Bride Of The Shadows

Chapter 3: Lost

-Ten years ago-
A family of six settled by the dining hall, enjoying a sumptuous meal prepared by the royal cooks. It was a get-together time for every one of them. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming as they chewed on their food gently and in an appropriate manner.
Unlike the warm smile on everyone's faces, a particular boy sat by his sister with an ardent expression. Alistair's fork stabbed the fish in his plate as he gently brought it towards his lips to chew. His other hand remained balled on his lap.
From the corner of his eye, he could see his precious mother serving food to his sister like she was still a toddler. For goodness' sake, they were twins and were of the same age, eight. But one was regarded with kindness over the other and this gesture wasn't appreciated by Alistair, AT ALL.
Sometimes in his life, he began to doubt whether he was her twin. They looked nothing alike and were treated differently. While she remained their beloved princess, he was overlooked!
"Eat more" He glared at his grandmother, Davina who was sitting across them, from where she sat, she was able to put some skillets onto Hermione's plate even though there was quite a distance separating them.
Then she would lean back and smile, her eyes turning crescent because of the happiness she felt.
Alistair found it hard to swallow, the hatred in his heart grew for his sister, allowing him to become breathless. He wasn't sure he had hated someone to this extent when the thought of getting rid of them crossed his mind.
Why was he being neglected? He was also their son, yet they preferred her to him!

He was handsome just like how beautiful she was, or maybe even more handsome, and he always behaved appropriately, and reverent towards his parent and everyone, yet he got no affection.
With each spoon of the food he passed to his mouth, he felt it turning sour and he reached for the cup of water in front of him. Bringing it to his lips, his eyes met with Neo, his grandfather.
He wondered why the man was looking at him in such a manner as if he could read through him.
Out of everyone, his grandfather would always be his number one person, because the man was fair, unlike his parents. He thought deeply while lowering the glass to the table.
"Is everything alright? Alistair?" He heard his grandfather inquire from him, with a raised brow.
He managed to offer a smile, which didn't reach his eyes, "I am fine.
Thank you" He responded politely, and then proceeded to eat. He didn't bother to look beside him or his emotions would be crushed once again.
Alistair was first to retire to his bed-chamber, he had hurriedly consumed his meal to leave the place he wasn't appreciated.
He strode out of the dining, escorted by the guards. Neo's gray eyes were fixated on the little guy's dark hair until he went completely out of sight.
His lips went wry, he definitely wasn't confused by the look he had seen in that youngster's eyes. Neo knew it when a look of resentment was cast at someone, and that was how Alistair gazed at his sister.
Who knows what he might even be planning? He thought to himself.
"Father, is anything wrong?" He was brought out of his reverie by Zephyr whose eyes had involuntarily landed on him, and he couldn't help but inquire when he noticed the man was lost.

Neo's head turned in his direction, he remained silent at first, his gaze shifting to look at Hermione who was looking around, cautiously. Alistair just didn't understand!
"I want to speak to you after you're done eating," He said, sounding neutral. "Both of you" He shifted his eyes to Blair also, to convey that he wasn't just speaking to his son.
Neo noticed the two of them exchange looks, before nodding Shortly after breakfast, they met by the gazebo, where Neo sat in front of
them.
Davina on the other hand had left to keep the children company.
"Do you not notice any change in Alistair's expression?"
"What kind of change?" Blair was the one who asked, as she had grown concerned when a matter of one of her children had raised. By the solemn look on Neo's face, she could tell that it was quite serious.
"I'm sorry to say but Alistair hates his sister, and if he's not properly watched, he could cause harm" He spoke out, watching them earnestly, Neo knew he wasn't wrong by what he had sensed from Alistair. He wantec his family to be safe which was why he let them know of his suspicions rather than concealing it and letting harm come their way.
Blair's eyebrows pulled together, "Alistair? I don't think so, he cares very much about Hermione, even everyone, why would he hate her?"
"The fault comes from everyone. Alistair feels neglected and unloved" He said.

Blair's lips parted, but no word came from it.
She did look offended by what she had heard, it sounded to her like she wasn't doing her job as a mother correctly, when all she had been doing was loving her children, doting on them, and disciplining them whenever they misbehaved.
She hadn't thought of Alistair like that because the young boy was just too good, and wise for his young age.
He knew the difference between hate and love, and Blair knew for a fact that he cared for his sister.
Anyway, she didn't want to say his premonitions were wrong, for that might sound rude. She only went silent, while Zephyr who had been quiet,
"I think father is right. We don't pay much attention to him like we do to Hermione" He spoke honestly.
"How could you say that? You know Hermione needs love and care right now" She countered.
Blair didn't know where she had gone wrong with the girl, Hermione was always so reserved and barely spoke, she preferred to isolate herself and was always trembling. Blair felt that they needed to be attentive towards her, to make her feel loved, and comfortable so that she could open up to them, unlike Alistair who had everything, confidence, intrepidity...
"I know. But still, there should be a balance. For Father to have sensed such, it means Alistair truly is repulsed and we need to explain things to him"