pressure
998 Words
"A hug big brother." He said with a coy shrug, as if even such a thing has to be explained.
Well, it doesn't cost much, so, why not. "You've grown a lot smol brother." I said and looped one of my arms to his neck, and tapped his right shoulder twice; while he mirrored the same only to tap me one extra time.
"Why did you come yesterday, out of all the days?" Kriag asked after he settled on the chair opposite of me.
"I came to visit Mom. And Richard Uncle's memorial was set yesterday so I thought to pay my respects for one last time. He was a great man." I said meaning it truly; he was a very inspiring man who knew exactly what was right and wrong, "That he was."
"So, how is work?" I queried and put a soufflé pancake into his plate. "Good. I am in the middle of a movie shoot. A thriller this time."
"Honey or maple?" He asked me for the syrup choice, I picked the honey container. "What are you planning to do with Vhrea?"
I didn't expect him to come this early into this topic; he had seen me yesterday when I was explaining my proposal to Vhrea in the rose garden. Did he witness the scandalous kiss too? "Nothing. Why?"
"She doesn't need a push for revenge Gabriel." He paused, as if expecting me to say something. "She needs closure, so don't ignite the wrong emotion in her." His voice shrilled like a threat to my ears.
He surely will always have a soft spot for Vhrea in his heart, be it as his first love, or a very good friend, and nothing in this world can challenge that.
"Did you see her eyes? Do they look forgiving?" To me they looked the perfect set of thirsty eyes for blood, "They don't but we can channel her to a better path of justice."
"Your psychiatrist must have worked so hard to make you this optimistic and pure." I commented, wow, this pancake was so soft that it melted so easily inside my mouth.
"Yes, she did." He replied as cold as the ice cubes in the Mojito cups on the table. "She is a capable adult who can decide the best for her." I added bluntly.
"Of course, she can. I was just reminding you that you aren't a saint trying to keep the world peaceful because you know what you are."
"Is this your first–love–self talking?" I fuelled him to see if his psychiatrist was really doing a good job or not.
"It's a brother speaking who knows his brother well. Who knows very well, that it's your interests that lie above every other thing in the world. I wonder what is it that you want from her."
"That's easy to answer. I want power from her. She is the epitome of power." I would like to elaborate my reasons but that was not required at the moment.
"I hope she rejects whatever you have offered her." He said with a serious smile on his face.
"Gabriel Park Mendel Nayak! Why do I see articles with you holding a pair of heels?" My aunt entered inside the private cabin, hyperventilating, without knocking the door. "Hello there, Kriag." She added when she noticed his presence.
"Rani Ma. Please have a seat." I said after opening a chair for her on the round table, which she obliged to, immediately.
"It was the girl I mentioned you about." I said her, while Kriag gave me a horrified look. "You are not going to do something stupid, are you?"
"Chill out brother. Nope." I assured him not even knowing what he was actually worried about. He definitely didn’t see us kissing.
"Name. Family. Photo and Occupation, now!" My aunt demanded after taking in a sip of her plain water, dieting she calls it.
"I will let you know once she gives me the permission to." I said, although it wasn't true. "I am not liking her attitude already!" She complained, Kriag laughed at this.
"Sorry I am late." Mom knocked the door after coming inside the cabin and Kriag bet me to give her a hug. "Don't suffocate me now!" Mom complained while Kriag whined, "I've missed you Mom."
"We saw each other before you ran away alone to come early and meet Gabriel. And you, Gabriel, come here and give me a hug, quick now." I smiled and went to do as asked.
Mom's hug is like a magic, she knows how to give all the right energies and conceal stress with comfort.
"Minerva can you not make me jealous. My daughter doesn't even look at me with admiration." My aunt said from her seat. I guess why would Aishwarya hate her mother so much.
"That's because she is still young. Let me not get started with how much these brats had troubled me; Isobel was only a sane child I had."
"That's not true Mom. I always listened well." I objected, which was very percent correct!
"Yes, yes. Keep living in dreamlands!" Mom commented and sat down on the chair beside my aunt's.
"Minerva did Gabriel give you the good news?" My aunt smirked playfully at me.
"What?" Mom asked being confused as much as Kriag was.
"He is getting married before this birthday."
Pressure: the art of making things pop in and out with the force of expectations. That's what my Aunt was trying to do.
She wanted me to get married as soon as possible.
Then why did she make a deal with Lily Ashtrick to chain Julian with an unnecessary asset of responsibility? If the deal my Aunt offered to Vhrea's mother regarding what I think it is, is sealed then things may not work in my favour to keep the throne.
So, I need Vhrea with her agreement, or without it!
Only she can become the Queen I want.
- Writer
