Chapter 2

The light shone trough the tall windows surrounding the room, the room itself was massive with the long dining table fit to seat a dozen or more individuals. The table is made from white marble, the chair is made of brown maple wood and upholstered with white and light blue wool making the whole place bright and open to the eyes.

A french door is seen in the right to lead a path to the garden with ornate vases and decoration in its vicinity.

Silver spoons, forks and knives gleamed from the sun's shine, plates big and small set spotless and clean in the table, and the napkins folded neatly in the side.

The food is already placed but it seemed as though no one had started to eat yet, Luke thought.

Seated at the head of the table is the Duke Viktor Blanchard with narrow cold blue eyes staring at the table, mouth set firm and silver hair cut short above the neck with bangs brushing his forehead just above his eyes.

The duke had his elbows resting in the table and his hands clasped right in front of his mouth looking serious and stern, broad shoulder hunching a little to accommodate his position.

The Duke was dressed in black expensive waistcoat underneath it is another black, a shade lighter than the coat, vest lined with silver thread, and a white collared button-up dress shirt. Black slacks hugging his thighs and a black capped toe oxford as his shoes.

How refined, Luke mused with himself, most of those clothes would cost a commoner working for a year or more just to buy one.

To the Duke's right is the Duchess Elizabetha Blanchard, looking elegant and proper, stunning blue eyes that is entirely to different from the Duke stared straight at him after the door opened, mouth quirked upwards showing her good mood, Light brown hair curled tastefully falling down her back and chest with bangs on the side dropping above her eyes where swept aside to not be a bother.

Clothed in silky light colored dress, hugging her ample chest and further emphasizing her small waist, sleeves stopping at her elbow. Her neck was adorned by a simple white ruby necklace, simple but elegant. In her hand is a fan she always used to cover her face, even in the future she always used it.

Hiding her expression, Luke reflected, how ingenious.

And finally his brother, ever the perfect heir, eyes the same color as his, blonde hair cut short, messy bangs brushed aside by restless hands away from his eyes. Vasile Blanchard.

He stand a head taller than Luke, must be because of the malnutrition Luke suffered from his time in the orphanage, only having proper meals and care when he was taken at 7 years old.

Much more robust and broader from the sword training he received. Clothed in Dark blue and white ensemble with spots of gold.

By Vasile's side, propped up by his chair is his sword given to him by the Duke when he turned 9, 2 years after he started training.

He wondered again why he was presence was imperative to attend breakfast. He remembered all those stifling time where no one was talking and all you can hear is clinking of the utensils on the plate. Luke never had any appetite when that happened.

What is so important that even the ignored son is called, Luke pondered face not betraying his inner thoughts.

The date!? What was the date today! Luke inwardly exclaimed, is something important going to happen? The servants weren't in any hurry with their chores nor were they so busy.

"You called Duke", Luke stated and he started walking to the chair next to his brother, body tensed and coiled because of the tension.

The sound of his voice attracted the attention of both males, the Duchess already looking at him from the moment he stepped into the room, eyes flashing inquisitively.

"Sit down," the Duke commanded, Luke nodded and when he arrived at his chair, sat down obediently, not even paying attention at his brother who's looking at him, frowning.

"Did you have a good sleep dear?" Duchess Elizabetha asked.

"I did mother." Luke assured her, lying as he the only thing he last remembered is his death 5 years in the future. But still better than having her worry and ask questions more.

Being questioned more when he didn't even know anything that is currently happening, he will surely make a mistake and slip having said something wrong.

If that did happen, Luke can't necessarily blame lack of sleep now can he.

Straightening the Duke announced, "Let's start breakfast." After this Duke Viktor reached for his coffee, "Morris where's the morning paper?"

Morris who were standing with the other servants at the wall waiting for orders stepped forward and handed the newspaper he took from the trolley containing condiments, utensils and other miscellaneous items they might need.

After handing the paper, Morris went back to his original position.

Taking a look at the news, Duke Viktor remarked, " the Crown Prince's birthday celebration is near, it seems like His Majesty the King is already starting the preparation."

"Is that so? Have we already prepared the gift Viktor?" Duchess Elizabetha pondered, hands reaching forward to take a sugar cube from the small container near her right.

Duke Viktor stopped sipping his coffee when the question was uttered. Lowering the paper, he gazed at Duchess Elizabetha pondering if they did arrange the present, "I don't think we did, dear."

"Well better do that quickly then," Duchess Elizabetha smirked at her husband, "meanwhile, I will go to town today to get a new set of suit for the boys."

Vasile who was being silent the whole time was suddenly mentioned, raised his head and blinked at his mother cautious and the thought of the long line of clothes he will have to try and the notion of standing all day without rest made his tan cheeks pale.

On the other hand, Luke although surprised at the sudden planned shopping trip only nodded. While he did hate being dressed like a doll, it was better than letting Duchess Elizabetha pick his suit.

The last time Luke let that happened he was stuck putting on a very shiny embroided silver three piece suit and albeit it looked good on him, making the star of the banquet ( quite literally) he did. not. like. attention.

"At what time are we departing mother?" Luke inquired while reaching for the jar of orange jam in front of him, grasping it he taking a spoonful and lathering it at his toast, Vasile frowning at him looking nauseous.

Luke arched his eyebrow at his brother, "something the matter Vasile?"

"I don't understand how you can like a jam made of orange," Vasile shooked his head with disgust, nose crunching.

Luke turned to face him and with a judgmental gaze, eyes puzzled, "what problem did you have with oranges Vasile? I certainly saw you eating an orange after your sword pratice."

"I like orange, the fruit that is," Vasile began eyebrows wrinkling to, "but not the jam, what is that supposed to even taste?"

"Then why don't you try it first befor-" Luke stated before he was interupted by Vasile's load groan signaling his contempt at the idea.

Over the two boys quarrel, one loudly arguing and the other ignoring him proceeding to eat his breakfast, the Duke and Duchess exchange glances, eyes smiling at the sudden lightened mood and ate their food much more comfortable.