A Sibling Bond

A Sibling Bond

The sun rose gently over the sprawling Eryndor estate, its light filtering through the grand windows and painting the corridors with a warm golden hue. Basil stood on the balcony of his private chamber, gazing at the estate's gardens below. The previous night's events still lingered in his mind, yet he felt a strange sense of calm as the day unfolded.

His musings were interrupted by the sound of soft, deliberate footsteps. He turned to find Aurelia, his second sister and the eldest daughter of Lady Aurelia, standing in the doorway. Her serene presence was a stark contrast to the more exuberant personalities in the family. Dressed in a flowing green gown that mirrored her affinity for nature, she carried a small basket filled with herbs.

"Good morning, Basil," Aurelia greeted, her voice as soothing as the morning breeze. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

Basil smiled faintly. "You rarely disturb anyone, Aurelia. Come in."

She stepped onto the balcony, setting the basket down on a small table. "I thought I'd find you here. You've always liked this view."

"It's the only place where the noise of the household doesn't reach," Basil replied, his tone laced with amusement. "Not that I mind it most days."

Aurelia chuckled softly. "The noise means life. But I can understand why you'd seek moments of peace, especially after everything that's happened."

Basil's gaze shifted to her, curiosity piqued. "You've come with more than herbs this morning, haven't you?"

She met his eyes, her expression thoughtful. "I wanted to talk to you. About Lira, and about you."

"Ah, the marriage," Basil said, leaning against the balcony railing. "I suppose everyone has an opinion."

Aurelia's smile was gentle. "Not an opinion, Basil. A perspective. I've watched you for years, hiding your true self behind arrogance and distance. But last night, I saw a glimpse of something real. Something... vulnerable."

Basil's eyes narrowed slightly, though there was no malice in his tone. "Vulnerable? That's not a word often associated with me."

"Perhaps not," Aurelia admitted, "but it's there. And it's not a weakness, Basil. It's what makes you human, despite the dragon blood running through your veins."

He exhaled, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "You've always had a way with words, Aurelia. But what is it you're really trying to say?"

She picked up a sprig of lavender from her basket, twirling it between her fingers as she spoke. "You've taken a step toward opening your heart, Basil. Lira has always seen the best in you, even when you couldn't see it yourself. Don't let fear or pride ruin that."

Basil's gaze softened as he looked out over the gardens. "You make it sound simple. But you know as well as I do, nothing in this family is ever simple."

Aurelia placed a hand on his arm, her touch light but reassuring. "Nothing worth having ever is. But you're not alone in this, Basil. We may not always see eye to eye, but I'm here for you. We all are, in our own ways."

Her words lingered in the air, a reminder of the familial bond that persisted despite the complexities of their lives. Basil nodded slowly, a rare moment of gratitude flickering in his expression.

"Thank you, Aurelia," he said, his voice quieter than before. "You always know what to say."

She smiled, picking up her basket. "That's because I've spent years listening. Perhaps you should try it more often."

Basil chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I'll consider it."

As Aurelia turned to leave, she paused at the doorway. "One more thing, Basil. Don't be afraid to let people in. You might be surprised by how much stronger it makes you."

He watched her go, her words echoing in his mind. For all his strength and pride, Basil knew there was truth in what Aurelia had said. And as he stood there, the golden light of the morning bathing the estate, he resolved to face the challenges ahead with a little more openness—and perhaps, just a little less arrogance.