The door opened without a previous knock, I hurriedly hid the maps borrowed from the library inside of my phillow and layed like I was resting. While my heart beat hard because of the adrenaline my eyes opened wide, it was my brother who I've been trying hard to distance of.
He had a lonely expression accompanied with a small sad smile which struck my heart as an arrow. Silver streads of hair danced messyly around his face like he had been rolling on his bed from side to side. This is probably the first time i've seen him with such a messy appearence since he dislikes it so much.
While I was thinking about it he kept staring at me without blinking.
''Robin, can I sleep in your bed?'' he asked with a voice as soft as feathers. I sat on the bed trying to hide my shock with a blank expression, how am I supposed to deny this cute brother's request? Ah, you're doing everything harder than it is.
''We shouldn't-'' I started trying to make excuses but he interrumpted me. ''I know we don't do this since we were five but please. I asked the guards to stay far so no one will know.'' he insisted, stepping further inside.
As I was left with no choice my last retort was patting the surface of the bed twice and getting inside of the blanket while he turned the lights off. Our backs were barely touching, my nervousness made me play with the pillow a bit until I felt sleepy. Then the boy by my side talked almost whispering.
''Why are you avoiding me?''
I flinched and clenched my fist. Lying would be stupid since last time I literally played the ice card and walked by his side without even saying hi but, how was I supposed to confese the fact that i'm trying to leave this household and prince title so he would be happy with no burdens nor competition while I could have a quiet life without the whispers and coldness of servants, teachers and parents? So my decision was keeping silence.
I felt the movement from my back, he was turning to my side apparently. I looked at him by the corner of my eyes with curiosity. The only light in the room was that from the moon through the window, I couldn't really see him but his eyes were clearly glaring.
''Is it something I did? Or...did someone tell you to not approach me?'' he asked again, his voice changing a bit into an emotion I couldn't recognice.
As he hit the spot my lips were pursed.
He was prefered by Father and Mother, if he asked for every servant and teacher to be replaced they would probably allow it, but that didn't meant the new ones would be better than the last. Everyone would just follow the same steps as long as i'm his twin, as long as i'm in this househould-
For the sake of my peaceful life I don't care that much leaving behind these noble commodities. Is it too childish being affected by other people's talking and gossiping?
"I... It's not like that." I mumble tiredly "You should focus on your studies, you are going to be the next Emperor. I don't want to get in the way."
After a couple of silent minutes I fell asleep, not being able to hear Jaden's final sentence.
"It seems there are too many bugs bothering my beautiful brother."
×××
Next evening I realized that all servants avoided me like the plague with Ray as the only exception.
I didn't think too much about it since probably it was just another bad rumour about me but at least if they avoid me they won't make me feel so sad.
'Should I stay until i'm older if they keep acting like this?'
I discarded that thought soon as I sat on the library's table. At morning Wendy only spared me a glance at breakfast but didn't get near me at all. Jaden kept looking forward to talk to me but I evaded his attempts so he would be concentrated with his studies.
Fortunate or unfortunately, today I have history. Ray explained Teacher felt guilty for cancelling. Which I don't believe but also had no choice. The named one put his books in front of me and we shared a defiant, cold glance.