Flashback - 2 millennia ago
Jaime's P.O.V
I was left in my seat, observing the whole party from my place. Everyone seemed to enjoy the event. Tristan sat back in his seat laughing. "What's so funny?",
"John got in the man-eater's way and stole our baby sister's first dance. His face full of anger was funny.", he replied pointing at the man standing by the sidelines glaring at the dancing pair.
They're making a move huh. The cannibal clan is trying to scout and hone for the next suitable queen. Unlike us, their kingdom is ruled by an empress. Women hold more power in the royal family for they believe that when a woman is protected and prepared for motherhood, this will result in the birth of a strong child.
It's reasonable but the question of the matter is, why are they still looking for a suitable partner to the heir. If they prepare a girl to be the next empress and/or queen, why still choose? Not only that, but history has told that the empress is born from a commoner family.
There's more into the whole matter but we decided not to peer inside their family affairs if it will not affect the relationship we have formed with them.
"The creepy ones are next.", my attention was diverted to Paine who asked for Violet's next dance. "They are your brothers. Don't call them that.", I scolded Tristan which he just shrugged off. What he said was true, but no one can ever blame the three.
My brothers and I came from different households, along with it are a "diverse way" of raising one's children. I was lucky to be born into a loving mother, same with Tristan but the others were not so lucky. John had a controlling witch of a mother where he inherited his dominant side. On the other hand, the triplet's upbringing was the worst of all. They were born in a ducal family in the man-eater's kingdom. Their mother is known to be a sadistic woman who was a part of the Servir council. She seduced our father and while pregnant, performed experiments on her body to genetically enhance the developing triplets. After giving birth, the children were thought how to kill even when they are still a babe. Experiments in their body were also conducted to eliminate any weaknesses. They were all broken physically and mentally. We only learned about them when our father told us after the first slaughter occurred.
Tristan and I headed out to fetch the triplets in their home. What greeted us was a horrendous sight. Dead bodies scattered the gate, arms and legs are tied onto the metal frames as if trying to hide what was beyond the gate. Looking up we saw ripped-off heads that still had some parts of hanging skin and bones attached, pushed on the gate's railheads. The head all had broken jaws and had empty sockets where their eyes would have been.
Unfazed by the view, Tristan pushed open the gate uncovering three young boys covered in dried blood, sitting at the steps of the house. Each had a bag in hand and the other gripped tightly on the other triplet's shirt.
"You're late.", the red-eyed boy scolded me. Chuckling I stood in front of him and ruffled their heads. "Sorry about that.", looking around the property, we were informed on our way here that the mother escaped and ran back home. "Where is-", my question cut off by the triplet at the back pointing his mouth.
"She was disgusting.", the middle stated. Making me just nod along with the others. Of course, the taste would be unpalatable. Eating your own family would leave a bad taste, not that I would know anything about it. I am not a man-eater so I would not know how it would taste like but some of my men are. They never consider eating their own families because the taste would never leave your tongue.
"Damn. They did a number on everyone.", Tristan scratched his head gazing at the number of dismembered bodies. "You didn't even leave a single one for us.", he pouted at the three.
The main leader of the three shook his head. "People are starting to pack up.", "We don't want them to go.", "So we plucked them off one by one.", They said one after the other.
Tristan gave me a knowing look; he also noticed the incredibly off vibe. A massacre concocted by three small boys is no small feat. Most of the bodies were those of guards and bulked military men who committed treason to their king. What didn't add up was the lack of female corpses. All torn pieces of limbs have manly features.
I looked up at the gloomy house. All windows are closed except for one particular room at the far corner. "Did you kill all of them? All of the staff, never leaving a single soul in this house?", I moved closer to where the three stood. Towering over them and showing off my golden eyes, trying to see if they were lying. Which clearly worked, making them back off a little and huddle close to one another.
"No.", "We didn't.", "It was a waste.", they answered pointing at the ground. "We kept the females alive. Mother said to never waste food.", the statement irked me.
I never was one to judge a race. But there was something about the man-eaters' race that pushed all of the wrong buttons inside me. I do not fear them no. Our race was stronger physically and agility is our main attribute. Man-eaters are just humans who have made a deal with the devil and from there on have all mutated into another type of species. Exhibiting the body and faces of humans but are monsters inside.
The party for the three were the same as this one, except for the abundance of white cloaks in the hall. Who would have thought that our father would knock up a white cloak? These people are not from the demon continent. A constant war has separated our lands, so God has made a decision. For the carnage to cease. He raised their land up above the skies which had eventually ended the battles.
I wonder what the matriarch of their country thought of these two abnormalities that one of their kind has created. Do they see them as threats or are they accepted in their lands?
My curiosity and questions about the two were met with more questions.
I found myself walking over to where the two now stood having finished the dance. I bowed and asked for Violet's next dance. "I am obliged to say yes but I'm feeling quite exhausted from the previous dances.", she politely declined.
"It's alright. May I have the chance to have a chat with my little sister instead over a snack and drink?", hoping she would say yes.
She looked troubled, I smiled and reassured her that it was just a simple talk and nothing else. Nodding her head yes, we made our way to the seats allocated by the open windows. A tulle curtain separates us from the rest of the party. It would not cause a scene or anything as people can still see us from the other side.
No one would dare speak wrongly against the prince and princess of the kingdom.
Before seating down, she bowed to me and greeted me. I returned the gesture and we both sat comfortably at each side of the table. Her maid placed snacks and drinks on the small table, handing out a sweet tea to my baby sister.
Baby sister? That's new?
I chuckled at the thought of having a soft and gentle sister instead of another violent brother. My chuckles captured her attention whilst drinking the tea. "May I ask my brother what may have caused his interest?", her voice was gentle yet stern.
"Nothing nothing. I just found it adorable that you can take our intense stares and manners, but underneath the strong façade you try to hide your love for sweets.", pointing at the sweet tea she now held.
My remark clearly hit the mark when her lips pursed together in a thin line and her collars are turning a reddish shade. "Don't worry. There's nothing wrong with enjoying sweets. I love that I now have a baby sister who I can spoil with sweets instead of another brother to banter with.", this made her chuckle.
"I can assure you that you will not banter with Michael. He is a silent man who prefers to hold tools for building instead of swords and the like.", a gentle smile plastered on her lips.
It was the first time she smiled throughout this whole ordeal. It must have been a burden for a gentle soul to be inside a room full of cold-blooded killers and their kin. Her only known brother and a couple of their entourage are the only people she can go to for comfort.
"A brother I can gift with tools for building. Now that's fascinating in my eyes. All of my dear siblings are fanatics of weapons and war."
"And what may your interests be brother?", she asked tilting her head a little to the side. "I am a fan of books. My castle has multiple libraries if you'd like to read some time, I can lend you my favorite ones.", I offered. Her maid gave her a small plate with an angel cake which she ate in a rush probably forgetting that I was there.
I quietly sipped my coffee pretending to not notice what she did. I can see in the corner of my eye that she was a bit panicked thinking that I saw how excited she was. "I'll take that offer at another time I'm afraid. I still have to arrange my belongings in the castle. I'm sorry for all the bother, I can just stay in a nearby lake or pond if you have one. A castle is a bit too much."
"A lake or pond? Don't be ridiculous! You are a princess, and a princess needs to be in a safe and secure palace of her own. Why on earth would we allow you to just stay outside?", my eyes turned gold looking at her maid and escort who stood by the curtains.
What did they do to my sister?
"Her highness has been pushed away.", the maid spoke looking back into my cold stare. "Hush Beryyle!", "But he needs to-", "Enough.", the maid backed down, bowed, and returned to her spot at the back.
I turned to look at my sister who lowered her head. Sighing, I gave in and didn't ask for any more questions. But I will report this to our older brother later. It seems like my thoughts about her being cast out from their own race to be true. It makes me wonder if her brother suffered the same fate as his twin.
The race may have a matriarchal system but if you do not exhibit any powers or strong affinity for any elements, plus the fact that they're not full-blood means that people have basically abandoned the two.
Gently placing my cup down on the table, I stood up and offered her my hand. "I won't ask anymore. I do not want to push my beloved sister into an uncomfortable place. May I please have this dance?", I knelt down bowing my head.
"Brother don't! You should not kneel.", pulling me up by the shoulders smiling widely at her. "Can I take that as a yes to the dance?"
Violet laughed and nodded.
Back to present day - Jauquis Estate
After our short meeting, I head back to my bedroom. The mansion was now peacefully quiet. We have decided to let her into the family business. But with limitations of course and she can only meet Paine once or twice every month. Depending on how he can manage himself.
I suggested that maybe we can have her socialize with the other children her age. All girls. John accepted the idea and made a call to arrange the tea party for Violet. We will need to plan it out for tomorrow and inform the others. That includes Violet herself.
The next day - Jauquis Estate
Third Person P.O.V
The house was busy. Packed bags and boxes were everywhere when Violet woke up. All of her brothers were busy packing up stuff. She even saw the guy who asked for him to call her his shadow, up in the house carrying large plastic bags and suitcases.
Large burly men with sunglasses helped the man. Emerging one by one from the basement, moving equipment, and furniture. "What's going on?", the little girl rubbed her eyes while walking towards her oldest brother who was on the phone with his back towards her.
Violet pulled on her brother's shirt and repeated the question. John carried Violet in his arms explaining how they were moving into a bigger house with a bigger yard where she can play with her friends. The little girl was of course ecstatic about the news. She was now allowed to meet and make friends.
While everyone was busy in the house packing. Paine went outside, through the black steel gates, and made his way to a wooden door in a tree. Entering, he saw his triplet also packing all his belongings. "Paine.", the man walked up to his brother and hugged him tightly. "He allowed us. We can be by her side again.", he whispered sensing the brother tear up in his shoulder hugging him back just as tightly. "But what I did. I caused her pain and violated the deal that we made.", the other brother hushed him. "They said we can meet her once or twice every month. I can show you to her. She'll accept both of us." the brother nodded then leaned his forehead on his brother's.
"Little by little we can meet her again. By then, we can be complete once more.", Paine whispered staring at his own reflection in the mirror.