Alaric stepped into his dorm room, irritation bubbling from the encounter he'd just endured. That annoyance only deepened when he spotted his older sister, Livia, casually lounging on his bed, reading a book—and wearing his pajamas.
He let out a long sigh, closing the door behind him before trudging further into the room. "What are you doing in my room, Liv? And how did you even get in? My door was locked," he asked, his tone heavy with exasperation.
Livia glanced up from her book, her face lighting up with an impish smile. "I have a key," she said, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Alaric pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head. "Of course, you do," he muttered, disappearing into the bathroom to change out of his uniform. When he emerged moments later in casual clothes, he raised an eyebrow at his sister. "More importantly, why are you wearing my clothes? You're going to have to change out of them when you leave anyway. What's the point?"
Livia didn't even bother looking up this time, her attention shifting back to her book. "They're comfortable," she said simply, her tone dismissive as though it were the most logical answer in the world.
Alaric groaned quietly and dropped into the chair at his desk. He opened a textbook, determined to focus on his studies rather than engage further in his sister's antics. Still, he couldn't help but glance at her from the corner of his eye, her presence equal parts comforting and frustrating.
While Alaric was immersed in his studies, his sister's voice cut through the silence.
"So, what's your relationship with Princess Caitlyn? You two seem pretty close," Livia said, a mischievous lilt in her tone.
Alaric scoffed, not even bothering to look up. "Close? Hardly. She just insists on harassing me for no reason, even though I go out of my way to avoid her. She's the worst."
Livia let out a low whistle, clearly enjoying his irritation. "Wow, you actually sounded like a delinquent for once. Maybe those rumors about you aren't so far off after all."
Rolling his eyes, Alaric ignored her teasing and refocused on his textbook. "You know what? Why don't you talk to her? Tell her to leave me alone. I have way more important things to deal with than her stalking me and setting up her stupid traps. And make sure she knows that I'm onto her little games."
Livia smirked, closing her book and resting her chin on her palm as she studied her brother. "You've really got her worked up, haven't you? Maybe she just likes you and doesn't know how to show it."
Alaric froze mid-sentence, his pencil hovering over the page. "Don't even joke about that," he said sharply, turning to glare at her.
Livia laughed, clearly delighted at his reaction. "Relax, Alaric. I'll see what I can do, but I make no promises. Caitlyn seems... determined." She stood, stretching lazily before sauntering toward the door, still wearing his pajamas.
Alaric shook his head, exhaling deeply. "And leave my clothes here before you go, Liv."
Livia only winked at him before disappearing into the hallway, leaving Alaric to grumble to himself and try to regain his focus.
Alaric sighed, leaning back in his chair. He wished Livia would act the way she did in public more often—aloof, composed, and entirely disinterested. But in private, she was a completely different person: a constant thorn in his side. Still, he supposed she was better than Cedric. At least she didn't actively despise him.
In public, she played the part of the perfect noble sibling, distant and cold toward him to maintain appearances. Yet behind closed doors, she was surprisingly supportive—annoying, yes, but genuinely sisterly in her own way. They argued plenty, but for the most part, they got along fine.
No matter how much she teased or frustrated him, Alaric knew she didn't mean any harm. And as much as he hated to admit it, there were moments when her antics made life just a little more bearable.
Livia strolled out of Alaric's dorm, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. With a casual wave of her hand, she cast a simple illusion spell over the pajamas she'd "borrowed," restoring the appearance of her uniform. Satisfied with her handiwork, she made her way back to her own dorm, though her mind was already on another matter.
She intended to confront Caitlyn at the earliest opportunity. Her brother had endured more than his fair share of harassment—baseless rumors, constant scrutiny, and their father's relentless disapproval for circumstances entirely beyond Alaric's control. Enough was enough.
As if summoned by sheer determination, Livia spotted Caitlyn walking across the courtyard. Perfect. With graceful precision, she approached the princess, her every step calculated.
"Greetings, Princess Caitlyn," Livia called out, her voice warm but carrying an undertone of steel. "I was just looking for you."
Caitlyn paused, her brows furrowing in confusion. "Me? Why? Did you need something?"
Livia's smile was pleasant, yet there was an unmistakable sharpness in her gaze. "As a matter of fact, I do. I just finished speaking with my brother, Alaric. He mentioned feeling rather displeased with your... persistent interest in him. Constantly following him around, testing him—it's becoming quite tiresome."
Caitlyn blinked, caught off guard by the bluntness. "I'm simply curious—"
"I'm sure you are," Livia cut in, her tone still polite but firm. "You're a smart girl, so I'm certain you've realized by now that the rumors surrounding my brother are entirely false. Alaric has enough to deal with as it is, and it would be much appreciated if you left him alone. He deserves a little peace."
Caitlyn hesitated, her expression unreadable. "I didn't mean to cause harm... I just—"
Livia's smile didn't waver. "Good. Then I trust we won't have to revisit this conversation. Have a pleasant evening, Princess."
With that, Livia turned on her heel, her illusion spell holding firm as she walked back toward her dorm, her mission accomplished—for now.