House of Caliban

Chapter 11

Blaise didn't understand where the night had gone wrong.

He had taken Haylan to his hometown in Italy.

It had been a wonderful night. They had a picnic and watched the sunset while discussing their interests. They took a walk around the river Po while discussing their pasts. They went into a small local bar to continue to talk about what they wanted in the future. Blaise had gone up to the bar to get them drinks and when he got back to the table, Haylan was gone, and the girl at the table next to him told him the redhead he came in with had run out of the bar crying.

Blaise didn't understand what had happened. What had upset Haylan?

He went home confused to talk to his Mother to figure out where he messed up and what met him was Aunt Narcissa and his Mother in the sitting room looking more grave than he had ever seen them.

"Aunt Cissa? Is Haylan okay? I don't know what happened." Blaise heard his voice crack a little and Narcissa's fury softened slightly but she still looked furious.

"I came here to figure that out myself. Haylan came home inconsolable and hasn't been able to tell us what is wrong. What did you do Blaise?" Narcissa's voice was harsh with worry for her charge.

Blaise sunk down into one of the chairs across from his still silently fuming mother and angry Aunt Narcissa.

"I honestly don't know what happened. We had been having such a good night. We talked so much and we were really connecting. At least I thought we were. We were in a bar, I just went to get us something to drink! He was smiling when I left the table, but when I got back he was gone." Blaise's voice sounded tortured, which took a lot of the fight out of Narcissa. She believed him, Blaise had never lied to her before and was quite stressed out by the result of their date.

"Sounds like something else happened. We should wait to hear Haylan's side of things before making any guesses. Blaise, caro mio, go take a hot shower and get some rest. I have a feeling that tomorrow will be stressful as well." Vivianna said to her son, getting up to wrap him in a tight hug before dismissing the sad boy to his room. Looking back at Narcissa who was biting her lower lip deep in thought.

"What do you suspect happened Narcissa?"

"I am unsure. I would guess a lot of things but none of them would have put Haylan into the state he was in when I left the castle. Haylan completely fell apart, we had to force a calming draught down his throat."

"Did anyone know the boys were going out on this date? Anyone who would want to interfere?"

"No, no Haylan keeps almost no staff that isn't house elf within range of his activities as a precaution until his guard and armies are called back into use after the coronation. Unless someone intercepted their plans or happened upon them by accident in Italy, I honestly don't know what could have caused this. Haylan was so excited to see Blaise."

"I will keep my ear to the ground and I suggest you should do the same. Hopefully, Haylan will give us all answers in the morning."

Narcissa and Vivianna said good night and parted ways. Two mothers equally confused and worried over their kids.

Haylan's eyes felt crusty and sore when he woke the next morning. His mouth was dry and his throat hurt. For a moment he was confused until the memories of the night before came rushing back to him.

Blaise had been a gentleman all evening. Haylan was feeling properly wined and dined. They had such an instant connection that made Haylan want to drift closer to Blaise constantly. They found a bar that was open and decided to head in to escape the chill of the night air. Blaise smiled at Haylan making butterflies fill his stomach at the sight. Blaise found them a table and then went to get them something to drink while Haylan waited.