The bright morning sun shines and drapes onto the manor. Waking Caleb from bed.
Knock Knock
A sudden knock on his door stirs him to sit up.
"Come in." Says while yawning.
Celia and Milia enter the room and approach the young boy with wide grins. Within their hands are a set of clothes and accessories.
"Today is the day, Master!" Cilia says with excitement.
"It is time to get up and ready, my Lord; you can't miss today, can you?" Milia chimes in. She spreads out a well-designed suit piece for nobles. It bears the house colors of red and yellow. Within the piece, the insignia of house Aris is present on the left breast pocket. The Scarlet Order insignia is a rose and thorns wrapped around a chest plate armor. House Aris includes the four phoenix wings that sprout behind the insignia of the Scarlet Order.
"Was this custom-made?" Caleb asks. Unsure if this was meant for him or not.
"Indeed, it was. Lord Aris requested this to be made just last week. It is quite beautiful, isn't it." Milia happily spreads out the accessories.
Caleb examines the entire set, and for once, a smile creeps across his face about something his father did for him. He was impressed with such a fine piece that made him feel like he belonged to such a great house. However, a sad reality still bore deep within his heart that no matter how much he may feel at home, his white hair will always paint him differently.
"I'll let you girls have the honor." Caleb gestures to the two of his faithful and loyal servants.
*
Tia was being helped by the local staff and some retainers of her own before the party began. Looking out the window, she noticed rows of carriages and knights on their mounts approaching the manor. A slight sense of uneasiness filled her stomach. Her father saw her change in mood and quickly placed his hand on her head. With a gentle rub and his kind smile, she regained her composure.
It was still the early morning; the party wasn't set to start until the evening, but the crowds of people coming to see her and her father were nonetheless nerve-racking. She didn't get much sleep due to her moment with Caleb, which stirred her every time she went to sleep.
Looking back at the mirror, she bore her new dress. The pretty yellow flourish of flowers embedded into the dress gave the bright white colors more flair. With a small twirl, she felt pretty excited about her look. Soldia nodded in appreciation and took his daughter's hand, leading her out of the room.
"Come, Tia, we must meet with the guests beforehand."
*
Walking into the main hall of my home, I approach my father, talking to Commander Eckhart Flynn. They are discussing the locations of our personal guard. The moment my presence is known to them both, their conversation is cut short.
"If you'll excuse me, my Lord." Eckhart bows and shows his respect.
"Very well, I would love to discuss my proposition with you more, if that is okay."
"If it is your wish, I will not refuse such a request. Shall I bring the...-?" Eckhart looks at Valum with a questioning look.
"Later, when the party starts, for now, round up your men and drill tonight's plans."
"As you command, my Lord."
And with that, he leaves the room. I notice he gives me a glaring look before exiting the circle. Eckhart is a very proud man loyal to the order and confidently presents himself to his father. However, he was born in the empire and grew up there before moving to Heistorm and joining the Scarlet Order. Only taking four years to rise to knight, he was promoted to Commander of the order's knights after eight more years of hard work. He doesn't like me due to my curse but has never said anything wrong or mistreated me out of respect for my father. If there was one thing I could give him props for, it is undoubtedly his devotion to the order, and his loyalty to my father is absolute. He's a good man at heart; if I had no interest in the sword, I would see him teaching me how to use one by now.
"You look like a proper son of the house, Aris, my boy!" Valum happily exclaims. I am unsure if he is genuinely excited to see me wearing our house colors and logo at an event or if he only says that to show that he "cares." Either way, I offer the proper respect as his son.
"I was told this was custom-made for me. It looked very nice. My compliments to the maker of this fine piece." I ruffle the suit a bit to show off the intricate design and details. My hair has also been slicked back to show a more dignified noble of my birth.
"Yes, it was. I paid extra for it to arrive just for today."
My father then touched my shoulder and led me away from the hall before speaking again.
"I know publicity isn't your forte, Caleb, but try to loosen up a bit, won't you?"
"Easy for you to say, father, you're not the one with white hair." I say with a troubled tone.
"I know it can be a bit "difficult" for a child like you to socialize, but I assure you that you're not the only one who has to worry about gossip and eyes." Valum's eyes show a hint of sadness.
"What do you mean? You're Lord Aris, father, one of the greatest Crimson Knights. Not only that but you were once nominated for a position on the Obsidian Council. Your name moves waves."
"That is the point, Caleb. I was "once" nominated for that position. However, the church pressured the council to revoke my nomination." Valum speaks with his stern, deep voice. I instantly realized the reasons behind his words.
"It's because of me isn't father. Taking in a cursed child such as I."
"Nothing gets past you. I admire Caleb's sharp wit; it will make you a strong leader someday."
"As if, I am a Nixx, no one will ever see me lead. I should have died just like how mother-"
Smack
A sudden red mark bruises my face. Valum, my father, gave me a quick slap across the face. I was speechless for a brief moment as I held onto my cheek and looked at Father.
"I vowed to your mother: do not soil her memory with grand delusions. You're my son and blood; accept that you are meant to be of higher standing. I've already paid my dues to your mother. Remember that next time before you speak about her or call yourself that name." Valum stares with a calm and collected expression, hiding the frustration directly behind it.
The tension in the room quickly shifts to us; despite trying to find some privacy, we have all eyes on us. With such a sudden action from my father, I am more stunned than appalled by his actions. Knowing the seriousness of the situation, I begin to recollect myself and speak.
"Yes, Father, I apologize." I bow in front of father.
I feel his massive hand wrapped around my shoulder, and he gives me a soft look in his eyes.
"We can continue this later, Caleb. For now, I will greet our guests; you should do the same if you intend to know our kingdom's other growing nobility or future knights."
"I'll do my best, father." I swallow my words before turning and leaving the conversation.
I suddenly feel a slight bump hit my shoulder as I turn around to spot my young brother and sister running into me without looking. They hit the floor, trying to recollect themselves before they noticed it was me. I extend my hand towards them. "Are you two alright?"
"U...Umm..." The two small children, unsure how to respond, look close to tears upon seeing me. Their eyes definitely leave the impression that they have only heard bad things about me.
"Don't worry; I am not the person you think I am. It's finally good to meet you both, Kris and Valona." I speak as gently as I can toward them. My presence's calm and collected demeanor seems to lift their preconceived notions about me slightly, and they graciously take my hands so I can pull them to their feet. Kris is just a year younger than me, but looks like he might be a toddler. Valona is very small, smaller than her brother by a bit; she holds her other hand to her chest timidly and shows signs of playful innocence behind her eyes.
"T...Thank you...Umm... Brother." Kris tries to speak to me.
"Caleb is just fine; you don't have to be forced to call me your brother if you don't want to." I don't let it get under my skin. They are just small children who don't know the consequences of prejudice or discrimination. But if I can set a respectful tone with them, it should help our relationship over the years. I give them both a warm smile.
Click Click
Sudden footsteps ring in the hall before a long and slender hand yanks the hands of the two kids away from me: their mother, Lady Regina. My father's latest wife has stood tall for the last ten years, trying to conceal them from me.
"What do you think you are doing?! Don't you ever dare touch my children again, demon!" The sharp words didn't sting as badly as the multiple people listening to the conversation. She is a slender and tall woman. Her dark violet hair is wrapped up in a bun. She pushes them back; the sign of discomfort drawn across their faces leaves me a little sad. Regina stands tall, her slightly pale skin glistening by the sun. Her presence is something else and enough to cause a whole room to stop and look at her, driving issues like this.
"I'm sorry, Lady Regina. It was out of place of me." I bow reluctantly and suck it up for the kids, so they don't have to be dragged around by their mother all over the events.
"Filthy Nixx... Hmph! Come, children, let us leave this filth." And so, she does, holding Kris and Valona's hands and taking a hasty leave. I am left there in a slight wonder. Watching as the kids reach toward me, I can't help but want to know what they want to play if they decide to let me join them. Having siblings close to your age was a strange feeling. However, it didn't ruin my mood any longer...