Chapter nineteen

Maisy

I crept quietly into the dark room which was now my room. The blinds were black and thick, blocking any moonlight from passing through. All in my favor. I shut the door and slowly as I could until I heard my father's voice.

He wasn't sleeping? What a wasted effort.

I smoothened my robe and tried to act like someone who had nothing to hide.

"I didn't want to disturb you."

Father got up, staring at me like he didn't believe what I just said.

"Sit down, I need to talk to you."

I had a good guess it was about Eric and I. I so did not want this conversation but what could I do? I sat close to him the bed cushioning my buttocks in a comfortable manner.

"It must have been hard knowing all these and unable to tell me."

My throat went dry. I remembered the very day  I found out Eric's scheme. It brought me to the point of tears.

"I'm sorry for shouting at you. You were just trying to protect me and I should have paid more attention."

I stopped him right there,

"No. You deserved the truth."

Since our conversation was on a lighter note, I felt more comfortable...more open.

"Does he plan on going with a divorce?" He asked.

I picked a pillow and squeezed it tight. I was still keeping secrets from my father but he needed the truth.

"There's something, I need to tell you." I began.

Father gave me his attention, listening intently to anything I had to say. I took a deep breath and continued.

"Yes but there is a condition, I have to give him a part of my inheritance."

Father turned blue.

"Your inheritance? What inheritan... That inheritance."

He scratched his chin, thinking hard.

"Why would he want your inheritance?"

Whatever question he was throwing at me, I had no answer your them. It was the same question I had asked myself but never summoned the courage to ask Eric. He wouldn't even tell me the truth anyway. My thoughts diverted to Sara. She had helped me once before, Maybe she could tell me why Eric wanted my inheritance.

"Will you do it? You know, Give him your family inheritance? From what I believe, the Royal treasury might be empty and the tax being imposed might not be enough for their luxurious lifestyle. Don't you think he just playing you?"

I didn't even know. Eric was a whirlwind of everything. He could not be trusted. He was like good and bad mashed up on to one. Sometimes, I believed he was being inhabited by demons.

"I don't." I truthfully replied, " But I have to play his games to find my way out of this maze."

I fell on the bed and remembered how we met, how he perfected his lies. How I fell for it for being so naive and stupid.

"Do you still love him?" Father inquired, getting up and heading outside.

"No." I sharply replied.

Father gave a nod and left, shutting the door as he disappeared into the corridor. I let out sharp breaths. I had been holding the tears in but I couldn't back down now.

The tears flowed as I gripped the floral sheets, drenching them with salty liquid.

I was a liar. It was hard to believe but he still held a spot in my heart, the dark and empty part that left me hollow these days. If Eric came again wanting me, I was sure I would do it again. He had that kind of effect on me. I was supposed to hate him but I just couldn't bring myself to.

***

Lucy

I tucked the old man for the night. He still had the guys to ask for stories. O used to tell him dumb fairy tales as a child and up to now, I did it without complaint but Today was different. I just could not see myself doing all the work while Maisy enjoy the castle life and would still inherit everything, Even this Manor. I felt betrayed and unappreciated. Hearing the old man blabber about stories made me feel like strangling him to death. Of course, if I did that, the dungeons awaited me. I was sure Maisy would be happy to eliminate any threat in her way. Her goody-two-shoes image was plastered to my brain like an indentured tattoo, Ugly and a reminder for life.

No! There's no way I was taking the scraps.

I needed to make my own move. I made the move after storytime. It was a topic my grandfather couldn't resist.

" I don't want you to go, grandpa. I haven't showed you who I want to spend the rest of my life with. I want to start a family before you go."

I added dramatic tears for more effects.

"Don't cry, Luciana. I might not be alone for much longer but I'm sure you'll make a great mother. You've always taken care of me without expecting favors or reward." He held my hands and stared compassionately in my eyes. I made my heart stone. There was no way those 'old dog' eyes were working on me.

"Thank you, Lucy."

I squeezed his hands in response and said dryly,

"You're my grandfather. I'll do anything to make you happy, especially at these times."

"Cheer up Lucy, This is just a repercussion for all my sins." He said.

My mouth twisted to a wicked grin. It was difficult keeping a straight face without looking like a sinister clown thirsty for blood. My eyes darted across the huge room to the tray placed on a marble table.

The medicine was doing just what I wanted it to.

I didn't feel guilty harming this man who I happened to share a bloodline with. He had said it himself. This was a repercussion for all his sins. The almighty only deemed it fit that it was me who would finish the job.

"What have you always wanted Lucy?"

I faked a surprised look and pretended to think hard about it.

"Grandpa, I don't want much... This house holds so many memories of us and even Tatia. I want this house to preserve those memories. To tell my children the stories." I breathlessly let out.

Too easy.

Grandfather was an emotional fool. It was unbelievable to know that he was a ruthless businessman who dined with kings during his youth. Gone are those days. Now...he was just a broken old man who was trying to fix all the wrong he made in his youth.

"You only want the house?" He raised an eyebrow, coughing loudly after speaking.

"Yes," I replied.

I knew control. I made no mistake in my dealings. It was fair to say I took his genes.

"Okay." He voiced, "You can leave now. It's getting late. Get some sleep."

I obeyed like.a good girl and walked out. When those doors closed, I gave my victory dance.

It was a sure banter I was going to get more than what I bargained for.

I headed to my room to get some beauty sleep. The whispers came. I hit my head, hoping to reset it. This time, the screams of the spirits were strong. My head pulsed and I felt liquid... thick hot liquid dripped from my nose.

I ran my fingers on my moist nose and checked what it was.

Blood!

My vision blurred as I raced against time for my room.

I chanted the holy words that kept my nature at bay. Their screams intensified and I felt myself slipping away. Blocking the spirit channel in me had its side effects. Every word of advice or manipulation they had in store came at once when the necklace wasn't on me.

I pushed the doors able, now half-blind. I knew where my jewelry box was and could trace it even if I was blind. I got the box and scattered it's contents to the floor. The exceptional jewelry was a golden sculpted butterfly with glowing emeralds adorning the wings.

Its touch sent warmth and comfort to my soul. The sprits had lost their hold.

Stupid demons.