Lucas's POV
During the same day Isabella was out on her errand in Bellacrest, Lucas was having his lesson with Count Alistair.
To the Count's dismay, Lucas's mind was too occupied to focus. He gazed out the window instead of paying attention to the Count.
"Master Lucas, if there is something SO much more important than our lesson, don't let me get in the way!" Alistair spoke as he adjusted his glasses, clearly irritated.
"O-Oh! I'm sorry!" Lucas apologized, turning his gaze onto Alistair. "It's just...."
"Just what? Speak up."
How do I even word this?
"It's about Leopold. I can't seem to get him out of my mind." Lucas admitted, though feeling a little hesitant.
"Leopold Augustus von Devereaux... Your cousin." Alistair nodded as he spoke. "I've encountered him few times in Devereaux Hall since he arrived."
"Well, I run into him everyday! Everyday he eats meals with us, and I can't help but feel like he's always lookin at me, judging me. He makes me so uncomfortable." Lucas found it hard to stop talking. He knew it was a little rude to speak poorly of his own cousin, but he couldn't help it.
I wish he wasn't here. I don't like him. I don't like how he looks down on Elliot and I, and I hate the way he looks at Isabella...
Count Alistair sighed. "I suppose it would be more surprising if the two of you got along."
"I wish we weren't related! How is he even related to me exactly?" Lucas asked, hoping the Count would provide some clarity.
If his last name is von Devereaux, then he has to be related to me through father's side of the family, right?
"He's the son of your late uncle, Maximilian Alrim von Devereaux." Alistair answered simply. Lucas was taken aback, learning about a family member who had passed away was not something he was accustomed to.
"My uncle? I had an uncle who died?" Lucas spoke, feeling a little puzzled.
"Yes, Maximilian Alrim von Devereaux." The Count continued to explain, though he looked unhappy the topic shifted from their lesson. "He was the older brother of your father, his grace Duke Aldridge Lucian von Devereaux."
So even my father had a brother...
"...How did he die?" Lucas asked, hesitant to do so once again.
"He died 16 years ago, fighting in the civil war. His wife was still pregnant with master Leopold. He never got to see his son."
-
Count Alistair didn't want to talk about the von Devereaux family matters anymore, and went back to their lesson. Lucas tried his best to focus and keep his mind off his family until the lesson was over.
On his way back to his room, he allowed his thoughts to take over again.
His father died in the civil war, I wonder how Leopold felt? I wonder how it feels to never meet your father? I suppose I know that feeling, though the difference is that my father is alive... And I most likely will meet him anytime now, even if I don't wish too.
Lucas felt a little bad for Leopold, but he still didn't like him. As he was lost in his thoughts, someone suddenly embraced him from behind.
"H-Huh?!" Lucas quickly turned his head to see who is it. "Oh... It's you, Elliot."
YOU ARE READING
The Duke's Bastard
FantasyLucas, a young boy once from a small village, now finds himself facing challenges as the truth of him being the illegitimate son of Duke Aldridge comes to light. As Lucas struggles to find his place among his newfound siblings and home, will he be a...
