The Duke's palace was the showcase of power and wealth that even the royal family was jealous of. The history of the family couldn't be discarded even if the current head lacked in terms of scheming politician. What the bloodline has built over the centuries will always be remembered as one of the most important figures in the kingdom at any age.
The guards opened the gate and quickly let the carriage in. Once the visitors crossed the first level of security, there was still a long way to ride until you could get to the mansion.
The servant opened the door and waited for Cassiel to step off the coach. As soon as the boy did so the temperature around the courtyard dropped by a few degrees. The unlucky maids who had gathered around shivered in cold, as the young master made his way upstairs.
They all knew better than to bother him unless necessary, but today someone broke the rule and stood on top of the stairs, waiting for Cassiel's return.
Despite being rather timed and weak to his brother at heart, Nathaniel braced himself refusing to move an inch. In the silent hall, no one dared to utter a word, only the sound of the wooden ball hitting the cup was heard, as Cassiel kept on playing the kendama that he had won against Ophelia today.
"Did you enjoy today?" The duke asked, but as he expected, he was still treated as an air. Something stabbed his heart but deep down he knew that he deserved it for ignoring the boy for such a long time.
It almost looked like their conversation would end there but then Cassiel stopped on top of the stairs.
"Call the instructors back tomorrow, I will resume the classes," he said without looking at his older brother. His hand just keeps on moving the toy.
Nathaniel breathed out of relief. He didn't misunderstand their silent agreement this morning. The Duke will step back and let him spend time with Violet. In exchange, Cassiel will take the class to become a proper heir to the dukedom.
"Also, I will go to the city every day… If I can't make it, find an excuse to invite her to the castle."
By "her" he naturally meant Violet. What happened between them that he became so attached? The young duke was curious, but he was also too afraid to ask. He felt like the walking calamity in his house finally calmed down somehow and he wasn't willing to risk breaking the fragile balance by asking unnecessary questions.
To invite the young unmarried girl into the castle too often would cause the rumours to spread, but as long as the little devil behaved, Nathaniel was prepared to throw his reputation away.
"What about dinner?" The duke asked with a hint of hope in his voice. Sharing a meal on a regular basis was a perfect way to mend the relationship and they hadn't dined together in a long time.
But Cassiel only shook his head.
"I already ate," he said plainly and left for his room, the sound of the ball hitting the cup resonated through the hallway.
Ophelia couldn't stand to watch him doing anything, but Violet found his chewing cheek extremely adorable. Because her heart was pleased by the view, she just kept on pushing more food towards his plate, making the picky prince eat a lot before the carriage came to pick him up.
"Cassiel… Ciel…" The boy lay on the bed, his eye stuck to the ceiling. The room always reflected its owner and the space around him was strictly ordered. Even the maid cleaning a house didn't dare to come in without permission, as a simple touch or moving the objects around would not be forgiven.
The room was grey, just like the state of his soul right now.
He was reminiscing about the events of the day. What they did was just childish games but as the day progressed, Cassiel was surprised to admit that he didn't mind spending the day like this.
Except for the fingers war, they also drew on the kites and ran in the meadow as the paper animal in the sky was chasing after them. It was a new experience that stuck to his memories that were no longer dim and gloomy, but colourful and warm instead.
The children's laughter still rings in his ears and the corners of his lips curve up.
The image of the girl dressed in a simple dress running next to him, her smile was contagious. She held his hand so he wouldn't fall as he was manoeuvring with the kite. It was unnecessary as he had complete control of his body after being trained in swordsmanship from a young age, but she still treated him with care and respect.
His memories were filled with joy, and then the stream of pink hair flew around like the flower petals falling from the tree in the spring.
"Ophelia…" The unexpected name left his lips and the dark eyes gleamed with the red.
"I need to remove her as soon as possible before she gets too attached…"
Whenever he remembered the event during the day, a pink-haired girl was there.
It was annoying.
Violet only needs him by her side.
Cassiel was thinking of the sinister plan, not caring that his next victim would be a twelve-year-old child.
He felt no remorse about removing his enemy, but… Would she hate him, if he tried to hurt someone else?
It was funny that despite how much Nathaniel wanted to treat his family well, he was still afraid of the boy's dark side.
But Violet was ready to accept everything like her instinct was aware of what Cassiel could do and would do, but she still chose to embrace him.
"What is different about her? I want to find out… How much can she handle until she runs away…"
But can she escape from him?
For Cassiel, once he caught his prey, there was no way out.