Empty Hallways

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Cole was shocked, this was utterly denouncing his moms existence!

'What is that idiot thinking? Has he been poisoned? No matter how much you love a concubine she will forever be at the mercy of the official wife. That's how it is supposed to be!'

After his mother left the room Arabella had tried to change the subject and lighten the dark mood. The Count was all too willing to change the subject from his wife.

"If only that woman wasn't so jealous…"

"I don't think it's her fault Clyde! She was only succumbing to her natural self, we shouldn't judge a person based on their mistakes… I truly wish to get along with Miss. Adelaide."

The Count would only smile at his concubine. One filled with love and admiration.

While the "adults" were talking, Cole was staring blankly at his plate. It seemed that the people in the room had completely forgotten his existence. Honestly, he was fine with this. However, he wasn't okay with this concubine bad mouthing his mom. Especially when he was right in front of him.

"Arabella, I wish you wouldn't slander my mothers name while she is away. Putting words in someone's mouth is a bad habit. Although, I can't necessarily judge you for it, afterall you probably didn't know. So, I will accept your apology on behalf of my mother."

The room went silent again. Clearly everyone had expected that Cole would shut his mouth and peacefully eat dinner like he had in the past.

Colden had basically called Arabella a commoner, only a commoner would have such a loose tongue. He had also directly accused the concubine of slandering a noble, something a mere commoner would usually be hanged for.

Knowing this, Clyde's face turned sour and Cole could hear the sound of teeth grinding. Everything he had said was true and something the Count couldn't deny, so he was of no help to Arabella. With a smirk he awaited Arabella's response.

"Oh. I am sorry, I seemed to have unknowingly insulted Adelaide and yourself. Now Cole why don't we-"

"My name is Colden. I have not given you permission to use my nickname."

"Colden, be respectful! Arabella is part of the family now so she can use your nickname if she wishes."

"Father, you seem to have forgotten. You don't even use my nickname, therefore it does not matter if they are a part of the family or not. It is polite to ask to use someone's nickname before using it, as this is a sign of closeness. Yet this is my first time meeting your… young lady."

Cole almost slipped. He was very close to calling Arabella a concubine, and when his father had yelled at Adelaide a moment ago about the same mistake, he chose to correct himself.

However, Arabella had noticed the slip up and ground her teeth. Letting her delicate façade fall ever so slightly.

"It seems we have gotten off on the wrong foot, Colden. Let me reintroduce myself, my name is Arabella and I am the Count's mistress from the town of Ashbourne."

"Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Colden Carlisle. The second son to Clyde Carlisle of Carlisle County."

Arabella gave Colden a slight giggle when he completed his sentence. To everyone watching it seemed to look like she was flattering Cole, when in reality he knew this was to mock him. After all, she had given birth to the Count's first son.

"Ah yes! Would you like to meet your brother? Oscar, stand up and meet your younger brother! Go on, don't be afraid."

Silently sitting next to his mother, Oscar had only been spectating. But now, after being called on by his mother, he stood up and finally got a good look at his brother.

'I wish the woman wouldn't call Oscar my brother, we are at most step-brothers.'

With a forced smile, Cole got up and used his 5 year old legs to walk with his "brother".

"We will go and play in another room, it seems dinner is done anyways. Please excuse us."

He grasped the 6 year old little boy's hand and led him out of the red dining room. Cole didn't even bother bowing or waiting for an answer. After walking for what seemed like forever with his tiny legs, he arrived at the door to his room.

"Go, I wish to not bother with your existence."

"But… Mama told me that we should get to know each other? Don't you want to play with me? I know many many different kinds of games!"

"No, I am tired."

With that final statement, Cole opened the doors to his room and stepped in. Leaving Oscar alone in the hallway.

'He will be fine, I highly doubt a hallway would be a danger to a little boy. Some wandering maid will find him and send him back to his room.'

What Cole forgot was that the maids hardly ever passed by his wing in the manor. The only exception to this was Jasmine and Mariam.

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