In the many eras that Estefan has served Cassius he's undertaken all sorts of tasks. Espionage, hunting, disposing of bodily remains, preserving bodily remains, all documented in his memoirs. Never did Estefan think a day would come where he would be tasked with purchase woman's garments.
He had emptied the restaurant under his master's request and ensured everything Camilla could need was available on hand.
Cassius entered the back seat of Estefan's car with Camilla in hand. She was practically bursting red under the embarrassment.
'There is no need to be shy, Estefan here is family, I hope you will grow accustomed to him.' Cassius said as he stroked her hair and brought her to lay on his chest.
Family? Estefan thought. It is true that he had been with Cassius all his lifetime even before his turning, but never did Cassius use those term family before. Was this the effect of the human on him?
Camilla pushed Cassius back as she sat up her cheeks still flushed. 'Thank you, Estefan, for the clothes, and sorry to make you go out of your way so early in the morning.' She spoke from the back seat edging forward, she too was interested in Cassius' family.
'There is no need for thanks or apologies ma'am.' Estefan reassured her.
The rest of the drive was a back and forth between Camilla and Estefan. Camilla would fire another question, and Estefan would find a way to reply with short, yet still polite answers.
'Round the corner Estefan, I'll make sure Camilla gets home safe and be right back.' Cassius said as he left the vehicle with Camilla following behind.
'So, her name is Camilla.' Estefan thought out loud in the silence of the car.
After piecing the puzzles together and seeing in person the effect this human had on his master, it was urgent that he informed Cassius of his findings.
'Master, I have more information on Camilla's immunity.' Estefan couldn't wait till Cassius had even shut the car door.
'Speak freely.' Cassius sensed the urgency since Estefan only called him Master if he was nervous.
They began to move as Estefan continued. 'The immunity research you gave me earlier Sire. Most of my findings were myths and only one recorded past occurrence. Although not always seen as a main quality; the charm immunity is said to always come hand in hand with indescribably appealing blood.' He gripped the steering wheel a little harder as he approached the most dreaded news. 'As well as the qualities of being... a carrier'.
Hearing that long-forgotten phrase once more, Cassius' eyes hollowed as though they retreated to a dark memory he never wished to recall.
'A carrier.' Cassius sighed.
Those were the only words spoken for the rest of the ride.
After what felt like an eternity of a car journey they had finally reached home. Estefan held the manor door open for Cassius to enter. He knew the news would be difficult for his master to hear and wondered if fate was dealing its cards once more.
Upon hearing someone enter the mansion a head popped round the corner greeting them. 'Finally! Why am I always kept waiting whenever I come here?' Esme complained as she went to welcome Estefan. She had stayed over the night before and tended to make herself at home at the Crimson Manor.
However, she abruptly stopped and hid behind Estefan as soon as she saw Cassius come in. 'Don't worry I wont bite this time.' He smiled as he walked up the stairs. The gesture relieved Estefan, if he could still smile then his master wasn't too deeply affected.
Esme stuck her middle finger up at Cassius in defiance, still shielding herself behind Estefan.
Cassius paused at the top of the stairs while Esme retreated further with a squeal.
'Estefan.' Cassius only spoke one word, but it was all that was needed for his retainer to understand.
'Precautions have already been taken Sire.' Estefan answered promptly eager to ease Cassius' worries. 'I've made sure one of the best guards from the Dusk family is in her vicinity at all times.'
'Thank you as always Estefan.' Cassius continued to his quarters.
Thank you? Since when did his master ever thank anyone, perhaps the news was that much of a shock. Or perhaps his master was changing.
Despite barely knowing Cassius, Esme could tell there was something wrong. 'What's going on?' Her and Estefan would share everything with one another, so much so that he trusted her to roam around the Crimson manor and read his memoirs unaccompanied.
'It seems fate is playing a cruel game with my master, a person close to him is a carrier… again.' Estefan was speaking to himself more than Esme. 'The only other recorded carrier that Estefan found with a case like Camilla's was Cassius' past and only lover.'
'A carrier?' Esme was familiar with almost all vampire terminology, but this was a word she hadn't heard of before.
'Perhaps it may be easier for you to read Memoir Number 34.' Estefan suggested.