Defence Force: Key

Chapter Two

     The Key Family are situated in the middle of Cretavine and have reputable relations with most of the Families, however, Rose Gold and the Lace Household are their closest neighbours and strongest political allies. The people in Key Capital are flashy and considered to have the best fashion in Cretavine many claim this is because they are surrounded by 'pas'. Pas are what some in the Gem Society call those who don't have a Gem Name.

...

     As others had bad sleep, Matthew Key did not. He slept like a log in his big bed covered in pillows, Saturn covers, and drapes that keep out the sun. it seemed like no one could wake him from this peaceful sleep, however one thing that would wake him no matter if he liked it or not would be Jacklyn. Only a few months older with her lush dark skin and dark brown eyes and wore smart attire with her checklist in hand to complete the look. She had been trying to wake Matthew for a few minutes now but he wouldn't budge. It was part of her job to be as nice as she can as his assistant but nudging his shoulder would never do the trick and she knew it. With a sigh, she drew back his drapes and the light of the bright yellow sun came shining down on his figure. Matthew began to open his eyes sluggishly, his precious slumber had been disturbed, he squinted and rose suddenly waking.

"What have I told you about opening them?"

He snapped with his weak morning voice. Matthew had light pale skin and long blonde hair, always a furious mess in the morning but he knew how to tame it, his baby pink robes were dishevelled as he motioned for Jacklyn to read off her list.

"Oh. Well, today you will be having lunch with the Family Leader, then..." she paused, "Then after lunch you'll need to pack for the weekend."

He gave her a slight disappointed look but continued unbuttoning his shirt as she turned her eyes away like every morning with a slight blush on her dark cheeks. Jacklyn moved to his draw and grabbed out his comb then picked out his clothes and then set them all down before him.

"Do you have to change while I'm in the room every morning Matthew?"

She said in a slight hushed tone under her breath that was loud enough for him to roll his eyes. After changing, he sat in the chair by his desk and Jacklyn started to comb his hair, being careful to not leave a knot, even the smallest of ones. As they did each morning the pair would make light conversation and this morning Matthew brought up the topic of her mother.

"Well you know I always send her part of my pay, she's doing better after last week's scare...but she still can't afford the medicine. It's just hard being this far away all the time"

"Mm, well I think Emerald arranged that after the Titling we would go home via the Rose Island."

Jacklyn was happy from just the idea of seeing her mother but still kept her self-composure. After finishing with their morning routine they both headed off to the dining room, for breakfast.

...

     The large, ornate room was filled with his siblings and fathers servants. At the head of the table was his father with yet another new woman. The other end of the table sat his mother, her eyes turned away from the miscreant leader as the new woman ran her hands over Emerald in a whorish manner that is not appropriate in any family setting - especially in front of his wife. Matthew thought. Matthew has his mother's eyes, bright green, what his father said to have fallen in love with when they were younger. He is the only one of his siblings that has his mother's eyes because out of all his many siblings he is the only child of the Family Leader and his wife.

     Matthew weaved through his siblings like they were rabid rabbits, too many to count, going straight to his seat near his father. While Jacklyn struggled to keep up and take her place standing behind. The food came in and the table quietened slightly as the children all gobbled down their food.

     When most were finishing off their breakfast Emerald stood to his feet gaining the attention of all in the room. As he started to speak his voice was loud and clear - booming through the room.

"As most of you are well aware, I'm sure, the Gem Titling Ceremony will be taking place in just a few months in the Lace Territory, who will soon become one of our closest allies once we have finished up with the festivities of the Titling. I will be attending along with many young leaders from our home who are soon to become of age." Emerald paused, "On my travels I will be taking my son's: Matthew and Malakai, as well, as the fairest of my many daughters, Mary. Of course our journey will be accompanied by servants of our great Family." he waited a moment again, proud of all his children had accomplished, "I trust all the housework to be kept under control as I leave my oldest and most trusted companion, Apatite, in charge. The journey will be long and memorable, things will never be the same again for my children after the Gem Titling. I wish you all the best as we head off in three days' time."

As he wrapped up his announcement, Apatite, a man only a few years older than Emerald, walked up and made a toast to the traveling party before greeting him for the morning. As Matthew finished up his breakfast of baked potatoes, he rose from his seat and headed out of the room with Jacklyn, followed close behind, as one of the other many servants came and took their plates away.