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"Edward…" Ryan said, looking down upon the man at his feet, the flames in the fireplace alit behind him. In the parlor, they were in the middle of the room, with Dorothy, Sophie, and Joseph watching the two with varying degrees of interest.
"Yes, my lord?" Edward had heard Ryan say such things before, his head bowed down.
He was used to the uncanny silence, which was soon punctuated with his next command. He awaited what would be his next bidding, especially directly from the Third Floor of the Adults Building. Edward endured what obstacles came in his way, nor would he let the Children's Building sow their seeds of rebellion.
Ryan looked down upon Edward, his loyal servant; he knew what ambitions lay in wait, ready to strike at any given moment. He was of noble birth, and he wielded what power however he saw fit. He was among the greats, on the same level as Lord Grandfather. He thoroughly had enough of inanities and mistakes from his servants, especially Edward.
Ryan knelt down to his servant's level, all but literally, keeping close-pressed against him. He reached out his hand and placed it on Edward's shoulder, his grip gentle and crushing all at once.
Edward stilled, narrowing his eyes, as if to try not to break under Ryan's grasp.
"You know why you're here, Edward?" Ryan asked, his voice lilting, curling up, just as his other hand took Edward's, holding his wrist tight. Edward grimaced, but he nodded, keeping his head down.
"Look me in the eyes, Edward." Ryan commanded, and then Edward lifted his head slowly.
"You know why you're here?" Ryan repeated himself, and he leaned in close. "I will not ask a second time." His voice lowered this time, almost a growl.
Edward cleared his throat, his eyes narrowed. "Yes, my lord. I am here to prove my undying loyalty to you, and all the nobles in the Adults Building."
"Because you want to," Ryan reminded Edward, "You serve me, and yet you want to join our ranks."
Edward nodded, as it was the truth. "I have not joined you all as of yet."
"Nor shall you, until you prove yourself worthy. Until then, you serve my bidding, is that clear?"
Edward nodded once again. "Yes, my lord."
Ryan let out a sharp laugh. "Splendid, I'm almost proud of you, Edward." he said, releasing Edward's wrist and he leaned in to press his lips on his servant's forehead.
Edward couldn't help but shiver under Ryan's touch. He was still kneeling, and yet, he felt so proud.