Priya's Mansion

"Hmm, what is it? I think my mind is going south."

He growls lowly, an almost purr, before he twists and lays her on the couch leaning over her as his tail sways. "Oh, I think you know." Grinning, Kian's eyes brighten before he crushes his lips to hers.

"You didn't do anything. Sir.."

Ace purses his lips as he takes a breath with a small wince. "There's not much we can do for it. It'll have to heal on it's own." Slowly he steps out the door and to the dresser, opening one of the drawers.

"Thank you for that bit of soul love, willing or not."

Kian smirks, tail in a lazy wag as he lays on his side, head propped up on a hand. "Oh it was willing."

"I think it'll help.. Where can I get the ice?.."

He sets the towel on the bed and steps out of the room, gesturing towards the kitchen. "There should be some in the fridge." However, when there's a knock at the door his muscles ripple, head turning towards it. "You go ahead and get it, I'll be in the living room in just a moment," he murmurs, walking towards it.

"And just why would you willingly feed me?" Shade murmurs, calm as she looks over her shoulder at him "I could kill you."

"Demons are hard to kill," he murmurs with a purr. "I thought you knew that."

"O-okay."

Ace watches her go before he goes to the door and opens it, stiffening at the sight of the older man in front of him. Quietly, he hisses, "What are you doing here? How did you get past the guards?"

"Dear boy," Auguste smiles, removing his hat. "I'm the magician- I can go everywhere and anywhere without an issue." He pauses, studying his appearance, silvery eyes taking in the bruises before he meets the young man's gaze again. "May I?"

He hesitates, jaw ticking before he steps aside, gesturing, and the man steps in. "May I ask why you're here?"

"And I pray tell." Auguste takes off his coat and hangs it, hanging his scarf and hat with it. "I'm here to discus the past with you."

"And you know I do not speak of the past."

Auguste walks towards the living room. "Oh, but tonight you will. You would want to, after knowing that a dear friend of yours is under my care."

Ace stiffens again, face paling as he follows, taking a seat on the couch. "What?"

"Not as hard as you might think."

He snorts in response, disbelieving.

"A young king you once knew," Auguste sits in the seat across from him, "stumbled into the Inbetween a day ago, though not as himself. Do you know anything about that?"

Ace purses his lips, looking down. "Is he okay?"

"In perfect health, save for hazy memories. He's lucky he came across myself." The man studies Ace closely. "Why were his memories sealed and why was he given a new persona?"

There's another long moment of silence. "To protect him, you already know that."

"It's true. I've seen one killed in less than ten minutes. Lucifer, in fact. I'm sure it wouldn't take as long to kill you."

Kian's aloof attitude fades and he frowns a little. "Lucifer's been killed?"

Auguste looks at her, then smiles, standing out of respect as his dips his head. "My apologies. I hadn't realized that you had a guest, Ace."

Ace purses his lips and offers a small smile, gesturing to Auguste. "Marisole, this is Auguste, the overseer of the Carnival. Auguste, this is my dear friend Marisole."

"A pleasure," he dips his head again and sits back down, noticing the ice in her hand, though he returns to their former topic. "What are you keeping him from?"

"The previous successor was yes. That asshole was too slow for his own good."

"Who's taken the throne now?" he asks, running through his head the possibilities.

"P-please. There's no need for that, sir."

Ace smiles a little at her, though it fades at Auguste's questions. "The only person who poses a threat to illusionists."

"There's far more out there than only her, Tayne," he says. "Be sure to keep that in mind. So his memory wasn't a lie, it was her family that had lead to the downfall of his family?"

"Hers and Ridge's," Ace murmurs, looking away after being addressed by his name. "I don't know why Ridge was after him-- I only caught wind after Leia and her right-hand-man stepped in. But I know Priya is hell bent on taking all under her control."

Auguste is quiet for some time before he stands, stepping over and pats his shoulder. He leans down, voice quiet. "Sometimes what we think tethers us is no longer there, dear boy." He gives a small smile then looks to Marisole, dipping his his head again. "It was a pleasure meeting you. But, I'll take my leave now. I've gotten what I came for." He goes to the door, leaving Ace pale faced and staring at the table in front of him, brows drawn tightly together.