Wanna Be Yours

chapter nine: cardan

August 16th- At the Greenbriar Household

"Cardan," said the butler as soon as he opened the door, "good to see you."

Cardan had no time to process that this was Sam, Cardan's favorite butler. The only person in this wretched household Cardan found himself smiling to. Besides Oak when he visited, of course.

All he was thinking was about that damn snake.

And maybe he was nervous. Maybe he could not stop shaking. Maybe he felt like he was close, very close, to breaking down.

When she came to the door, Asha, in her business clothes, even at the late hour, a scowl on her face, and a show box in her hands, Cardan was sure he'd die. He was so lucky that Oak was there. Oak alongside Roach and Ghost.

"Is she in there?" Oak asked quickly.

Asha's eyes did not falter from Cardan's, "She is."
"How long?" Cardan found himself saying. His mouth felt dry, his stomach in knots. Still, from somewhere deep down, maybe it had been Oak's voice, a reminder that he was not alone, made him stand straighter, and face his mother with a familiar cocky grin he was so used to forming.

Once here, it was easy. Easy to fall into the usual façade of an overly confident boy, one who was arrogant, insufferable, who took nothing seriously ever. Nothing fazed him now, he had his mask on, and he intended to keep it. At least long enough until he reached his bed.

"Not even a hello?" Asked Asha.

Cardan sighed, not sure where his words were coming from, "Hello, mother."

"You—"
"Can I have Daisy?" Cardan asked, cutting his mother off. He did not think he could stand it if she spoke more than necessary. He did not need her to say anything. Please, he found himself pleasing, just give me the snake and let me leave.

Her eyes flickered with annoyance, she looked him up and down. Cardan wanted to die. She scrutinized him, studying him with a face of disgust.

"A uniform," she commented softly.

Oh god.

"You're working," She raised a brow, "you're pathetic. You could be working here for us—"

"Mother, I really did not come here to hear about this. Hand me the snake."

Fury quickly was painted all over her face, "You—"

"Asha," Oak said suddenly, "it is late, and we all want to go home."
"You do not get into matters of my son and I!" Yelled Asha, looking at everyone now, "What are any of you doing here anyway?" She looked at Cardan again, "Are you that much of a coward to not face me alone."

"Even if I was, Mother," Cardan said, forcing the words out, feeling like he might faint, "I would not want to hear you fussing anyway. Please, hand me the snake. I have nothing to say to you." He was sure to be sick.

But then he felt something, Oak right beside him, Roach, and Ghost to the other side. Oak's hand on Cardan's shoulder, his golden eyes sure and supporting.

It gave him the necessary power to reach his hands forth, feeling the box touch his hands. He hoped Daisy hadn't been here for too long. Hoped there were holes poked somewhere so that she could breathe. Hoped she wasn't starving. Hopefully, Sam, even though he seemed indifferent, had done the job.

"You still believe in that dream of yours?" Asha spat.

"I do," Cardan said as he opened the box, finding sweet Daisy looking up at him. Cardan felt himself grin, felt himself grow a little bit stronger, swallowing down the dread, pretending it away, he would be okay. Everything was okay.