Temporary Crown

6 | Threats Between Successors

The sound of an Index finger tapping the table can be heard in Lucien’s room. His eyes moving left to right as he read the book he had chosen for today but none of the contents really pass through his brain for his mind had been preoccupied with different matters.

Time was ticking and there was an obvious tension in the room that even Lucien himself could see.

Although it was time for him to sleep and rest, he was really restless now and his mind was thinking of the possibility that his plan might turn in a wrong course and worse, he might need to hide a body and construct a very believable excuse. Lucien only wanted to give warning right now. He had considered this plan more carefully than all of his choices. However, he could not even believe to himself that he was doing this.

Several days passed after his father had told him about his new sister. Those times, he wanted to fully know some dirty information his new sister has so he tried to hire someone to do some old diggings. Few days after there were still no results hence, Lucien thought that he could do a normal way of threatening and let her realize herself that she was not welcome in this household.

This wasn’t his normal way of dealing things. He was more careful than before but his mind and anxiousness went step ahead with his rationality. Now, that he was thinking everything more clearly putting aside his desperation, he can’t help but sighed as there was nothing he could do for the damaged had already been done.

He just hope that his adopted sister was scared and would leave the mansion tomorrow morning.

Just as he was waiting for the results, He heard a knock coming from the door. He stood up, getting his robe, Lucien slowly opened the door. In a matter of seconds, his eyes saw a silver and red color flashed and passed on his face and the color was stuck on the door.

“Good evening, little brother did I disturb your sleep?”

Lucien followed the path of the color that flashed in his eyes only to see a dagger stained with blood. He swallowed as he moved his gaze to his front. Like scenes coming from a popular horror play in the theaters, his sister with hands and dress blood stained red was looking at him quite coldly. Nesta was still holding the dagger that was stuck on the door. She was smiling in such a gentle manner Lucien shuddered.

The blood on the dagger crawled down staining the door. Lucien felt his blood run cold. His mind immediately concluded that his plan had failed and had cost someone’s life. He suddenly felt an invisible weight weighing him down on his shoulders.

“Sister?” he gasped. He thank himself inwardly that he remembered to breathe.

Nesta chuckled but her stares were heavy.

He instinctively took a step back.

“Right, sister. We are family,” she said as though she was making a point and making him realize that they were family now. “But how come you’re sending someone to kill and threaten your sister? Aren’t you happy that you have an elder sister now? Is this one way of showing your hostility? It’s obviously making me so sad, Lucien. Should I tell father that we are fighting?”

There was an obvious sarcasm coated in her voice that made Lucien feel all the hair in his body stood up. This wasn’t in his expectations at all.

Still, despite feeling horrified, he suppressed his emotions. This sister he had thought to be naïve and was getting swayed by money and power was showing a different side he had never thought.

She wasn’t just a normal lady. There was more into it!

With all of her actions, there was a reality that was sinking to him now that he considered it. His father, duke Charles who was always wise brought home a woman claiming to be his adopted sister. For whatever reason, his father won’t just adopt someone without any plans.

Something was brewing inside the mansion and behind close doors. Rather than getting swayed by her presence, he should act as someone who was worthy to become a heir not like a coward like this.

Realizing all of his mistakes one by one, Lucien tried to hide it.

“Sister,” Lucien started talking with a firm voice. “ Have you encounter some trouble? Should I help you?” He acted concern looking up and down, scrutinizing her with his worried expression. Seeing how he was acting Nesta smiled even more. She felt like they were playing a popular play in the theaters. It was obviously making her excited.

“Do you think that I am quite a fool little brother?” she asked taking a step forward cornering Lucien between the door and her figure. Although Lucien was a little taller than her, Nesta did not show any form or expression of inferiority, instead, she was acting all authoritative.

“Such thoughts did not even pass on my mind, Sister. I assure you,” Of course he tried to lie out of the situation but that was such an idiotic move seeing how Nesta was so sure that the gift she received was all planned by him.

“Is that so? Have you not given me a gift?” Nesta tilted her head acting like she was questioning her own thoughts and conclusions. “You see, I just received one and as you can see I have received him with such a warm welcome that I end up killing him. It’s such a pity I wasn’t able to show it with you since it was a surprise. If It was from you, I would have treated it more carefully. If you are planning on sending me more, Lucien. Tell me in advance. I would welcome them.”

“Right,” Lucien said. His eyes landed on the dagger and her sinister sleeping dress. If a servants were to see them right now, it would cause an uproar scandal and it might get out of hand. So, he gathered his courage once again to talk gently.

“But first, why not you remove that dagger on the door and enter inside so we could talk?”

“You’re inviting me inside?” Nesta asked gleefully.

“Yes.” Lucien said. His voice was stiff.

Lucien winced feeling regrets washing over him. He had an initial thought that his new sibling might be someone who was insane.

Hearing his reply, Nesta smiled widely. “Aren’t you afraid that I might kill you?” she asked the obvious thought of a person facing someone drenched in blood.

Lucien considered this question long before she could ask it. Obviously, he was the only blood related son of the duke and he was an important figure. If he was killed, suspicions would lead to her, Nesta, who had just appeared out of no where and took the position of being his sister.

Lucien already concluded that she was not that dumb as she was willing to take matters like this in her hands.

All of her motives would be investigated in that case and the only conclusion that could sentence her to prison was inheritance. Lucien, trusted that she was not that insane. Obviously, his father had plans involving him and her and Lucien trusted that thought more than anything else.

He wasn’t a Von Stein for nothing although he was swayed by his emotions, it would be great to solve matters in a more rational manner.

“I’m not,” He answered quite confidently. “I know you don’t have such thoughts.”

Nesta chuckled. She took a step forward eyes lingering on his face.

“Yes, I don’t have such plans and never will I have in the future.” Nesta said looking more rational than ever. Gone was her crazy gaze and actions but now, she looked even more terrifying as though she was someone higher than him and was giving him threats and warning.

“However, little brother, as a fair warning, as an existence meant to protect you, if ever this happen in the future again, I won’t tolerate such pranks and would pretty much punish you. As I have said before, I am glad that I have become your sister and it would forever stay that way. I am not here to rob you of all of your inheritance and authority if that is what you are thinking. I hope you don’t give me reasons to regret my thoughts and actions, hmm?”

Her voice sounded heavy. Lucien fell silent and seriously considered her words. He then nodded.

“I understand.”

Hearing his reply, Nesta’s brown eyes sparkled revealing an innocent smile. “Really? Then, that’s great!” She looked around as though it was finally sinking to her that what she did was really reckless and bold.

“Should we head inside your room and talk? I am afraid that we might cause some scandals we don’t want to happen if were seen light this.”

Lucien pursed his lips. “Of course sister,” he replied opening the door widely. “Should we have a cup of tea?”

Nesta nodded happily. “Thank you! That would be great, little brother.”

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