To Be An Heir

Arranged Marriage [1]

The clang of steel on steel rings throughout the training yard. Flashes of steel reflect sunlight as an intense spar takes place. The boy: a cocky youth with a handsome face. The girl: a determined fighter with a tomboy aesthetic. They're both sweating profusely.

"Give it up already, Cassy!" The boy says with a laugh.

Cassy doesn't waver in the face of the silver haired boy's taunting. She pulls her sword back only to swipe at him from the other side. The boy raises his blade and parries the attack. Cassy grits her teeth in frustration as she goes for another slash from the side. Again, it's parried effortlessly by the boy.

"Can't you give it your all, Andromeda?!" Cassy shouts angrily.

Andromeda laughs loudly, his deep baritone voice filling the training yard. Cassy tries to take advantage of his outburst, but he deflects her blade without missing a beat. Andromeda's lighthearted smile shifts into a dark frown. He reveals the gap between them.

"This is why I don't get serious, Cassy." Andromeda's tone is low and threatening.

Cassy helplessly backpedals as a flurry of strikes rain down upon her. She can hardly keep up with the assault. She feels one of her silver hairs fall away as Andromeda's blade grazes her neck. She trips, falling onto her back. Andromeda presses his sword's blade to her neck.

The two of them look at one another. Cassy's chest rises and falls with the exertion of the fight, but Andromeda isn't even winded. Andromeda watches her coldly as hot tears start to pour from her eyes. Cassy sobs quietly as Andromeda retracts his sword.

"Remember the gap between us, dear sister."

Andromeda turns away from Cassy without sparing her a second glance. A maid hands Andromeda a cloth to wipe away his sweat as he leaves the training yard.

She glances pityingly at Cassy, but doesn't speak up for the girl. Andromeda hands the maid the dirtied cloth.

"...Your father wants to see you, Lord Andromeda," The maid says quietly.

The maid's softly spoken words have an unseen effect on Andromeda. The perfect mask of nobility cracks, and his lip twitches ever so slightly. The maid doesn't notice this.

"I understand," Andromeda replies coldly in his usual baritone.

Andromeda and his personal maid walk back into the estate. The spacious corridors are lit by countless magically powered lamps. Exceptional painting and exquisite sculptures decorate the manor's interior. Andromeda pauses at a particular painting. He turns, looking up at it.

The painting depicts a stoic silver haired man with rugged features. His face exudes a sort of stony seriousness befitting a duke. Standing beside him is a dark haired woman with a gentle smile. In front of the couple are two children. One is a boy with short silver hair and a bright smile. The other is a long silver haired girl with a dour frown. Andromeda sighs.

"We best move along, Lord Andromeda. The Duke seemed... antsy."

Another small crack forms in Andromeda's emotional mask.

"Yes, of course."

Andromeda's bedroom is a luxurious affair. The huge bed is adorned with the finest silk bedding. The windows are framed with golden trim. The suit of armor resting on the armor stand is the finest money can buy. Everything here is fit for a prince.

The maid carefully undresses Andromeda with practiced ease. Andromeda does his best to stare straight ahead as his personal maid removes his training clothes. He can feel her soft hands brush along his skin as she works. She remains professional despite the intimacy.