Temporary Crown

8 | A Sister’s Advice

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In Nesta’s eyes, she saw once again the despair of the young man who will soon be robed of his family. Her gaze changed thinking to herself that what she had done was something so clumsily and uncalled for. He wasn’t even ready to hear such news but she just said that out loud without even a warning. However, she knew deep down to herself that no matter how she tried and change the timing, Lucien would never be ready to receive such news.

Perhaps, this was a blessing in disguised?

Ha, no! It was uncalled for!

Nesta clenched her hands turning it into a fist. She tried her best to control herself. She wasn’t doing anything to help. There was no difference in the past and to the present. Hasn’t she vowed to changed what will happen in the future? She held the deep responsibility for this family. She wanted to save this family.

As Nesta struggled with her thoughts and convictions once again, she slowly looked at Lucien who seemed to be lost in daze as he looked terrified.

Lucien was always confident and he had big dreams. He was obsessed with everything the Von Stein have however, despite of his obsession, he was a lost child who had been fed up with all the malice people with greed had influenced him. This pitiful child had always have his guard up not trusting anyone. He was a child full of scars and even though he doesn't know himself, Nesta knew that this child was terrified of being alone. That was why he pushed everyone trying to come close to him. He made excuses one after another trying to justify that he doesn't need love.

However, this same child also cried for her and begged her to stay.

And in the end, she wasn’t helping at all. She should just have shut her mouth. Nesta knew very well how important his father was to him despite of their cold temperament to each other. Back in the past, when the duke died, She saw this young man fell in to despair the moment his father had left him. She saw him broke down to many pieces and barely even breathing.

It was a miracle that he had survived and continue to live his life and in the end, she, who was also greedy for power robbed him of everything he ever has. Nesta vowed not to let that happened again. Him who cried for her, she only wish for him to find his own happiness and be free from all the political wars and turmoil that might happen in the future.

She needed to get a grip. She was here for Lucien!

“Lucien?” she asked. Her voice seemed to have taken him out of his trance as he blinked and tried to think once again.

Nesta wanted to ask if he was alright but that would be an absurd question. So, instead, she gave a suggestion. “It would be best for you to confront the duke,” She honestly wished in her heart for them who was her savior, to have closure and peace. She wished for them to say their own farewells without any hint of regret of malice for they are family. They should both have each other and trist each other.

Just as she said that, Lucien looked at her. His eyes were shaking. Nesta tried to smile.

“He’s your father and you are his son. It would be best for the two of you to talk about this matter.”

Nesta can see the hesitation on his eyes, even on his voice. He looked so lost. “But how-”

“Sometimes, you don’t need to think.”

Nesta can saw how Lucien stumbled upon his thoughts and feelings over and over again. He looked so terrified, confused, and anxious. She even forgotten how she looked too horrifying right now with blood on her hands and her sleeping dress was stained. Still, she tried to give him some assurance.

“Miracles exist, Lucien.” She said her eyes glisten with mysteriousness. She was talking about her past experiences. The gods who had granted her another chance to live and to be able to repay her debt to her savior.

Nesta truthfully believed in miracles no matter what they are or from who they were.

As Nesta said that, there was an uncomfortable silence between them. Time ticked but Lucien who was cold and compose before was long eaten by his thoughts. He probably needed some time alone, Nesta thought.

She decided to stood up and walk a little bit closer to Lucien. She pat his head. Lucien flinched but he did not protest. He seemed to be in trance again. Nesta pursed her lips wanting to hug him but they were not in a platonic relationship that she can just freely give him hugs.

Instead, she gave him her wish. “Would there be time you can sincerely call me your sister?” she wondered. Lucien heard her words. She smiled as she continued to talk.

“I hope for you peace, my dear brother. I wish for your healing just like the way you held my hands back when I was leaving.” She smiled gently. She tried expressing everything she felt right now into a smile.

“I am here for you so use me.” She added. quite seriously. Although for Lucien her words doesn’t seem to make any sense, Nesta meant all of it. Inside her heart she felt warmth gradually spreading.

For it was him who had given her salvation. After she said that, Nesta withdrew her hand. “I’ll be leaving now.” She said. “I hope you get your wits together and talk to your father before everything is too late. I sincerely hope for both of your relationship to be mend.”

“Sister,” Lucien said.

He sounded unsure and full of questions. It was really different from the Lucien she had been talking to a while ago. It was her fault that he had become like this. So, once again, she gave him a gentle smile. Her eyes flickered. Words were not needed for him to understand what she really wanted to convey.

Lucien then fell silent once again. Nesta turned and headed towards the door. One last time, she glanced at Lucien who seemed to be thinking. She smiled at little and looked at the time. It was past two only then she realized that there was a corpse lying on her bedroom floor. She immediately opened the door and leave the room. Only then her expression changed. She looked to horrified right now.

After all the tension and emotions, she finally realized that if she did not find a way to throw the corpse it would create a scandal! Without any hesitation she dashed out of the hallway and run to her room.

She needed to think something quickly!

“Damn it, Nesta!”