Failure (Frederico) - Frederico's Haven

Estaban looked more than a little worse for wear as made his way to the door of his Sire. He knocked and waited to be let in. This was down right painful.

He was obviously in the middle of ... something. He answered the door shirtless, and it took him all of two seconds to deduce that there was something not quite right with his son.

"Estaban, my son. What is wrong?"

And it took his little time to guess that Frederico was busy.

"I...I am sorry. I have picked a bad time. I should come back..."

He turned around, ready to leave the man. His problems were not immediate, H would still be upset tomorrow.

Just like that, the elder Toreador's hand was on his shoulder.

"Do not be silly. Come, son, tell me what troubles you."

He turned back and looked at him for a moment.

"I failed you father. I have been stripped of my position."

His brows rose.

"Why?"

He shook his head.

"I have no idea. I was not consulted or warned. My replacement was announced at the Primogen meeting and when I asked to leave I was told no, that the information was going to be given to the public, so i might as well hear now. Lovely humiliation."

He pulled his son into a warm embrace. It was a comforting thing, rather than one of seduction or pleasure.

"Shh. It is not a failure from you, my son."

And he allowed himself to be pulled in.

"I am sorry though, I have let you down. I will reflect badly on you and I never wished this, never wanted to cause you shame.. in me or to bring it to our family."

He held his son close, stroking his hair.

"It does not. It means little more than that princes are fickle creatures."

He nodded.

"Then you are not ashamed of me father?"

He shook his head and kissed the top of Estaban's head.

"Not at all, my son. I am quite proud of you."

He looked at his father.

"I am not sure I have earned that pride, but thank you for it nonetheless."

His brow rose.

"How could you think otherwise?"

He shook his head.

"Only a year. I only lasted a year."

Both hands cupped his son's face.

"And your Prince is fickle. You are not to blame."

He smiled at the man.

"Yes father."

He smiled, giving him another kiss to the forehead.

"Do you now feel better?"

He gave his father a smile though it was not as pure as his normal one.

"No, not really father. But there is less guilt. I doubt I will really feel better for at least a little. I was rather happy with the position. I guess there is a lesson there. Never become too attached to anything given by another. But I do appreciate the comfort, and your words mean alot to me."

He nodded and smiled at his son.

"If you wish, we can mourn together?"

He actually laughed. He didn't know he could laugh right now.

"I do not think i am that far gone. I am not going to mourn. But thank you for offering to help me. And I am more than happy to have you distract me all you wish."

He gave his son a good-natured grin.

"Anything you need, my son, you have only to ask."

He smiled and nodded. It was obvious there was disappointment there.

"I am sorry I called you all the way out here for what appears to be nothing. Will you be leaving soon now?"

His brows rose.

"Why would I leave so soon?"

"Because the favor we asked for is no longer needed. Because you left your new daughter alone elsewhere. Because this is a small town and much beneath you. I know you would do anything for me, but I know you also have a life."