Kristopher’s smirked remained unmoved, even in the face of his sister’s pointed attention. “Psychotic males…” He repeated the words almost as if they were foreign on his tongue. To him the term was too dramatic. “Well I did swipe it before our grandfather managed to spot it. It arrived a few hours ago.” His words were nonchalant. “I could let them know we received a package from the Draghi estate. I’m sure it’s peak both our mother and grandfather’s interests.” A lazy, yet sharp smile formed. “Besides, it’s not from your wolf boy.” He stated as matter of factly. The scent on the box was purely female making it the only reason he wanted to see what it was. The possible gifts his sister could receive from her little cat and mouse game were both dull and predictable. “So, go on then.” He nodded towards the package. He didn’t have all night. His sister’s night may have ended, but his was going to be starting soon.
…
Aleera rose early in the morning to the scent of rot and decay assaulting her senses. Sitting upright she peered through the early morning sun to spot a bird perched atop an irritatingly familiar box just outside her glass doors. “He’s a persistent one.” She murmured. The box itself seemed lighter though her nose scrunched at the fresh wave of aroma; and when she opened it her eyes narrowed at the contents. “Scribe: Attempt declined.” After applying the new note she briskly sent it off, her senses thanking her for the reprieve. “Ugh.” Resting her fingers on her chest she snapped her free hand so a fresh scent wafted through the room.
After partaking her morning routine she donned appropriate day attire and made her way to the office of the Lady. The doors opened before her to reveal her mother sitting at an ornate desk with breakfast laid out on a table in the center of the room. Aleera gave a soft bow before taking a seat at the table where her mother soon joined her. “I was notified of the mishaps from the even last night.” Evangeline’s voice was neither disappointed or dismissive. “The Xiradis boy is being handled via post while I intend to handle Markus personally.” Aleera answered clearly. “And Ophelia’s boy?” Evangeline prodded. “I intend to leave him for now.” The look in Aleera’s eye was all her mother needed. “I see.” The Lady took a sip of water, “Have you adequately prepped for your summer duties?”
“The schedule had been set with apt time for personal affairs.” Aleera replied while taking a smoothie from the assortment. Evangeline’s smile was demure, but the approval and pride in her daughter was apparent, “And your siblings?”. “Of course. Antoinette and Markus are taken care of while Maksim and Seraphina rarely deviate.” Aleera waved off the twins as extraneous. Evangeline handed her a crepe, “And your ‘personal’ affairs?”. Aleera tilted her head, a small smile pulled at the corner of stained lips. “As expected.” Evangeline waited for Aleera to take a bite before taking a bite herself.
…
By the time Markus and Antoinette had finished their sparring session; he was soaked and Antoinette was covered in dirt. Antoinette easily remedied herself with water while Marcus was left to air dry. Unlike his sister, Markus was partial to being dry. “Let’s go. It’s time for breakfast. I don’t want to be late.” Antoinette began tugging her brother along. “Give me a second.” Markus tried to stall just long enough to utter a spell, but Antoinette didn’t let up. “No. You should have been better.” Antoinette protested until they entered the formal dining area. Maksim and Seraphina were already at their usual seats. “Morning Seraphina. Morning Maksim.” Antoinette gave them a cheery greeting, giving them each a kiss on the cheek before taking her seat. “Morning guys.” Markus gave Seraphina a small hug and Maksim a nod. “Good morn-” “Good morning.” Maksim drowned out Seraphina’s meeker voice without having to raise his a single octave. “Where’s Aleera and mom?” Antoinette asked, leaning towards Markus. “They’re having a private breakfast in her office. It’s the start of summer.” Maksim reminded his siblings with ease. “Oh right…” After the party last night it had slipped Antoinette’s mind. “Will dad be joining us then?” Markus asked, noticing the absence of food on the table. “He better get here soon so we can eat.” Antoinette muttered, lifting one of the cloches to see nothing underneath yet. She shot Markus a wounded look, but he merely ignored her.
…
By the time Markus and Antoinette had finished their sparring session; he was soaked and Antoinette was covered in dirt. Antoinette easily remedied herself with water while Marcus was left to air dry. Unlike his sister, Markus was partial to being dry. “Let’s go. It’s time for breakfast. I don’t want to be late.” Antoinettebegan tugging her brother along. “Give me a second.” Markus tried to stall just long enough to utter a spell, but Antoinette didn’t let up. “No. You should have been better.” Antoinette protested until they entered the formal dining area. Maksim and Seraphina were already at their usual seats. “Morning Seraphina. Morning Maksim.” Antoinette gave them a cheery greeting, giving them each a kiss on the cheek before taking her seat. “Morning guys.” Markus gave Seraphina a small hug and Maksim a nod. “Good morn-” “Good morning.” Maksim drowned out Seraphina’s meeker voice without having to raise his a single octave. “Where’s Aleera and mom?” Antoinette asked, leaning towards Markus. “They’re having a private breakfast in her office. It’s the start of summer.” Maksim reminded his siblings with ease. “Oh right…” After the party last night it had slipped Antoinette’s mind. “Will dad be joining us then?” Markus asked, noticing the absence of food on the table. “He better get here soon so we can eat.” Antoinette muttered, lifting one of the cloches to see nothing underneath yet. She shot Markus a wounded look, but he merely ignored her.
Seraphina was nodding her head silently to melody that only existed in her mind. Markus smiled a bit as he recognized his younger sister’s habit. “Will we be making more music this summer?” He asked, giving her a smile. Seraphina jumped a mere fraction of a inch before giving him a shy smile, “I hope. I’ve been working on a few things I think would work pretty okay.” She answered him quietly. “IF we have time with our schedules.” Maksim reminded his twin. “Yes, of course.” Seraphina nodded, lowering her gaze submissively. “I’m sure there’ll be time, Maksim.” Markus stated, having grown weary in an instant. “Our schedules are altered every season.” Maksim reminded his older brother. “And we always have enough free time to pursue our own interests.” Markus stated flatly. “Perhaps some of us wish to use our free time to achieve something past our birth right.” Maksim met Markus’ gaze flatly with a calm yet charming expression, “To each their own. Right, brother?”
