to go to the fucking Solstice ball and was now dateless.
He realized that Yuliang Davos was now under the Rydel family's influence and well out of the Belmont family's reach. Him possibly being Lorcan's Imprint only further complicated things.
A battle had been lost before he could even fight it.
Emil wished it was the weekend again.
He could do with a strong drink right now.