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    Not wanting to take any more of his precious time, I got up, bobbed my head and left Edgar to do his bidding - or to dwell in his own thoughts. Once the echo of the wooden door closing behind me was heard, my body sunk against it, feeling a certain heaviness grow in my chest. Somehow, the Duke’s words were stuck in my head, being repeated over and over again as if they belonged to the chorus of a stupid melody. Tears threatened to slip by realizing how much my soul had yearned for this warmth, for this fatherly type of love.


    Ever since we first met, my heart always belonged to Lilith, my beautiful mother who couldn’t help but to shower me with her love - however, deep down, a part of me still wished to be born somewhere else, anywhere else but the Criswell’s household. Perhaps, if I’d been born here, as the daughter of Lydia, things would’ve been far different than they were - maybe, just maybe, the scars in my soul wouldn’t run as deep as they did.


    With a brief nod to the guards stationed outside the door, my body regained its strength and started walking through the halls; mind still focused on the hopes of a naive young child. Loneliness seemed to never leave my side, even when my presence was anything but alone - even when surrounded by maids, or watching over Jade, everything seemed so... unreal.


    People had their own lives, as individuals always do, defending their morals, beliefs and praying to their God, yet I seemed to be an extra piece of the puzzle, a mistake accidentally crafted by the game maker whose counting skills had grown gray. A master, a lady, a daughter, it seemed like I could be anything yet, even with such resolute titles, nothing could ever be mine. Everything, anything and everyone were part of fate’s schemes, and my soul was simply the one that didn’t know where to fit in - an utter, deplorable judgment error.


    A servant bumped into my shoulder, awakening me from my own depressive thoughts. “Apologies, milady.”


    A rat with manners, is it? It was easy to recognize the bird’s nest on the man’s hair, the way his beard flew all over the place, wishing to be sliced by someone who knew how to. Gilbert was alone, strolling around the mansion like a cockroach, his cautious gaze avoiding mine; certainly, to hide the intense burning hatred behind it. It seemed like something was afoot.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    “John, is it?” With a kind smile, our eyes connected. “Be at ease, it was my fault as well. Are you feeling better?”


    “Yes, milady, thank you for your concern.”


    “Good, good... I heard you requested a day off tomorrow; will you be going to town? A family visit, perhaps?” My hand fell on his shoulder, patting them slightly as if my intentions held all the kindness available in the world. With the friction, some pieces of dust fell off, probably from his little escapes into the garden, the perfect way to observe the outer layer of the building.


    Gilbert appeared to be confused, unable to process what was happening, unable to understand if this caring side was truly a part of my personality or just another one of my games.


    “Yes, milady. I’ll be visiting my older brother.” His response was awkward, as if he tried to make himself seem aloof, embarrassed by saying such words.


    “I see... do take him some flowers in my stead. Consider it my apology gift for all the stress I caused you.”


    “Milady, that’s...” His doubt kept on rising, and so did his conflict as my true intentions remained hidden beneath endless rows of masks. Maybe he was merely attempting to understand if I was finding new ways of beating him up or abusing my power over his shameful self.


    Seconds of silence turned into rather long minutes, stretching out in the middle of a dead corridor, haunted merely by the sound of our breathing. “Please, do accept it. I’d be devastated if you didn’t... Won’t you take my kindness?”


    “If you so insist, milady.” With a rather forced smile, he bobbed his head. “Thank you.”


    “Then I won’t take much more of your time. Have a wonderful day and do take extra care of your brother...” My feet twirled, causing a chuck of hair to hit his lowered head. “...since you never know when it might be the last.”


    The sunlight now caused the shadows of the Wharton’s extensive garden to flow onto the grass, gradually consuming the land with its darkness. Yet, as the higher skies shaped themselves into a beautiful sapphire blue, a current of clouds slowly flew in, guided by the harsh southern wind, carrying far more than warmth and dust.


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