a gorgeous white by Heather_anare

228: returned at last

The sound of rustling leaves filled his ears.

A man sat under the towering tree of the Fraunces domed greenhouse. A cloud of gloom surrounds the area. A silence so ominous as if death was lingering in the air. The flowers were bright, the scent of herbs and mana was captivating, and the dazzling leaves that hang from the branches of the trees looked magnificent to the eyes. Indeed, the sight would lift one's spirit.

But there was no joy felt. The man who sat with cold, lifeless eyes was none other than the heir of the Fraunces nobility. The young lord Maxille raised his hand to his face. A dreadful and weary sigh escaped his mouth. His head was lowered. It differs significantly from the more dignified posture he always wore. If one entered the area, their eyes would widen in shock and surprise at the sight.

Maxille slowly opened his eyes. Gray and exhaustion filled his features. The imperial knights of the palace have taken over their manor. Even if they still follow the orders of the Lord of the house, it didn't erase the fact that the palace did not trust their method of confining anymore. A wrinkle appeared between Maxille's brow. He seemed to be annoyed and hopeless.

His gaze lifted. Gray eyes stared at the gem-like leaves. The filtered sunlight dappled over his face, and he recalled a memory. A memory of him and his he had missed so much, Moulin. He and Moulin had spent their time together here under the tree of the greenhouse. They taught harmoniously. A topic Maxille very much wished would disappear from his memory but couldn't.

It was here when Maxille knew that Moulin had a person he held in his heart.

...

He sighed once again. That man had taken his brother and threatened them with Moulin's life. He wondered how his dear little brother was faring. Was he alright? He hoped Moulin had finally learned about that man's schemes and come home. Gray eyes were enveloped with worry.

Ah. His heart ached so much it hurt even when he slept. Does Moulin hate him now?

"My Lord..."

A voice called behind him, and Maxille did not bother to turn. His right-hand knight came and stood with a straight back behind him. "The Lord has called for your presence..."

"My father..." Maxille lowered his head. "Where is he?"

"The west drawing-room, My Lord. He is entertaining the royal knight commander and suggests you be there to witness their discussion."

Maxille furrows his brows. His father had been shouldering all the work lately. Although Maxille had help solved most of the problems, his father was there to finish it all neatly. And now, the royal sentinels were here to make trouble in their own abode. Maxille felt distaste spreading in his mouth. High-born pigs.

Maxille narrowed his eyes and stood up from his seat. He took one deep breath of the cool, clean air before sighing. "Let's go..."

Maxille strode towards the exit. Flowers of different species fluttered as if to greet his presence. He did not spare them a glance even until the coils of the guardian opened for his departure. Before he left, he took one last glimpse of the giant tree where he had sat under. His eyes deepened.

And without a second thought, he turned and left the greenhouse. The coils of the guardian plant protecting the greenhouse all slithered back to block the exit once again.

As he walked, Maxille passed by a couple of pale-looking servants. They wore black attires, still mourning the loss of their friends. During the last few weeks, more and more servants left the estate. His father told Maxille that he had dismissed them as not to spread the Kron within the manor. However, Maxille had seen with his own eyes how they snuck past the guards and climbed over the walls to escape. He had told his father, but he only smiled with a faint nod.