Crowns Of Shadows

3: Raven

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Alihandro gave me the space to get ready for lunch, and then took my hand leading me towards the dining area. I recoiled every moment at his touch, but he never let go.

He pulled my seat out and allowed me to sit down, I gave him a smile, throwing up a facade for those around me. Everyone sat at the table, my mother sitting at the head, my father to her left, Alexander next to him, and Reina on Alex's left. Across from Reina Lucianno sat, then I did, Dorothy, oddly enough, sat next to me as well. Mother usually never let her sit near us, or even be in the room.

"This isn't some family lunch." My mother hissed. I rolled my eyes, picking up my fork. We'd never be a normal family with her as our mother.

"We have some important things to discuss." My father sat tall, scanning the table. Before anyone answered, my mother continued. "Raven, and Alihandro are leaving sooner than expected."

My heart sank, all eyes turned to me.

"She is not leaving in a year, she's leaving in a few weeks." Mother stabbed a potato with her fork, "and there's been some changes to the staffing of the castle." She eyed Dorothy. My heart sank even further. Dorothy tensed and I reached for her hand under the table.

"Dorothy is going to be-"

"No." My brother stared at his plate, his breathing; rapid. Reina looked at him and reached for his hand, but he quickly pulled away. Dorothy tensed. "She's been here for years, we can't just kick her out." Alexander glared at our mother.

"She's paid off her debt." My mother held her head high, unfazed.

"But she wants to stay." His head whipped to her. "You want to stay, right?" Dorothy's hazel eyes filled with pain, her shoulders relaxed, but her hand was still tense around mine. I gave her a gentle squeeze.

"People do not always get what they want." Our mother rolled her eyes.

"Enough of this nonsense." My father shook his head, Dorothy and my brother sighed, relieved.

"She is your liability. You will not be loyal to Reina, who will soon be your wife." Alexander's eyes flicked to our father, and Dorothy held her breath.

"Father-"

"Enough. This is a final decision." My father shot Alex a glare. Alexander stood fast, pulling back his chair. "You are not dismissed."

"Fuck you, and your dismissal." He bit back, a laughing-anger writhing through his tone. Jack flinched, and Lucianno looked at me, his brows raised.

Dorothy stood as well, shuffling fast towards him, as he pushed open the door and it slammed shut.

"Boys in love," my mother hissed, "such an ugly thing. He should know the crown is so much more important."

"You're a monster." Lucianno leaned forward on the table, placing his elbows on either side of his plate. She looked at his elbows.

"Mannerisms, dear son."

"That's what you say? Your dear son just called you a monster and that is the reply you have?" Lucianno's voice was so sharp, it could have cut stone. His glare, even sharper.

"Well, this is not the first time you've insulted me." She cocked her head. Lucianno rolled his eyes, that motion seemed to infuriate her, though she didn't speak.

"We should go." Alihandro grabbed my attention. I raised a brow.

"If this is like yesterday, I will not go quietly." I hissed, Dorothy had been the only thing separating us. Fight him, or it'll get worse. Finally, some useful words.