Ten - The Other Half

PARIS, FRANCE

"Do you really think this is a good idea, señor? It's only been a week since the boy became an orphan and we are pressing him to a more complicated situation he is still not yet familiar with."

"I don't remember asking for your opinion, Adam." Hector strictly stated. "Besides, pressure makes a knife sharper. My hounds need to be in shape."

The old caretaker of the Sinister Palace greeted its new residents. Its squeaking door frames, empty hallways, lonely rooms, and cold fireplaces seemed to be acknowledging the bloodline that once lived there. Hector and his nephew will be its first residents in decades.

Knowing the incapacity of the mansion to accommodate such visits, Hector prepared their entourage. Including the loyal attorney, the household staff, and his nephew, a total of fifteen joined the harem. The young lord stood quietly. Shocked. Another property owned by his so-called real family.

Hector was never a good uncle. He is the total contrast of the family that cultured his nephew. He never once showed affection. A rare occurrence perhaps when that blessed day comes. Adam acted more like the father figure to the poor boy. Luthor felt more like an outsider living with his own blood.

"Is this Louis' son, monsieur?" Felipe curiously asked. A spark of interest flickering in his eyes.

"Yes," Hector responded dismissively. "Now, assist the staff to their intended works."

"Of course," Felipe retreated to the kitchen motioning the staff to follow him.

Hector ascends to the grand staircase. Without any care to his remaining companions, he went straight to his grandfather's chamber. Adam smiled at the confused boy beside him. He nodded and guided him to his room. Luthor will be residing in his late father's room. It was never used. The great Drax prepared a room for Louis's family but he did not accept the offer. A sentiment shared by most modern parents. Independence.

A personal maid followed by another staff prepared the room. Luthor patiently waited. Adam decided to offer the boy a tour, although he is not familiar with the house. He implored Hector to stay in the Philippines but the latter insisted. Having no other choices with a long list of debt to Hector, he had to agree. On their way to the family room, Felipe appeared in the hallway.

"So nice of you to accompany the young lord, monsieur." The old man happily said. "These halls can be very lonely."

"If it's not too much to ask, sir. Could you lead the tour?" Adam reluctantly requested. He even scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "I'm not familiar with its corners."

"Very well, then." Felipe cheerfully nodded. "The master is resting so might as well use the spare time to get yourselves accustom to this place."

The old man took precedence towards the family room. Since the young man is left to continue the family tree with no signs of Hector contributing, Felipe wants Luthor to start with his roots. A loud squeaking blared in the hallway. It's been years ever since the room was visited. Dusty wood tables, white clothing cover the portraits of the important personalities of the family. Adam quickly volunteered to remove the covers.

Pictures after pictures. Portraits, paintings, antiques, and expensive items were revealed. Luthor stared at the portraits on the wall. The latest generation has two heads of the family. One is where Hector descended. The other has an odd lineage, it's where he belongs. Only two people were listed. His late father and his mother were included by marriage.

"I'm sorry, sir. Can I ask where is the photo?" Luthor respectfully inquired with his strong accent. He pointed to the blank space beside Alexander Drax. Adam was also curious about that space. Two lineages and yet only one has the mainline.

"And where did you put the rest of the family portraits, sir? This is Don Alexander's legacy." Adam added.

"It's a rule to let the eldest son inherit the family chateau. The rest of the family tree was on a different chamber," Felipe glanced to space. "Their family was unique. The eldest of the Drax were twins. The late master Hermogenes Drax decided to let them both inherit equally."

"Really? That's nice of him." Adam commented, still engrossed with the family tree.

"What happened to his picture? Is he my grandfather?" Luthor asked curiously.

Felipe took a step forward. He caressed the soft mattress. Reliving the moment, remembering the details of the past. He closed his eyes and shook his head.

"Everyone wonders what happened to him. He let his brother took over the family business." Felipe paused. "The two separate ways when Alexander tried to tear down Nathalia. He was ambitious beyond anyone's thought. Out of spite towards his brother for not supporting Alexander in his desire for power, he ordered to remove all his portraits in all family memoirs. And yes, he is your grandfather."

"Is he still alive?" Luthor quickly asked.

"No one knows. Some say he was hunted by Alexander to his death. Some say he is still living behind the shadows." Felipe cryptically said.

"Hearing your story and watching these portraits. They were perfect but they all possessed one single flaw. They desire more power." Adam sadly stated. Looking at the portrait of the last of Alexander's lineage, Hector. The old man smiled. The lawyer was right.

***

WIDOWSWILL CHATEAU

CONSTANTINE HOUSE

"Words from Hiatus, monsieur. Hector has arrived in Paris."

Iñigo's grip on his wooden staff tightened. Though quite relieved to send his granddaughter to the Samira, the danger still looms above them. He prepared himself for the continuation of the news.

"And he is with his nephew. The grandson of Alessandro Drax."

"Crisse! Are you sure of this?" He muttered in exasperation.

"Affirmative, monsieur. Our local surveillance confirmed it. They arrived today."

"Call on the council. We have to be in defense," Iñigo ordered. He even waved his hands to elaborate his command. "And summon my son."

Francis arrived immediately. Curiosity painted on his face. He sat across his anxious father. These are rare circumstances, Iñigo Constantine is not easily frightened.

"Is there something wrong, papa?" He inquired.

"Hector is in Paris with his nephew," Iñigo answered.

"So he is indeed alive?" A visible confusion and anger from Francis. "After all these times, he decided to resurface. Even more with his pet to groom."

"We have to reinforce our defenses."

"Why are we always in defense, papa? Why not attack this time? I mean, clearly, their clan is scattered given that Nathalia is regent." Francis revolted.

Iñigo was one of the oldest manipulators of society. He shook his head. Francis has a lot to learn. He fought side by side with Nathalia and Viktor.

"That's not how it works, son. If we attack, we are giving our strength. Our enemies will know which side of the blade to avoid," Iñigo looked away. "We have to let them attack first to know how much power they have left. Considering the number of enemies they have, they will first eliminate the weaker ones. We are not weak but we can never be too careful."

"How can we know they're losing strength?" Francis seriously asked.

"If in their first blow they intend to defeat their enemies, then they are not that strong," Iñigo stared at his son's eyes. "Their situation is precarious but opportunistic, if they miscalculated their attack, they will fall, but if their enemies mismanage their defenses then they will solidify their front. Solid on the outside but hollow in the inside."

"But they are growing stronger by the day." Francis was worried.

"As long as the regents are alive, they will not gain power. The clans agreed to let the seat empty until the last regent falls."

"All I know is Nathalia is the most powerful regent, isn't she? She's the last of the Clement. Who are the others?" Francis tried fixing the puzzle. It took him a while to fit another piece. He looked at his father. "You're one of the regents?"