CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX; Mystery slayer

The next day, news of the minister's murder spread like wildfire. As usual, no one knew who was responsible. Aurora had her suspicions about her brother Orion, but she didn't dwell on the thought. After all, Orion was the outdoorsy type, always going on hunts or adventures.

As Orion and Aurora crossed paths in the hallway, Aurora reminded him, "When are you going to clean my room?"

Orion had forgotten their conversation from the previous night and was taken aback. "Am I your slave? Why should I clean your room?" he exclaimed.

Aurora smiled sweetly. "It seems you've forgotten what we discussed last night."

Orion sighed, remembering his punishment. "Fine," he muttered, trudging off to clean Aurora's room.

Aurora smiled to herself as she walked away, satisfied that her brother was following through on his punishment.

Arya sat in the throne room with Lord Nigel, engaged in a heated discussion. Arya's brow was furrowed with concern. "I'm really bothered, Nigel. I don't understand what's going on. We've been hearing about the murders of those evil ministers...who could be behind it? Who is this mystery person, this slayer of corrupt officials?"

Lord Nigel leaned back in his chair, a hint of a smile on his face. "I have no idea, Arya. But whoever is doing this...should keep up the good work."

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Aurora visited Theresa, Arya's mother and her own grandmother, in her chambers. "Oh, my baby girl!" Theresa exclaimed, opening her arms for a warm hug.

Aurora smiled, embracing her grandmother. "I've missed you, Grandma."

Theresa chuckled. "Don't be ridiculous, dear. We're in the same palace. How could you miss me?" She looked around the room, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Where's your brother?"

Aurora rolled her eyes, exasperated. "Oh, Grandma, can you just stop asking me about Orion? That boy is so annoying!"

Orion grumbled to himself as he cleaned Aurora's room. The space was a disaster, with clothes scattered everywhere - on the bed, chair, TV, and floor. It seemed like Aurora had intentionally left the room in disarray to punish him.

Undeterred, Orion tackled the mess with his usual rugged efficiency. He didn't bother folding or arranging the clothes; instead, he swept them up and tossed them into the wardrobe. His sweeping was equally haphazard, with broomstrokes that covered the necessary areas but didn't bother with finesse.

With a final flourish, Orion dropped the broom and walked away, leaving the room in a state that was slightly improved but still far from tidy.

The beds were unmade, their sheets rumpled and disheveled. Orion didn't bother to tidy them up; he wasn't a slave, after all. He hadn't been trained in domestic duties like bed-making or cooking. As he gazed at the messy beds, he couldn't help but wonder why he was stuck with such an annoying sister.

"Aurora is so infuriating," he muttered to himself, shaking his head.

With a dismissive snort, Orion turned his back on the messy room and made his way out, leaving the chaos behind him.

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Breakfast time arrived, and the family gathered around the table as the maids presented their food,as they began to eat, Aurora asked her mother, "When is Lady Charlotte coming back?"

Her mother reassured her, "Don't worry, dear. She'll be back very soon."

Aurora smiled wistfully. "I really miss Lady Charlotte."

The conversation paused for a moment before Arya turned to Orion and asked, "Why are you so quiet, Orion? I hope you didn't sneak out again?"

Orion choked on his food, his eyes widening in surprise. He stretched out his hand to grab his glass of water, taking a quick sip before responding.

"Mom, what are you saying? Sneak out to do what? I didn't sneak out," he protested, but Arya's skeptical gaze lingered.

"I don't trust you Orion," she said firmly.

Aurora suddenly piped up, "Mother, that reminds me - Father, there's a festival coming up, and I really want to attend. It's going to be so much fun! I've been thinking about going shopping for new clothes and accessories.

Aurora's eyes sparkled with excitement as she awaited her parents' response.

"Festival?" Lord nigel asked, his interest piqued.

"Yes, Father," Aurora replied.

Theresa, Aurora's grandmother, chimed in, "And where is this festival being held?"

Aurora responded, "Not far from here, Grandma. I really want to attend."

Throughout the conversation, Orion remained quiet, observing the exchange with a mixture of disinterest and annoyance.

Arya turned to Lord nigel and asked, "Is she permitted to go?"

Lord Miguel nodded, "Yes, but she won't be going alone. Orion, you'll accompany her."

Orion's eyes widened in protest. "What, Father? You're not serious, are you? I don't want to go anywhere with Aurora; she's so annoying!"

Lord nigel's expression remained firm. "It's final, Orion. You and Aurora will go together for the shopping and the festival."

Orion and Aurora exchanged a disgruntled glance. Despite being twins, they seemed to dislike each other's company, and this new development only added to their frustration.

As breakfast came to a close, Arya and Lord Miguel headed to their chambers, while Theresa retired to her own room. Aurora turned to Orion and said, "Just because Dad asked you to accompany me to the festival doesn't mean you can behave poorly. By the way, have you cleaned my room?"

Orion shrugged lazily. "Go check for yourself.and Stop asking me trash!" He snapped, before turning and walking away.

"Idiot!" Aurora murmured.

Aurora entered her room, and her eyes widened in dismay. It looked exactly as she had left it earlier - a mess. "Oh jeez," she muttered, "can't he even clean a simple room?" The bed was unmade, and it seemed Orion hadn't lifted a finger to tidy up. The only difference she noticed was that the clothes that had been scattered everywhere were now gone.

Aurora decided to let it go and instead called for a maid to come and clean the room properly. Then, she headed to the guards and instructed them to prepare the carriage for her shopping trip.

Aurora, looking polished and put-together with her hair packed into a neat ponytail, made her way to Orion's room. She found him lounging on the couch, deeply engrossed in a novel with his legs crossed.

"Orion, aren't you aware that I'm going shopping today?" she asked, her voice tinged with annoyance.

"That's what I'm saying," Orion replied, not looking up from his book. "Father asked me to come with you, but he didn't even consider whether I was in the mood or tired. What's the point, anyway?"

Aurora's eyes narrowed. "Are you seriously joking with me right now?" she asked, her voice rising.

Orion shrugged, still not taking the conversation seriously. "Okay, fine. I'll go with you. But let me get changed first."

Aurora raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with what you're wearing? You're fine."

Orion scowled. "You don't inspire me to look my best, trust me. I need to dress up if I'm going to be seen with you."

Aurora rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Just hurry up."

Orion muttered under his breath, but eventually got up to change. Aurora turned on her heel and walked outside, leaving him to catch up.