House Javanis

That night, Anita happily informed the household that her boss would be making his way around to have dinner with them. The maid and cook beamed with excitement and Luelle giggled and floundered about the outfit she was going to wear for the occasion.

As much as she wanted to roll her eyes at her little sister, Anita knew that deep down, she was no different. Was it a crime that she was excited to have Gabriel over? Anyone else would be ecstatic at the opportunity. Especially a man like the current High Paladin…

House Duciel had once been much like her own, a once-prominent noble line that dwindled out of relevancy because of declining resonance core qualities. Even though House Duciel was doomed to fail, it was a miracle that the head, Lord Farran plucked an heir seemingly out of thin air one day that had a resonance so potent and a mind so brilliant, he took the Adrosian Court by storm, forcefully etching a spot for himself at the very top. This once no-name boy had carved a path so spectacularly for himself and pulled off a feat that Anita could only hope of matching in her wildest dreams.

She might be called the hope of House Javanis, but who was she, compared to the heir of House Duciel's brilliance?

Anita sighed, and rolled in her bed surrounded by colorful silks that she tried on but then removed. Sooner or later, her father will marry her off if she couldn't find a husband for herself. No matter how much he loved her and wanted to respect her wishes, she knew as well that there was no choice in the matter, not when her core quality surpassed her sibling's by leaps and bounds. It would be her duty and hers alone to shoulder the responsibility of continuing the line.

Perhaps there was a time she yearned for the Lord Gabriel's hand. There was a time where the idea seemed almost perfect, fated even, with two newborn stars that would rise and revitalize their fading Houses. Those thoughts were old and faded now, and brought with them a keen sense of embarrassment. Anita swallowed those feelings down and pushed aside the fine woven robes that glistened ruby and gold and instead settled for something more familiar, less gaudy. With a turtle neck with ruffled sleeves and fitted white pants to match, Anita decided this was about as ladylike she was going to look. Add on a few accessories and done up hair that takes at least three hours to do, hopefully her dear mother will approve of her appearance.

The sound of an approaching vehicle in the distance caught her attention. From her window she could see the front gate opening up to a sleek black car, still withholding that expensive new glimmer. Anita sucked in a breathe and rushed out of her room and to the front entrance, "Don't worry, Louise." She winked at the old maid, as the took it upon herself to greet the High Paladin outside.

The man that stepped out of the car was different than the High Paladin that she knew. Hair neatly styled back and gems decorating his ears, Gabriel donned a wrinkle-free suit of a silken make. He was no longer the daunting boss figure of the Imperial Knights but more akin to a model or actor that graced entertainment TV channels.

"Oh!" Anita said intelligently, still processing Gabriel's appearance when he looked up to meet her eyes.

He raised a brow, privately amused by her reaction, "Good evening to you too, Anita. I will simply pretend we haven't seen each other a few hours prior in the office."

"Could it be possible that you're joking with me?" She laughed, feeling at ease with his lighter tone. "Anyways, you must stop standing around idly. My family is dying to meet you! And I really mean it, I think Luelle might pop a vein if she were to wait any longer!"

She lead him inside, where her mother greeted the High Paladin with a bow, "Welcome to our humble house, Lord High Paladin."

He nodded at her, a smile that seemed almost out of place donning his face, "No need to be so formal with me, Lady Elaine."

Elaine chuckled, "Then perhaps I should call you son?"

"Mother!" Anita shrieked, absolutely scandalized.

Gabriel raised a questioning brow but Elaine simply laughed it off, "Don't take it so seriously. We're all friends and family here."

"Thank you." He bowed slightly.

"And here I thought you wanted to drop the formalities?" Elaine was giggling now, pleased with the man before her.

When Anita saw that Gabriel was blinking a little more than he usually does despite the stillness of his expression she couldn't help but think that he was oddly cute. She smiled, squeezing in between the small space between Gabriel and her mother, "You can stop teasing him now!"

No doubt it was from her mother where Anita got her mischief. "You'll have to forgive me then, Lord High Paladin." She smiled gleefully.

"Lord High Paladin!" A new voice joined them from atop the staircase. Luelle looked down with a smile as bright as the afternoon sun, cheeks kissed with a flush of rose. Her hair rested around her face in long elegant waves. Tiny teal jewels decorated her hair, matching with the glittering evening dress that hugged her petite body. If Anita had the appearance of a high-class lady then Luelle was a stunning princess. She called to Gabriel as if they'd been friends.

Gabriel offered her that light smile of his, one that Anita swore she'd never seen before at work aside from when it was given to Prince Kaighle, "You must be Miss Luelle."

Once she descended the stairs she gave a practiced bow, "My friends and family call me Lue." She said boldly, to which Anita raised a brow. Really, Luelle?

Luelle's audacious introduction was hardly a surprise, but what was surprising was Gabriel who responded after her, "Lue then." He said, trying the nickname for himself.

The color deepened farther on Luelle's face while Anita's mouth hung open like a fish.

Who was this man and what did he do to Gabriel?

Elaine, who was calmly watching their antics finally spoke up, "Now, children. I know you're having fun and all but let's not keep good old Louise waiting. Your father should be here any moment now so why don't we wait for him in the dining room?"

Anita had to fight Luelle for her spot next to Gabriel as they walked down the hallway towards the dining hall. "Why don't you ever have such kind words and sweet smiles for me?" She huffed at Gabriel after shoving her sister away, who was dragged off by their mother.

The look she received was the same blank one she'd been used to for the entirety of her knight's career. Gabriel took a moment before he said, "Just behave." as he would usually towards her. Anita didn't know if she should laugh or cry.

Just as they were about to take their seats around the dinner table, loud strides stole their attention. Lord Theoran arrived with an overpowering presence. His piercing eyes swept over the dining hall but Gabriel wasn't afraid to meet him face on, walking up with equal amounts of confidence.

"It's been a long time, Lord Theoran."

"It certainly has." The two exchanged a steady handshake, backs straight as their gazes leveled.

Anita couldn't help to find it strange that even to her father's grumpy, imposing face, Gabriel would bother to give him a smile as well. "Thank you for inviting me over."

"It was only proper. After all, you've been taking such good care of my heir."

That was when Anita couldn't help herself anymore, "Actually, sir, isn't it more accurate to say that I've been taking good care of you?"

Her mother was frowning at her in disapproval while the two men spent a moment staring. Anita laughed a little awkwardly, "Or maybe not…?"

Gabriel almost sighed, "No, you're right. You've done well as my assistant. You have my thanks." Anita couldn't stop the rosy color that tinged her cheeks. Could this be the first time that the High Paladin ever thanked her? It could very well be.

They sat around the dining table with Lord Theoran rightfully at the head. Louise came to decorate the table with a slew of dishes, fancy and extravagant recipes that Anita hadn't seen her make in years.

Heads were bowed in prayer before eating. At this point, Anita began the count the number of times Gabriel had smiled. After the initial feelings of excitement of having him over passed, she couldn't help but feel like he was acting strange.

Or maybe this was just how Gabriel always was in a social setting? Maybe Luelle was right and Anita didn't know him at all.

Even his words were gentle, "You shouldn't push yourself too much." He said kindly to Luelle when she ranted about her academic struggles and achievements.

Though, upon closer observation, the man seemed a little stiff in his posture and actions. Anita smiled, thinking he was quite cute and equated the butterflies in her stomach to that feeling. Still, her appetite remained scarce and the food in front of her barely touched.

For someone that she thought she could read like the back of her hand, she felt in that moment, she didn't know him at all. Or perhaps it was because she didn't want to.

"Anita, what's wrong dear?" Her mother's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

"Huh?" She blinked, seeing her family and Gabriel all turn their attention to her and her untouched food, "I'm fine!"

Luelle rolled her eyes, "Probably daydreaming about something foolish. What else is new?"

"Luelle." Lord Theoran warned, "Not in front of our guest, please."

Gabriel was smiling again, "It's alright, I don't mind."

And everything melted back into normalcy. Everything was normal. Anita repeated in her mind like a desperate prayer. She cut into the steak in front of her despite the lack of appetite. The food tasted oddly bland but she smiled anyway and inserted herself into the useless chattering.

The dinner table conversation eventually shifted over to business and a heated discussion erupted between the men. Anita found she had no part in the conversation, so she decided to listlessly poke at her half-eaten tiramisu cake, ignoring the pointed glares her mother was sending her way. She'd forgotten how boring these kinds of formal family dinners could be and would much rather show Gabriel her father's secret collection of taxidermy beasts.

"I heard from Anita that her brother, Sir Jacob was returning to the city, I can't help but notice he's not around." Jacob's name stirred Anita's attention. She was still upset at him for leaving, but even more now that he stopped responding to her text messages.

"He's moved on from us, sir. He has better things to do than spend quality time with his family." Anita whined childishly. Her father frowned at her.

"Probably found a new lady to woo," Luelle added helpfully with a devilish grin, "He's been telling me about a special someone lately."

Anita frowned, was he? She prodded her memory because unlike Luelle she didn't have nearly as much free time to be idly chatting with her big brother anymore. But there was something about a woman, wasn't there? Someone he was working with.

The two parents sent exasperated glares at their children, "Jacob was unfortunately struck with unexpected work," their father explained. "His position is not an easy one."

Gabriel nodded, "Honestly, I'm very impressed by his dedication and hard work. Many firstborn children in his, if you'll excuse my bluntness, situation are prone to illness and developing bad habits."

Lord Theoran's face was unreadable, "Well yes, even if he's not my heir, he is still my son. I am very proud of that child and what he's done for this family."

"House Javanis hasn't had a prominent of a merchant as him in ages haven't you?"

"No. We haven't."

"Oh! I remember now!" Luelle suddenly burst out, "Rubeka, right?"

Everyone turned to face her, Lord Theoran disapproving, Lady Elaine as pale as a ghost. Anita wasn't quite sure what her sister was on about but the name was strangely familiar.

"That's the woman that Jacob is out wooing isn't she? Oh, don't tell me you didn't know!" Luelle was beaming with excitement, as though she was sharing some pointless school gossip with a group of friends.

"This is hardly appropriate-" their father began but Gabriel tone was an encouraging one.

"Oh? Is that so?" He asked, prompting her to nod vigorously at him.

"Perhaps you wouldn't know but she's the leader of that guild, Firebirds. Have you perhaps heard of them? They're quite big! Maybe not as big of Crimson Crown but…" she giggled, "I bet you didn't know." Her voice was challenging now, pointed towards Anita.

"Huh," she breathed intelligently. Suddenly, all she could think about was the vermilion bird that haunted her dreams and shined in Jacob's ear.