As there isn’t much to do inside the carriage I take a good long look at Anne. ‘She’s been with me for all this time.’ I think fondly. She was assigned to me when she was only twelve.
Her dark brown hair sways gently from the breeze as her hazel eyes gaze at the passing scenery. The black and white uniform suits her, or maybe that’s only because I’ve grown accustomed to it.
“Hey Anne. I love you.”
She glances at me for a second before smiling.
The silence continues, only interrupted by the sounds of hooves and creaking wood. I guess she isn’t really in the mood to humor me today.
We are on our way to meet my esteemed parents after all.
Dirt makes way for cobble as houses come into view. A few minutes later we’re stopped in front of the gate to Ranciel.
A guard steps into view outside the carriage and I present my papers.
“The Artois’ boy, huh?” He remarks before handing them back.
The carriage begins to move again. We drive past the stalls and bustling square. A few curious gazes follow us, but nothing of interest happens before we stop in front of a mansion.
The iron gates gleam under the sun, as does the guards’ armor. They both frown as they see me, but they let me through regardless. We dismount and continue on foot.
The spacious garden has statues and empty pedestals lining the path.
“Brother~!”
I see a flash of gold sprinting towards me, and I unconsciously smile. Her white dress flutters about as she leaps into my arms.
“Hahaha, Orlena! How have you been?”
She looks up at me with her adorable blue eyes and accuses, “Why haven’t you visited more often esteemed brother?”
“Well, you’re brother’s been very busy with his studies. I’ve been in Athos remember?” At least that’s what our parents devised.
“Why’d you go so far anyways? What’s so good about Athos that you’d be willing to part from your loving sister?” She says with a pout.
“As inquisitive as always dear sister, but I’m afraid this conversation will have to wait,” I say and gesture towards the doors.
Her eyes follow to see my parents waiting at the entrance of our home. Their disgusted expressions hastily replaced with a sickening smile.
“Allow me,” I say while holding out my arm.
“Ehehe,” she giggles before linking hers with mine.
“Orlena, forgive your mentally challenged brother and tell me. How old are you this year?”
“I’m turning twelve in a few months. You better be at my party! It’s the least you could do after missing all of the others.”
“I’ll try my best to make time.”
Her protests are cut short as we reach my parents.
“Orlena, return to your room.” My mother says.
“We have much to speak of with your brother,” says my father.
My sister gives me one last hug before dejectedly walking away.
“Esteemed Father, Mother,” I say while giving a slight bow.
They both wait until Orlena is out of sight before speaking.
My father. Count Enzo Artois of Ephita. Famous for his subjugation of the fierce Tranujan hordes of the East. Fierce in reputation and appearance.
“You look well,” He says in a rough voice.
“Due to your generosity and care,” I reply curtly.
“Come, we’ll speak at the parlor,” My mother states before turning around and leading me inside.
Ghyslaine the Enchantress. Hailing from the prestigious country of Iphita.
Capable of creating items of unparalleled strength and number. She became a central factor in contributing to her country’s rise in power.
After we take our seats she begins speaking.
“What is the reason for your sudden visit?” No ‘son’, no ‘Arshy’. Dry and as detached as always.
“I hope that’s not the tone you take with your daughter,” I say getting a little annoyed.
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“You and her are a different matter entirely.” Now she’s just blatantly open about it…
“If you don’t have anything important to say, you should leave.” -Enzo
“Why do you still have so much hate? I didn’t cause those deaths.”
They both fall silent as the mood darkens another shade.
“Just tell us the reason for your visit.” Mother says in a dejected tone.
“I believe I’ve found a cure. At least one that works for me.”
They both look at me. A flash of hope glinting in their eyes as they immediately understand the implications.
They may be able to have more children, and a small part of me wishes that it would redeem me in their eyes. They still lacked a male heir, after all.
I would no longer be the symbol of their curse, but the savior of their family.
“Sebastian! Call Flore and Celene immediately!”
“Understood.” Sebastian replies from behind the door before rushing off.
Flore. Probably our country’s most renowned mage. Only moments later they are both ushered into the room.
“Flore, I want you to check my son’s condition.” She called me her son… a rising hope settles into my heart. I know it’s shallow, but I’ve been starved all my life.
She makes her way towards me and has me remove most of my clothing. No jokes now. This is probably what I have been hoping for my entire life.
Flore’s eyes glow as a complicated array coats them, and she gasps.
“What is it?!” Both my parents exclaim.
“T-t-this is…,” Flore stutters before falling silent.
Anyone can tell that the news is going to be anything but pleasant. She sits at one of the free chairs while mumbling.
I glance around the room to see disappointment written on my parents faces. Resolving myself I say, “Well, tell us.”
Flore looks at each of us before nodding and opening her mouth.
“He’s been marked.”
My father’s face visibly reddens as his expression turns formidable. The face of wrath that decimated the famed Tranujan hordes now focused on me.
“OUT!!!”
“Father! I swear I know not of-” and I’m silenced by a strike so strong I slam against the wall, splintering it.
“YOU WOULD TAINT OUR LINE WITH A DEMON?! ARE YOU MAD BOY?!”
The hits rain down on me again and again. ‘You’re the one who’s mad, Father.’ It’s even hard to think. Blood flies into the air as my body becomes mangled from the repeated blows.
“I. WILL. KILL. YOU. MYSELF!” He bellows between blows.
I can visibly see the mana concentrating on his fist. A rather useless skill for one with a broken circuit. Just as he is about to land the last strike Anne stands in between us.
“No father should have to kill their own children. Haven’t you lost enough?!” She screams at him, tears running down her face.
The room is silent save for my exasperated breathing. Bones jut out after penetrating my skin, and the blood is blocking my breath.
“Heith, take him.” Anne says taking advantage of their silence.
I groan in pain as I’m lifted as gently as possible. Heith walks out with Anne following behind us.
“Hurry, take us to the spring,” Anne says gently taking my hand.
Heith nods in confirmation before heading us out of the city.
“Why would you stop him,” I ask each breath becoming fainter.
“Your family may not see you as their own, but I raised you. I know you, and I’ll always be with you.” She’s crying.
Tears roll down my cheeks as well. I open my mouth, but my strength is already failing me. ‘I’m sorry, Anne.’ Is all I think before fading away.