Chapter Two – Shadows at the Table
1239 Words
Selena
Grief lingered in the air of the Ardyn estate like a heavy perfume. Every corner of the mansion seemed to echo with my father’s absence—his laughter that once filled the halls, the quiet authority in his voice when he spoke to the staff, the way his presence alone made me feel secure. Now it was gone, and the silence gnawed at me.
I returned home with Kael at my side, his hand wrapped around mine as though I might crumble without him. Maybe he was right—I felt fragile, raw, a glass figure one careless touch away from breaking. Elmira trailed close behind us, her gentle presence soothing, as if she had become the sister I never had.
But not everyone welcomed me with warmth.
Darius stood at the base of the staircase, arms crossed, jaw set like carved stone. My younger brother had always been the fiery one—restless, sharp-tongued, easily misunderstood. His eyes, red-rimmed with grief, still burned with an anger that made my chest tighten.
“You’re back,” he said flatly, though his gaze shifted quickly to Kael, then Elmira, as though measuring them.
“Yes,” I whispered, unsure why my voice faltered under his stare.
He didn’t reply, only turned away as though he couldn’t bear to look at me. I wanted to chase after him, but Kael’s hand squeezed mine lightly.
“Give him time,” Kael murmured, his voice deep and steady. “He’s hurting, too.”
I nodded,even though doubt tugged at my heart.
That evening, the family gathered in the dining hall for the first time since Father’s passing. The long oak table, polished to a dark sheen, looked emptier despite being surrounded by familiar faces. Dishes were laid out, but no one truly ate.
I sat at the head where Father once presided. The chair felt too big for me, too weighted with responsibility I hadn’t asked for. Kael sat on my right, Elmira to my left, their presence cushioning me from the cold reality that I was alone in carrying Father’s memory.
Darius broke the silence first.
“Tell me, sister,” he began, his fork scraping against the plate though he had no appetite, “how long do you plan to stay blind?”
The words stung, sharp and unexpected. My head jerked up. “What do you mean?”
He leaned forward, eyes hard. “You sit there smiling, clinging to your husband and your… friend, while the empire Father built hangs in the balance. Do you think the world will pause out of pity? Our rivals are already circling like vultures.”
Kael’s arm brushed against mine protectively. “Darius,” he said calmly, “now isn’t the time. Selena is grieving.”
“That’s exactly why it’s the time!” Darius snapped. His gaze landed on me, piercing. “Do you really think Father’s death was just misfortune? That there aren’t people eager to exploit it?”
The room went still. My heart thudded painfully in my chest. “Stop,” I whispered. “Please, not tonight. I can’t…”
Kael’s hand slid over mine, firm, grounding me. “You’re upsetting her.”
Darius’s lip curled. “You’ve always been too trusting, Selena. Father saw it, too. Not everyone who calls themselves loyal actually is.”
My throat closed. The sting of his words was worse than any slap. Elmira reached for my hand, her touch feather-light.
“Don’t take it to heart,” she said softly, eyes glistening with sympathy. “Grief makes us cruel. He doesn’t mean it.”
I clung to her comfort, even as Darius pushed away his chair with a loud scrape and stormed from the hall.
I told myself he was only lashing out, that he was hurt. But the doubt his words planted—it burrowed deep, whispering questions I didn’t want to face.
Later that night, Elmira came to my room.
She found me seated by the window, staring out into the gardens Father once tended himself. Kael was away handling some business call, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
Elmira knelt beside me, resting her chin on the arm of my chair like a child seeking closeness.
“You shouldn’t let him get to you,” she murmured. “Darius has always been jealous of what you have.”
“Jealous?” I blinked, startled.
Her lips curved faintly. “Of your place in Father’s heart. Of the love Kael showers on you. Of everything that makes you… you.”
I shook my head, guilt flooding me. “He’s my brother, El. He’s grieving just like I am.”
“Perhaps.” Her voice was soft, but her eyes glittered in the lamplight. “But grief doesn’t excuse cruelty. You need people who will protect you, not tear you down.”
I sighed, leaning my head against the chair. “What would I do without you?”
Her fingers brushed mine gently, lingering a heartbeat longer than they should. “You’ll never have to find out.”
Her words should have comforted me, and in that moment, they did. I didn’t notice the flicker in her gaze, the quick glance toward the door where Kael had disappeared hours ago.
The next day, I passed by Father’s study and paused at the sound of raised voices.
Curiosity rooted me to the spot. Through the slightly ajar door, I saw Darius standing opposite Kael, fists clenched at his sides.
“You think I don’t see what you’re doing?” Darius spat.
Kael stood unruffled, his calm demeanor only making my brother’s anger burn hotter. “I’m doing nothing but supporting your sister.”
“You want control,” Darius hissed. “The empire, the name, everything Father left. You hide behind Selena’s skirts, but I see you.”
Kael’s gaze was steady, his tone maddeningly patient. “If protecting my wife makes you suspicious, then perhaps you should look in the mirror. Paranoia won’t build trust.”
I swallowed hard. My instinct screamed to step in, to shield Kael from Darius’s baseless accusations.
Darius’s voice cracked with fury. “You’ll destroy her.”
Kael didn’t flinch. “I’ll cherish her,” he said simply, and in that moment, I believed him.
I pushed open the door, forcing a smile. “What’s going on?”
Both men turned toward me. Darius’s face flushed, his chest heaving. Kael’s expression softened instantly, his eyes warm as he reached for me.
“Nothing to worry about, love,” Kael assured me. “Just a disagreement. It’s over now.”
I nodded, trusting him. Because he had never given me a reason not to.
Darius looked at me with something like despair before storming past, leaving the study heavy with tension.
Kael wrapped his arm around me. “Don’t let him upset you. He’s just struggling.”
I leaned against him, convincing myself it was true. Because the alternative—that my brother might be right—was too unbearable to face.
That night, as I lay in bed, Kael’s arms around me, Elmira’s words whispered again in my mind. Jealous. Cruel. Untrustworthy.
I told myself they were wrong, that Darius only needed time. But deep down, I felt the distance growing—one I had
n’t chosen, but one Darius had caused with his overbearing ways.
I think it's time to assert my rights more.
- Writer
