The snowstorm raged on as Arius wandered through the estate's halls, his crimson eyes distant. The Duke's words lingered in his mind, weighing on him like an unsolved riddle. (Toys... Play... Balance?) He couldn't fathom the logic behind it. Wasn't it better to focus on improving himself, preparing for the life that awaited him in this dangerous world?
Lost in thought, Arius turned a corner and stopped. The playroom door stood before him, slightly ajar. Warm light spilled into the hallway, accompanied by a faint scent of wood and paint. Curiosity tugged at him, and before he realized it, his small hand had pushed the door open.
Inside, the room was a kaleidoscope of color. Wooden soldiers stood at attention in neat rows on shelves, alongside stuffed animals and intricate puzzles. A small table in the corner held stacks of books—some with brightly illustrated covers. Near the window, a rocking horse sat still, its glossy surface reflecting the flickering light of a nearby lantern.
Arius stepped inside, his footsteps hesitant. His eyes scanned the room, taking in every detail. (This is... all mine?) The idea seemed foreign, almost laughable. He moved toward the shelf, picking up a small wooden soldier. Its painted face stared back at him, unchanging and stoic.
He turned it over in his hands, noting the craftsmanship. (So much effort for something so... pointless.) Yet he couldn't deny the strange warmth that crept into his chest. He placed the soldier back and walked to the rocking horse. Its polished surface gleamed under his touch as he ran a hand along the smooth wood.
A voice broke his reverie. "Master Arius?"
Startled, Arius turned to see Conrad standing in the doorway, a stack of books in his hands. The older boy's expression softened as he took in the scene.
"I didn't mean to interrupt," Conrad said, stepping into the room. He set the books down on the table and glanced at the toys. "I see you've found the playroom. The Duke was adamant about preparing it for you."
Arius crossed his arms, his crimson eyes narrowing. "He seems to think I should 'play' more. Whatever that means."
Conrad smiled gently. "It means he cares about you. He wants you to have a childhood, even if it's just a small part of one."
Arius frowned, his gaze dropping to the floor. (A childhood...) The concept felt like a relic from another life, something he had long since buried.
Conrad's voice softened. "You know, I didn't have much of a childhood either. Back when I was on the streets, survival was all I could think about. But here..." He gestured to the room. "Here, you have a chance to experience something different. Something better."
Arius looked up at Conrad, his expression unreadable. "Do you play, Conrad?"
The older boy blinked in surprise. "Well, I wouldn't call it 'playing,' but I do enjoy a good game of chess or reading a storybook now and then."
Arius tilted his head, considering this. "Chess, huh? I suppose that's more... productive than playing with toys."
Conrad chuckled. "Maybe. But sometimes, it's not about productivity. It's about enjoying the moment. Even the Duke understands that."
Arius glanced at the rocking horse, then back at Conrad. "Teach me to play chess."
Conrad smiled. "Of course, Master Arius."
________________________________________
The Duke's Perspective
In his study, Duke Nyx leaned back in his chair, his golden eyes fixed on the flickering fire. Becky stood nearby, her hands clasped in front of her.
"You're worried about him," Becky said, breaking the silence.
The Duke sighed, a rare show of vulnerability. "He's remarkable, Becky. Far beyond his years. But that's exactly what concerns me. He shouldn't have to bear such a burden at his age."
Becky nodded, her gray eyes thoughtful. "He's adapting to the life you've given him, Your Grace. But perhaps he needs more than just training and lessons. He needs to feel... secure. Loved."
The Duke's gaze softened. "I've provided everything he could possibly need. But love..." He trailed off, his expression unreadable. "It's not something I'm accustomed to giving."
Becky stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm. "Then learn, Your Grace. For his sake."
The Duke remained silent, his thoughts heavy.
________________________________________
Chess
The next morning, Arius and Conrad sat at a small table in the library, a chessboard between them. The pieces were finely carved, each one a miniature work of art.
"Chess is a game of strategy," Conrad explained, moving a pawn forward. "It's about predicting your opponent's moves and thinking several steps ahead."
Arius studied the board, his crimson eyes sharp. He moved a knight, his small fingers steady. "Like battle strategy. Interesting."
Conrad smiled. "Exactly. But it's also about patience. You can't rush into every move. Sometimes, you have to wait for the right moment."
Arius nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. (A game of strategy and patience... This suits me perfectly.)
The game progressed, and Arius quickly proved to be a natural. By the end, Conrad found himself in checkmate.
"You're a fast learner," Conrad said, shaking his head in disbelief.
Arius smirked. "Of course. I had an excellent teacher."
Conrad laughed, the sound warm and genuine. For the first time in a long while, Arius felt a spark of something he couldn't quite name.
(Maybe... playing isn't so bad after all.)
________________________________________
After some time.....
As the chessboard was being reset for another round, the library doors opened, and Benny stepped in with his usual composed grace. In his hands, he carried a silver tray adorned with an assortment of snacks: delicate fruit tarts, warm pastries, and two steaming cups of hot chocolate.
"Good morning, Master Arius, Master Conrad," Benny greeted, his deep voice calm and steady. "I thought you might enjoy a little refreshment during your game."
Conrad's eyes lit up at the sight of the tray. "Benny, you always know exactly what we need!"
Benny placed the tray on the small side table near them and began arranging the snacks on smaller plates. "It's my duty to ensure the young masters are well cared for," he replied, a faint smile softening his otherwise stern demeanor.
Arius glanced up from the chessboard, his crimson eyes narrowing slightly. "Hot chocolate and pastries? You're spoiling us, Benny."
"Hardly, Master Arius," Benny said, placing a cup in front of him. "Even the sharpest minds require proper sustenance. And," he added with a knowing look, "I thought a little indulgence might make this morning's lesson more enjoyable."
Arius allowed himself a small smirk as he took the cup, the warmth radiating through his hands. He sipped cautiously, the rich sweetness of the chocolate a welcome contrast to the cold morning.
Conrad, already halfway through a pastry, gestured to the chessboard. "You should join us sometime, Benny. I bet you'd be a great player."
Benny chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I'll leave the game to you young masters. I prefer to observe the brilliance from a distance."
"You mean you don't want to lose," Arius teased, his smirk widening.
Benny's lips twitched with restrained amusement. "I assure you, Master Arius, I am well-versed in both chess and strategy. However, my role here is to serve, not to compete."
Arius leaned back in his chair, studying Benny for a moment. "Maybe next time," he said, setting his cup down and turning his attention back to the board. "For now, I have a game to win."
Conrad groaned. "You already beat me once. At least let me enjoy a snack before my inevitable defeat."
"Take your time," Arius replied, his tone deceptively kind. "I'll give you a chance to think a few moves ahead. You might actually surprise me this time."
As the two boys delved back into their game, Benny quietly observed, his sharp eyes noting the dynamic between them. There was a balance here, he thought—a budding friendship that, while subtle, seemed to bring out the best in both.
With a quiet bow, Benny stepped back, leaving the tray of snacks within easy reach. "I'll leave you to your game. Should you need anything else, simply call for me."
"Thanks, Benny," Conrad said through a mouthful of pastry.
Arius gave a small nod of acknowledgment, his focus already shifting to the chessboard.
As Benny exited the library, the faintest hint of a smile lingered on his face. (Master Arius is growing,) he thought. (Perhaps a game of chess isn't just a game after all.)
To be continued.....