Temporary Crown

25 | A reality of a son

Before Lucien could reach Nesta’s room, she had already gone to sleep. Her head was rested on Lucien’s chest and both of her hands were placed above her stomach as Lucien was carrying her. She looked somewhat peaceful a lot different form how she was panicking and anxious earlier.

He walked inside the room. There was a maid who was present had already prepared the bed.

Lucien gently put down Nesta on the bed tucking her between sheets. He then pulled the chair near the bed and sat down comfortably. “Tell the doctor to monitor my father and report everything to me.” Lucien said the moment he took a seat.

He did not gave the servant a glance however, he was looking at his sister with her calm breaths, laying in bed. Judging from how deep her sleep where and her breaths, she must have been very tired.

“Serve her meal later after she woke up,” He then added.

“Yes, young lord.”

The maid made her exit and closed the door only for the two of them to be left inside the room.

Lucien had a good night sleep even with all the fuss. He was just able to know what was happening when he noticed the odd atmosphere enveloping the whole mansion, hence he called the butler.

At first, the butler was hesitant to tell him. He was fidgeting telling one excuse after the other. However, after persuasion, he told Lucien the truth and even his adopted sister’s words to not to tell him what was happening. It was also in that very moment when he felt a sense of reality kicking inside of him.

He had disregard how fast time move back in the past but now, everything seemed to be moving forward without any warning.

The moment he heard the news of his father collapsing, he wanted to ask himself what he should feel. It was strange for back before, he was furious knowing his father will die but now, he was rather calm that he was even doubting his thoughts and his self.

He thought to himself that he will be angry just like what Nesta thought when she told the butler to keep his mouth shut. Lucien somewhat understood the way of how his adopted sister thinks of him. Like what she always told him, she viewed him as a child. Someone she needed to protect to.

It was odd having a stranger like her care for him. He should be angry over her careless ways of butting into the family and even taking in charge of the servants. He should be angry over the fact that she had already established her position in this whole mansion. But now, he was here, staying beside her with nothing in his thoughts.

Lucien heard the doctor very clearly. The only thing that was keeping the duke alive right now was potions and divine magic. Those were limited to people below them but they are the second authority close to the imperial family. They have all the money to buy and spend one if they really wanted too. However, even though they have money, fame and wealth, their hands were tied if death was the one who was in front of them.

Would they be able to save his father? Would it all not be too late? This was a possibility that Lucien doesn’t want to entertain at the moment still, in the back of his mind, he felt like he should be preparing for an unknown and uncertain future.

Heaving his breath, Lucien leaned back on the chair eyes landing on the ceiling. He saw the designed painted on the wall and the magnificent chandelier. Soon afterwards, the sun’s rays seeped through the curtains making a ray of light passing through every furniture landing on the marble floor.

Lucien did not know how long he stayed in that position. No one had disturbed him. With that, he can also conclude that nothing happened. Nesta was still sleeping soundly. Everything was in calm waters right now that it was making him anxious. It felt like something was holding him in his throat threatening him. He can’t let his guard down.

Without saying any word, he stood up quietly and left the room. He walked on the hallway mindlessly not knowing where to go. First of all, he haven’t stayed this long in this mansion for he was always in the academy.

Lucien continued to walk aimlessly. A little while later, He just found himself standing in front of his father’s office.

This office that seemed like a prison to him even though this very room signified the power of the duke. In the back of his mind, he remembered the days when he was able to play inside this room with his mother while his father was working.

He was here and he was happy. When did everything went wrong?

As Lucien stumbled upon such question, he lifted his hands and twisted the door knob in order to enter. The sound of the door echoed inside the whole room. No one was there. It was empty with all the books, furniture and papers all around.

Despite of all the things inside, it looked so desolated and cold.

Lucien entered the room closing the door gently from behind. He walked inside picturing every places his father would be if he was working right now. He would always be in the chair behind his desk scribbling words and checking documents.

If not, he would be at the sofa reading books and having tea. Lucien sighed and went towards the desk. There were papers scattered. It might be some unfinished work of the duke he haven’t finish yesterday.

It was quite ironic that it was only just yesterday that this whole room was full of people and lively. Now, its silence was quite haunting and eerie.

Lucien touched the desk and pushed some papers. he doesn’t have any thoughts in his mind while doing this however, he felt a wax seal under his left index finger. He pushed the papers only to find a letter. Lucien stood up straight.

He lifted it up and turned it to read what was written behind the letter. He paused as Lucien felt something heavy had punched him inside. He was even more confused right now, unaware what emotions he should show or if he should really show one.

This letter was not for him but for his sister, Nesta.

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