Chapter 13: To the Funeral

Shelly PoV

The mac and cheese arrived, and we ate our breakfast. The chef had made a dino out of the mac and cheese. While it wasn't what I had in mind when I said I wanted it dino-shaped, Toren was ecstatic and ate it all up. It was delicious, too. The chef had outdone himself.

After eating, I helped Toren take a bath, which was a bit of a struggle, but we managed. After that, I got changed into my black dress that was prepared in the closet. The funeral was going to be a hard day for both of us, but we had to stay strong.

Toren whistled as we walked out of the room. Outside, Zara waited in a black suit of her own.

She smiled as soon as she noticed us. "Good morning, Lady Shelly. Good morning, Sir Toren. How did you sleep?"

"Bed was fluffy, but me miss old bed," Toren said, swinging his arms.

"He kept moving around and kicking," I said, smiling.

Toren giggled. "Me sorry."

"It's okay, Toren. I know it's hard to get used to a new place."

Zara nodded. "It's perfectly understandable. I had trouble getting used to it too when I first started working here."

"Really?" I asked.

"Yes, Lady Shelly. The bed was too big for one person. It was a little intimidating. But, after a while, I got used to it." She smiled. "And now, I can't imagine sleeping in anything smaller."

I chuckled.

"So, today is the funeral. Are you ready for it?"

I sighed. "Not really, but I don't have a choice, do I?"

Zara shook her head. "Afraid not. Sir Damien went on ahead. I will be accompanying you. We can't let anything happen to you two."

I bit my lip. "Will something happen to us?"

"Of course. This family is a den of vipers. You two are prime targets. Especially at the funeral where everyone is gathered. Just stay by my side and you'll be fine. Oh, and try to avoid getting into a confrontation with any of them. I know you are a fighter."

I hummed. "Did you... look up my past?"

Zara nodded. "Sir Damien has instructed me to look into everything I could find about you. I am sorry for intruding on your past, but this is part of my job. I need to know everything I can about the people I'm supposed to protect." She smiled. "I know you got in many fights growing up, some even with guys."

I smirked, a bit embarrassed. "Yeah. I was a bit of a tomboy. I'm not a fighter anymore. I've matured since then."

Zara hummed. "When we met, you looked like you would jump me if I said the wrong thing. You have a look of a person who is not afraid to fight."

I bit my lip. "I may not have fought anyone since middle school, but if someone threatens me or my brother, I will not hesitate to beat them up."

She chuckled. "That's good. You have a strong spirit. But, please try not to get into a fight. It will only give those who would wish you two gone more ammunition."

I sighed. "Fine. But, if they start something, I'm finishing it."

She chuckled. "Of course. And, I will be here to help if needed. Now, let's go."

"Where are we going?" I asked as we began walking.

"To the funeral," Zara said. "The service is being held in the family cemetery, not too far to the north of the mansion. We will be attending a wake at the hall in the mansion, then we will go to the cemetery for the service and burial. But the late patriarch's will is going to be read first."

"Oh," I said, feeling a little overwhelmed. A lot of people were soon gonna hate me and my brother. I just hoped they didn't try to hurt us. I was scared, but I was also angry. My parents had died because of this family. "Who is reading the will?"

"The family lawyer," Zara replied. "After the will is read, we will go to the cemetery and bury the patriarch. Although, knowing some of the family members, the body might not make it."

"Eh? You think they'll attack his body out of rage?"

Zara shrugged. "I wouldn't put it past some of the family members."

I gulped. "What kind of crazy people are they?"

Zara chuckled. "The type that would kill their own family members if it meant getting a larger slice of the pie."

I shivered. "Are they going to try to hurt us? Like, right after the will is read?"

Zara hummed. "Maybe. But that's why I'm here. If they do, I will defend you. And, Sir Damien will do the same. Trust in us, and we will protect you."

I nodded. "I do."

Toren giggled. "Me got three protectors! Rawr!"

Zara chuckled. "Indeed, you do, Sir Toren. And, we will keep you safe."

Toren giggled, and we continued to walk. Zara led us through the hallways of the house.

As we made it to the front lobby, I saw a sharply dressed man with swept back black hair and glasses. His eyes were blue like mine, and he wore a black suit with a white shirt and tie. He was a handsome man, and he had an air of authority about him. He stood with his arms crossed, a stern expression on his face. There was a small group of men and women in suits and dresses behind him.

I think I saw him on television once. Ah, that's right! He is the new ceo of Rexo Pharmaceuticals. Uh, what was his name again?

The young man glanced over and quickly turned away. I could see him frown.

"Who's that?" I asked.

Zara sighed. "That is Sir Alexander. His mother is one of your late mother's half-sisters. He is one of the contenders to be the next head. He is one of the heir candidates."

I hummed. "What are his views?"

"It's hard to say. He usually keeps to himself and is very private. But, I know he isn't a fan of Sir Damien. He thinks he's too reckless and immature. Likewise with Sir Cassian."

I chuckled in my head. Couldn't say he was wrong. Damien was an oddbal and Cassian was a gross playboy. "I see. What are his goals?"

"Again, hard to say. But, from what I can tell, he's a conservative. He's not interested in expansion or innovation. He's more interested in maintaining the status quo and keeping the business running smoothly. He's not a bad person, but he's not a great one either. That said, he has a lot of influence and power."

"I see. So, he's not the worst, but he's not the best, either."

Zara nodded. "Exactly."

I hummed and glanced at him again. He was looking at me, but when I made eye contact, he quickly looked away. What a shy boy. Could I win him over? Or was it better to just let things be?