The Other Daughter

Chapter 2 - Duke Hellebores' news

There's no point of living in denial, I've come to terms with that fact that this is reality. When I first saw my reflection in the mirror, I understood the reaction of the midwives. Straight black hair and red eyes, unlike my parents. If I wasn't Aria's twin, the Duchess would've been accused of infedility. I couldn't blame them for calling me a curse, even I couldn't understand how I came to be. My treatment here in the north was respectable. However, the servants tended to avoid me. Rumours of me being a curse had spread in the mansion. Moreover it was known that I wasn't given a name. It meant that I was not in the family register. While they would address Aria as 'Young Lady' they would refer to me as 'child'. It did not bother me as I was not harassed by any of them. Duke Hellebores servants were sophisticated and carried themselves well, even when they were wary of me they made sure to treat me appropriately, which I appreciated. Days went by and before I knew it, I turned 5 years old.
                          
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"Child, get ready for breakfast"

Martha, our nanny walked in, She was from the south and was originally our mother's handmaiden. In the novel, she loved the Duchess very much and treated Aria preciously. Contrary to Duke Hellebores servants, Martha made it obvious that she didn't like me. It's not that she abused me but she would separate Aria and I making sure we didn't stay with each other for too long. She openly treated me like a plaque that would taint Aria.

"Duke Hellebores says he wants to have Breakfast together"

With that, she left most probably to help Aria get ready for breakfast. We only met Duke Hellebores once when we arrived, that's the last I had seen his face. He never called us for a meal before either. So this is somewhat shocking to me. I did not expect to meet the Duke anytime soon.

I walked into the dining room, Aria and the duke were already seated down ready for breakfast.

"You are late."

I felt chills all over my body as I heard that stern voice from the Duke. My gaze subconsciously turned towards the him. Dark brown hair and emerald green eyes, a stature smaller than my father but somehow he seemed more intimidating.
[Aria's Bliss] described Duke Hellebores as an intellectual man. Unlike Duke Edgar who was a master in swordsmanship, Duke Hellebores was a master in tactics and schemes. He was cunning and an expert in reading people. The title of Duke Edgar was not passed down to him because he was the second son. However he was acknowledged by the Emperor and got his own territory becoming the only other duke in the empire. He was someone the Emperor knew he had to secure as an ally. No one would benefit having him as an enemy.

"Take a seat."

I hurried to the table, seating opposite of Aria. She looked at me and smiled nervously averting her gaze. We weren't able to have a normal sibling relationship because of Martha. Though it's better this way as I can't let go of the guilt knowing I took her family away. My attention focused to the meal on the table, it didn't fit my definition of breakfast. Different variety of food was served, I doubt two five year olds and an adult would finish all of this.

"Uncle! It's my first time seeing you. I'm Your older brother's daughter, Martha told me alot about you and father."

Aria started chatting with the duke in a cheerful voice. It must be a protagonist buff to be this bold. I decided to ignore the conversation and dig in the luxurious meal. I cut the meat, covered it in sauce, and enjoyed the flavor. I moved my fork towards the sausages and bread. I haven't had good food like this even in my past life. I couldn't help but smile enjoying the taste.

"I see you're enjoying the meal"

I looked at the Duke and wiped the smile off my face.

"I heard from the tutors that you're well advanced for your age, but it seems you lack table manners."

"My apologies your Grace"

Your Grace?... I heard him mumble under his breath.

"The reason I've called you two here today is to tell you that your father will be coming to pick you up."

Clang

The duke turned towards me who dropped my cutleries, I hastily picked it up before the servants did.

Aria stood on her chair and with an excited expression,

"Father is picking us up? Sister! I can't wait for us to meet Father!!"

I couldn't reciprocate her anticipation because I knew Duke Edgar would not look favourably towards me. I still remember his expressionless eyes that day. I suddenly lost my appetite.

"When will Duke Edgar arrive?" I asked

Duke Hellebores looked at me with his brows furrowed. Did he expect me to be as excited as Aria?

"Today evening, he will be joining us for dinner."

I ignored the churning feeling in my gut and asked to be excused. I headed straight to my room and mentally prepared myself to face my father.