The Sun Also Rises

There was a certain sense of joy that so came with Sebastian's apparent delight in that baked treat. It was entirely silly, of that Dorian was sure and yet it had somehow become so decidedly important that Sebastian should like what he made him. Dorian had considered, if only briefly, that his boyfriend might well simply be lying to him in how much he appeared to enjoy that treat- if only to spare his feelings as was surely the role of boyfriend to do. Yet, surely, the vampire would not have consumed each individual petal with such apparent delight if he had found disdain with it, would he? No, Sebastian surely genuinely enjoyed it, a curious feeling of pride swelling within his chest at his success in this simple and yet important endeavour. The vampires assurance that he need try sea salted caramel was met with a slightly curious look, the very idea of salt on caramel or chocolate or any other sweet thing still held a measure of utter bemusement to him and yet if his lover so insisted upon it, the Monarch was content to indulge him. Dorian nodding his agreement a moment later as he returned to his own seat.

Those softly uttered words that so suddenly fell from Matteo's lips had a way of chasing aside all other thoughts. The delicate admittance that his own Mother had once enjoyed something so trivial as baking seeming to seize all of his attention. Dorian had surely favoured his Mother over Ferdinand in his youth, the Fae holding but a small handful of memories of the woman and yet precious few of them so included any real moments of tenderness of care between them. Isabella had been distant with him and yet she had been distant with all her children to an extent. Present- but not truly attached. In all his life he could remember only few moments of affection though he had seen her, on several occasions, offer such gestures to his infant brother. Dorian assured that when he too had been small she had been the same, even if he hardly recalled it as it seemed he did not recall those moments Matteo had spoken of in regards to the role he too had played in Dorian's early years. It was foolish, surely, to know that his Mother had burned those treats in much the same fashion he had done and take any sense of comfort from it and yet any connection to his parent was meaningful to him. Dorian so hoping Matteo might continue with that tale and yet it seemed the elder Fae had spoken all he cared to. The Frenchman's mentions of that woman terribly infrequent and never truly with any emotion as of Matteo still feared, even now, to admit the depth of the relationship they had shared. Dorian unwilling to press upon that line of impoliteness and demand further conversation upon it. The Monarch instead allowing his attention to shift to those political affairs. Mention of that President so having a way of seizing his attention all the same- such a spiteful creature that President was!

It was that mention of his role within the Church that saw Dorian's own features scowl in some measure of confusion. To attack his position in those religious sects of his country seemed decidedly dishonourable and given how small his role in such events were it seemed too that it would surely be a wasted effort. Dorian querying then as to whether or not this was some intended blow at his sexuality, at his choice in Sebastian, in so publically allowing the world to know of just where his affections lay and would continue to lie. It was curious perhaps, the manner in which the Monarch so paused then, allowing his thoughts to turn within his mind. Dorian further considering just what this assault upon his role in the church might yet mean. It was seemingly small and yet the more he thought on it, the more the damage it seemed such a blow might be capable of doing. While his own role was notably small it was perhaps not that role the President so sought to strike against, rather the lack of trust in his ability as King such questioning might prompt. The Italian people, his people, were deeply ingrained within Catholicism. Religion was a cornerstone of the foundation off his very rule. Each and every King before him had played that role of Guardian of The Faith. While it required little from him, to have it questioned else removed, would be distinctly meaningful to his people and indeed perhaps see them question his right to his own throne- as if God himself might have found him ill favoured. It was ridiculous in every sense of the word and yet such a blow might yet prove dangerous if allowed to gather force. Dorian hardly a foolish man when it came to politic. His gaze glancing briefly to Sebastian, the Fae well aware off his own lover's skill in these matters. That soft musing upon returning to Italy met with a subtle nod.

"I believe I can access near all my parliamentarians through the computer talking system and better gauge their individual positions, if I sense too-greater concern amongst any individual then perhaps it would not be unwise to consider our returning to Italy for a month. Better still, if you are able Matteo, perhaps you might let me know which men will waver in their decisions when the time is upon them. Sebastian and I will surely find a way to appeal to them in particular."

The word for 'Skype' was a difficult notion for the man to master. Matteo's assurance that the Presidents true discontent might merely be shielded behind a veiled disdain off his sexuality was met with yet another curious look. This idea that the man feared that line of succession, one that Dorian had so truly failed to consider in any sense, so catching him by surprise. Just whom would rule Italy after him had never truly crossed his mind. After all, he would simply never cease to live. The world was not as it once was. There was no great rush to produce an heir in any sense- nor did he have any intention of it. Why should he? Dorian content to muse on whether or not he might merely fire this man and be done with all their concerns. That assertion that he could not was terribly displeasing to him before Sebastian's words so further promoted consideration off just why that President might fear that succession so very much. Dorian simply having failed to consider what Sebastian had in that moment in just how desperately that man might desire his removal and an end to his Monarchy. Dorian's gaze lifting to Matteo then. The Frenchman so purposely almost seeming to be averting his gaze, concern tugging at him once more. Surely there was no man bold enough to attempt to murder a King? Matteo sighing softly at last. It is a possibility, yes. Though to attempt such a thing in this day and age would be beyond bold. To be found out to have so much as considered an attempt is treason. That fear stays his hand, at least for now, yet Sebastian is also a target to his mind. He fears Sebastian may become a legitimate heir through Italian law, to be rid of him leaves only Dorian in his path. There are many possible futures, I cannot see them all when so much remains undecided. You need both simply be careful. I will get word to you if I foresee anything...nefarious.

That look of distinct disbelief remained upon Dorian's features all the same, the Fae so having failed to consider that the President might dislike them enough to wish either of them dead. Dorian oblivious to the idea that attempts upon Sebastian had already been made. His features forming another scowl then. His dislike for that man ever-increasing. Yet, that assurance from Matteo that he desired to remain in contact was perhaps enough, for now, to draw his mind from politics and the notion that he had not yet so explained to Sebastian just how that Italian law so functioned in the event of his own death. A conversation he had never truly desired to have and yet one that might now prove inevitable. Such things, at least briefly, cast aside with Matteo's assurance that the future for now at least remained in their favour. Dorian unable to prevent that small simper at the Frenchman's assurance he could call upon him. That small gesture ever meaningful as Dorian nodded. Matteo finishing the last off his tea before declaring his intention to depart. That soft request for but one more thing from Sebastian saw his silver gaze return to the vampire, Dorians features frowning softly as Sebastian seemed to positively struggle to ask that favour question off Matteo. Dorian quite assured he had never seen his lover become so flustered over something and yet too- he had never quite seen Sebastian ask for help either.

It was easy then, the manner in which Dorian shifted just so to allow his knee to press against Sebastian's own beneath that table and so provide that wordless support and simple encouragement. Whether it was truly needed or not he hardly knew, Dorian simply unable to allow that man he adored to struggle in any sense when he might alleviate it. Matteo's teacup was easily returned to its saucer then, his own slate eyes shifting to the vampire as the elder Fae seemed to consider that request from his future son-in-law for several moments, that sudden flare of red overtaking his iris for a moment in a fashion Dorian found mildly disconcerting. No wonder he wore those sunglasses so often. Dorian bracing himself then for whatever cryptic clue the man might afford them in regards to Anna-Marie. That little vampire one of the few beings Dorian truly disliked in every sense, the man not at all sure he would be in the least upset if she was never to be seen again. Matteo, for his part, hardly unaware of the boldness it surely took the vampire to veritably scold him, only to turn around and request his assistance. The Fae so evidently content to let Sebastian worry of it for a moment before, for once, so choosing to afford the man before him at least something of a direct answer. I know off her. I have seen you since the day you were born, after all, I have seen vision of her through those places your path crosses her own. I know....some of her history though I think it would bring you little joy to hear it. Instead I shall merely say this. I can see your life and Dorian's own intertwined into the future and she is not part of those visions. This means, simply, she will not be in your life for eternity and that neither of you will meet any sort of death at her hands. Her future holds a different path. Some futures are set. This one is absolute and will not change.

Dorian Aragona