Chapter 3: Fiancé Predicament
part One
Few months has passed ever since I've fell from a tree and regained my previous memories from my past life. Ever since then, many noticed my behavior changes. I've been acting more mature than how an 8 year old should be, naturally because I was an 18 year old HS student back then. It can't be helped. It's not as if I will rise suspicions anyway. But somehow, ever since I have 'changed', my relationship with my family and especially with my twin brother grew.
I was a timid little girl before so this is an improvement.
If my fate is to become a villainess, I still hope I have a family that accepts me at least. I don't want a miserable life now that I'm reincarnated.
This particular morning maids attended to my morning rituals while one of the butlers recites to me my schedule for the day. Mornings usually consists of breakfast and homeschooling lectures, the rest of the day is free time for both me and my twin brother. Our parents are never that strict. In fact, they are very lenient. However they were adamant about starting our early training with our potential powers. But so far, there was never a teacher available as of yet.
As I stepped outside my bedroom, I saw Aeron perching by a wall near my doorway
As I stepped outside my bedroom, I saw Aeron perching by a wall near my doorway. Without a word he walked towards me. I smiled at him and greeted him but he just timidly rubbed a ghost ache on his nape and looked away. I went on walking off as he followed a little behind me in silence. I never bother to ask why he keeps shadowing me around lately. I know it's part of his guilt that I fell from the tree that faithful day, we were deep in the gardens back then and we somehow got lost in the maze. I told him we can climb a tree to scout for help from way up high but he just dismissed me and walked away on his own. Left all alone, I acted on my plan to climb the tree. I learned climbing trees from following Aeron years earlier.
So, when I reached the tallest branch I could climb, I saw one of our butler passing by from our air corridors. I called his attention. That time I didn't understood why he looked aghast and panic strikened. He was rushing towards the maze entrance when I decided to climb back down to find Aeron so I can tell him my accomplishment, but then I slipped, clearly misjudging the distances of my steps from the next tree branch, and I fell.
Maybe Aeron thinks it was his fault. I want to assure him and say it's not but I can't find the proper timing. And besides, I like having him around. He's a really REALLY cute boy with a princely charm and adorable persona. I want to pinch his cheeks to my content but he has a short temper so I rather not. Having him as my twin is surreal enough, to have him around all the time is a plus! I'm sure when he grows up, he will eventually detach himself anyway. Especially if the centennial priestess arrives...
*Sighs*
I paused and I glanced at him over my shoulder and saw him stop abruptly, both his shoulder raises as if on defense, he blinked twice with those big bright blue eyes and gave me a scowl, "What?" He grumbled almost inaudible. What do you mean what? I thought. You're the one keeps following me. I just gave him a smile. He had a surprise look in a split moment before transitioning back to a scowl and looks away and murmured, "ugly." Yet his cheeks were red.
I want to pinch those puffy pink cheeks...
"Aeron, can I pinch your cheeks?"
He shot me a glance as if I asked something revolting. And then his brows crossed yet again, "Pinch your own cheeks, you dimwit!" He stomps his feet and marches ahead, walking away.
Ahhh.. he's getting away. Now, how to catch a tsundere?
I slide down my heels and covered my face with both my hands. "Lady Aerra?!" I hear Darion calls out behind me in surprise.
And almost instantly I can hear raging footsteps running towards me, "Aerra! Aerra?!" Aeron's voice echoed in the hallways. "What's wrong?!?"
Ah. He's here. I looked up and saw his face plastered with genuine concern. "I just... want to pinch your cheeks." I said in a gloomy tone, "But you got angry and... and..."
I never thought summoning tears was this easy.
"Ah geez!?" He rubs his nape, "Don't cry, Aerra" he took both my hands and placed it in his face. His eyes looked directly at mine. "You do good acting but I'll let it slide this time" he whispered, letting my hands go, leaving them on his face. He then reaches my own face and wipes the tears off from the corners of my eyes. "But don't use those tears like this. You're a Lady of this House. No body should see these tears, okay?" He sighs and then closes his eyes. "Go do it" He cringes, expecting my hands to pinch his face.
This kid... he's voluntarily letting me pinch his adorable cheeks. So I hugged him.
"—!?! Wha-what are you...!?" He squirms.
I released him and then I sprung to my feet. "Let's go. I'm hungry" I told him and then walked off. I don't want to spoil the moment by listening to him rant. In my mind I indulged myself for the idea that I was able to hugged the huggable Aeron. He's like a little pillow —no wait, a bunny! Ah that's it. He reminds me of a little bunny. White hair, bright blue eyes, small, resistive, witty and fluffy cheeks.
I laughed at the thought of him with bunny ears as I continuously strolled away and yet I hear him still following a little from behind.
As I pass several hallways, I finally reached the dining hall
As I pass several hallways, I finally reached the dining hall. The guards stationed by the door opens it for me and inside I saw my parents, I looked over my shoulder and confirmed Aeron is still there. I proceeded to sit down on my usual spot in the dining table, Aeron followed and sat to the chair beside me.
"Aerra, we will have to skip your lecture today. You'll be accompanying your father to the citadel" stated mama as she smiled when our eyes met.
"Okay mama" I replied, I glance at papa as he smiled to me as well and I smiled back. I wonder why mama was specific with me, "Won't Aeron come along?" I asked, side glancing him.
He looks at me briefly with wide eyes, realizing what I mean and why I asked, his back straightens and then looks at our parents with fervid glare. Obviously he want to come along. But papa shook his head and spoke, "Not today, sweetheart. Just you. We have matters to attend to."
"Why not? I want to come along!" Aeron declares, dropping his cutlery. I suppose I don't really see the point why Aeron has to be left alone so I backed him up, "Yes, let Aeron come along papa. Don't separate us twins. It's injustice" I stated. Papa looks surprised for a moment and then exchanged glances with mama. "It's... only for a day." He replied, seeming so unsure with his own words. I guess I took him by surprise with my words. Mama gave a symphatetic look and reaches to papa's hand, squeezing it. "Just tell them" she says. Papa nods. "Aerra, we'll be going to the citadel for you to meet a son of the Castellan of the East. He's going to be your fiancé."
I'm not really surprised. I was sure I was bound to be engaged soon. But a castellan's son? Huh? Hmm.
Ahh, now I remembered... in this continent they have only one king that they call him High King of the Seven Kingdoms. So anyone who the High king assigned as a warden or castellan of a specific nation, he is like the assigned 'mini' King in that part of the continent. He represents the rights in the Round Table where all the other castellans in this continent, religious leaders and the High King gather.
It's different here at Greenrun, we are governed under Dukedom so technically we aren't directly under the High King's influences even if we are part of the continent. One reason for this is because my mother is the twin sister of the High King. I heard it was a gift for her and his husband, a land to rule their own. So my father, the Duke of Greenrun rules our lands independently from the Seven Kingdom.
I never met the High King but my parents and our governess was very particular to my standing as I'm the only niece of the High King and the Future Duchess of Greenrun, I think they were implying how high my social status is but because of how lenient our upbringing is and how laid-back our parents are, I forget my own role. It's either because our parents are just that kind or because there's no other Household under us, no competition in social standings. Maybe both?
So if I'm not mistaken being engaged to the son of a castellan is a high honor, he might as well be the next warden of the entire East, in that case that would assure my house's alliance with the Eastern nation. It's very political.
"So, why can't I come along?" Aeron interrupted, "The house needs a lord. While I'm away, I need you to cover for me. Can you do that, Aeron?" Says papa, "Can you be a good boy and stand as the Lord of this house while I'm away? I'll be very happy if you could", Aeron nodded slowly. He knows papa won't take a no for an answer. "That's a good little Lord" mama commended as she beams at him. Aeron manage to give a wry smile before he looks down and sighs in dismay. "That settles it then. We'll leave at ten"
When I left the dining hall, Aeron suddenly grabbed my hand and started running. Dragging me towards a far corner until we reach another wing. "Let me come with you" he says, gasping for breath as we came to a stop. "B-but papa said..." I was also trying to catch my breath. He interrupts me and insisted, "You said it was injustice. I agree, so help me. They will listen if you asked papa again." I studied Aeron's face. He looks determined as he is stubborn. "Aerra, don't let them separate us again... It's troubling... being without you" he grumbles. I felt awed from his adorable ways. "Besides, if you get lost... And there are trees..."
I realized where this was heading, "So this is about the tree accident after all" I uttered.
He steps aback and turned his back on me. "No, it's not! I just think bad things might happen when we're not together..."
"But Aeron, I'm not going to climb any trees anymore," I explained to him. Why the hell would I keep climbing trees anyway? (-_-) "And I don't think I will ever get lost. I'm sure Papa will—"
He suddenly turned to me and raised his voice, "How would you know that?! H-how sure are..." His voice shattered and he didnt finish his sentence. I watch in transition as his eyes slowly fills up with tears. He bit his lips in frustration. I sighed. I tried to reach out and touch him but he slapped my hands off. "You wouldn't know because I wouldn't too! No body could. So who would be there to protect you if that happens again, you dimwit?!?" His tear blurred eyes went pouring uncontrollable tears that even he can't stop. His nose started to run too. "I need to... beside you... always so..." he murmured, almost howling inaudible gibberish.
It was then that I realized and remembered he's only a boy. The guilt inside his chest wells up and tortures him. It probably even traumatized him. I heard I was out for two weeks. What happened in that span of days for him?
He went on crying until he started wailing in such painful tone that I was left speechless. Watching him cry like this makes my chest feel so tight, I feel like crying too. Is this what twins suppose to be like? I feel so much pain by just listening to his cries.
"Aeron, I don't blame you. No body does. At this point, blaming doesn't change anything nor will it assure bad things won't ever happen again. But I can promise you one thing, " I stated, trying to catch his gaze from below as he was staring down the ground with head bowed down while sobbing incessantly, hands fisted, "Whatever happens I will always return to you. I won't ever disappear. You know why?" I added, cupping his tear soaked face to my hands, forcing him to look at me in the eyes, "Because no one will dry your tears whenever you wail like a girl like u do now" I chuckled, beaming at him as he sniffed and wipes his nose, "I dont wail like a girl..."
"I promise. Okay? So please don't cry anymore. Like you told me once before, nobody should see me cry. Well you're the future Lord of this House. More reason why no body must see you cry like this!" I snickered.
"You're terrible at comforting..." He groans, slowly calming down, he smiled a bit and then frowns again. "You have no idea how much mama cried a lot of nights by your bedside when you weren't waking up. Papa tried his best to comfort mama but she never stops..." He finally stopped sobbing but his tone is morose.
"No body can make her stop crying... She cried and cried... Every. Single. Night."
"And how about you? Who was there to stop you when you cried?" I asked with a pained smile, his eyes widened as if realizing what I meant. I can see how much he wanted to deny but his tremblings lips tells me he's aware that his voice will shatter again if he said one word. "See? The more reason why I can't disappear. I want to be there when u cry so I can persuade you to stop and smile for me. So I promise, Aeron, I'll be careful even if your not around. I just realize how much it pains me to see you cry. I can't bare it. So to the least, I want to prevent it if I can"
"You changed a lot, Aerra" he murmurs.
"So, do you trust me now?"
"You dimwit..." His face goes red, but shrugs shyly
"I'll take that as yes!" I chuckled. He sighed, looked at me and grimaced as if protesting.
"Eww. Ugly!" I snickered.
"Jokes on you. We're twins!" he wipes his eyes dry with his sleeve. And then raised his little finger before me to a pinky swear gesture.
"Hey, you called me ugly too– a lot of times" I retorted while wrapping my own little finger around his anyway. I felt him lock his in place.
He gave me a big profound smile and uttered, "Like I said— we are twins"
I eyed him tentatively and saw that kind of glow in his eyes that I knew we were on the same plane
I eyed him tentatively and saw that kind of glow in his eyes that I knew we were on the same plane.
Without words to explain; without enough reason to elaborate, we simply new the agreement is there.
For a moment, it almost urged me to spill all my worries out and confide in him about my current situation— being reincarnated and my fate in this world. I felt like telling him everything is the easiest thing to do and that he would believe me regardless of how ludicrous it may sound like... but I held back.
I knew it will be too selfish for me if I do so. If he becomes the chosen Familiar of the centennial priestess, it would bother him to accept the role if he knew what kind of destiny we have ahead. I don't want to make things difficult for him and drag him into my own dilemma.
Us— killing each other?
Even imagining it pains me. What more would it be for him?
This is too cruel.
Maybe, I really should be cold to him from now on to make things easier for him... someday...
"What's with that look?" He grumbled, cocking his head to the side while locking his gaze with mine. "What is it? What is it?"
His eyes, those pair of big brilliant crystalline blue eyes that watches me. Wondering. Waiting. And hoping I would simply talk and tell him what is what. The innocence in his steady gaze was too unbearable, given the brutality of death I was trying to imagine just a while ago.
I closed my eyes and shook my head.
What am I thinking? I can't abolish the bond we have now. If my plan is to play out perfectly someday at least He would be the honest mistake i'll gladly accept. Because he is my irreplaceable twin. The only twin I could ever have.
In the end I could only hope Aeron won't be chosen by the priestess.
I decided to digress and play it out just to pacify his curiosity. "It's nothing. I was just worried you'll do something weird if I leave with papa today," I said, while I slowly unwrap my finger from his. I stepped aback and crossed my arms behind me. "Don't follow us, okay? We'll be back soon" I bowed my head and hope he won't notice the tears that was threatening to bloom out.
"I know that!" He complained, stomping a foot forward. "Don't treat me like a—".
I need to face him properly, I thought
so I looked up abruptly and didn't notice he was that close. My head collided with his chin in a rattling impact.
We both whined and rubbed the sore spot at the same time.
My teary eyes had now an excuse.
I side glanced him and realised he was down in his heels trying to contain the pain. He was clawing at his jaw so much. I think he bit his tongue by accident. Oh yeah, we was taking when I my head bumped into his chin.
He was obviously in more pain than I was.
"I'm sorry! Aerra...???" yet his muffled words came out, "Are you okay?!" He sprung up to his feet and walked closer towards me. One hand clawing over his mouth, the other on my shoulder, as if consoling me. "Are you okay?!" He repeated with squinting wet eyes. But he slides back down to his heels anyway, crouching in pain.
His sudden concern, even if I was the one who caused it, made me feel so ridiculous it took me back to the realisation that we're only kids. And right now the only problems he has was to assure he never caused pain to anyone, especially to me.
Aeron eventually curled his head down, paused in silence and stopped moving.
He then started mumbling some words I can't comprehend anymore.
I kneeled down beside him. "What?" I rubbed his back.
He turns his head to me abruptly,
"I said, can you check my tongue if it's bleeding?" He says this– dead serious. While rolling his tongue out. "I thinth ithh bweeding. Wook wook"
With brows meeting in the middle, he glared at me waiting for a sincere answer.
I can't help but puff out the laughter I was trying to contain. He just looks so funny I can't hold it in anymore. I then he bursted out laughing.
Surprised and confused he looks at me in obtunded silence.
Slowly, he loosened the tense muscles he had and began to laugh as well.
We paused, exchanged glances and then laughed again.
More tears were rolling now in both our eyes but it wasn't because of pain or sadness.
"Wait. Seriously, is it bleeding?"
I laughed more hearing him say that.
He sighed in defeated and laughed with me.
The hallways were filled with the echoes of our laughter that morning.
---End of Chapter 3: part One---