[center][h1][color=crimson]ƊЄƧMƠƝƊ[/color][/h1][/center]

It was a relief to Desmond that Alice gave a honest answer and he wouldn't have to pry to get more [color=crimson]"I'm sure after a long rest you'll be fine."[/color] His lips curving into a very small smile, almost unnoticeable, and also took a seat at the couch. The aroma from the breakfast Alphonse brought now began to enter this nose and with it, the unmistakable delicious smell of strawberry.

He graciously took the cup of coffee from Baradiel, the bitter drink went well with sweet pastries he found [color=crimson]"Thank you."[/color] He replied, looking into the dark liquid. His attention turn to Baradiel again as he indicated he had one more thing to say to him [color=crimson]"A stray devil?"[/color] His grip on the cup tightened, not in fear but in resentment [color=crimson]"I hope we find it before it causes too much trouble."[/color] A bitterness underlying his voice. Lucius had these [i]tests[/i] where he would lock Desmond in a large room with a stray devil and he would fight until he could fight no more, then Lucius would clean up.

Crimson eyes widened a bit as the strawberry danish was placed in front of him by Alphonse. He did not deserve such good treatment [color=crimson]"You're great Alphonse, Thanks."[/color] Without a moment longer, he began to eat his breakfast. His taste buds exploded in delight as the strawberry flavor touched his tongue. Desmond was not one to waste time eating so in mere moments the pastry went from the plate to his hand to his stomach. He had no problem with those of the household knowing his liking of strawberries, but he he would be mortified if his secret love of sweets. It was not something a Knight of Alice's household should indulge in.

Desmond kept quiet as Baradiel talked about incompetent masters. No mater how much he despised stray devils for the hardships they gave him growing up, he could understand the point being made. His father's cruelty is what ended him up here in the first place. If a parent can be vicious to their child, a master could be vicious to their pieces. Speaking of master, he watched Alice go from giving orders to lights out in one paragraph. The paperwork was hitting her harder than he thought.

He rose as Baradiel addressed him and drank the rest of his coffee in one, long sip [color=crimson]"I'm good to go."[/color] He responded strongly as he placed the empty cup on the plate. Alice had ordered it so that's what he was going to do, even if he wanted to stay to watch for the stray devil [color=crimson]"It would be much faster than any other method if you please."[/color] Desmond responded [color=crimson]"We'll have them for you once we get back."[/color] Alphonse was Alice's queen and operated as her second-in-command, so his orders were nearly as absolute as Alice's even stated as a request.