Arranged Hate

Chapter 8

BACK AT THE CASTLE

Lucie's point of view

Since Tracy left, my father became a mess. He locked himself in his study and only let's servants inside to give him lots of wine and food. The servant always are chased out by my father screaming. My mothers all got anxious. Tracy's mother, who always stayed my favourite, got jumpy and scared ever since my father sent out guards to search the entire island for Tracy. Riker is still here and my brothers and I avoid him like a plague. Luckily Austin's here for me. At night he always holds me while I cry - because I miss my sister - until I fall asleep.

I walked into Kevin's room to try help him. He became very distant always having that jittery feeling. He sat by the windowsill staring out into the dark sky. The moonlight hitting his facial features making them looked like they are perfectly chiselled into that shape.

"Kevin, she's going to be ok" I said hugging him.

"I hope so. I don't want to lose my sister" he replied.

"So stop worrying" I demanded.

"It's not only her that I'm worried about. It's me" he said.

"You?" I asked surprised and confused that he's worried about himself.

"Yeah. Our father is getting old. You know what does that mean right?" He asked me.

I became quiet. If he's getting old that means he's getting closer to death. Is that what he's talking about?

"Our beloved father called me today to go to his office. He said I'm at the right age and I'm good enough to carry on his success" Kevin continued not waiting for a reply.

"He wants you to become the Governor! That's great!" I said excited.

"No its not. What if father says that if Tracy is found she's to be imprisoned or worse and then gives the title of Governor over to me? He'll make the deal unbreakable so that I have to do it to her. I'd kill myself with that guilt" he said.

My eyes widened. Father can't he... No he will do that. He hates Tracy with a passion.

"I'm scared, Lucie" he whispered.

Never in my life have I seen my oldest, brave brother sound so helpless. He's always the one calming me down when I'm afraid and never backing down from a challenge my father gave him.

"Well that's not good enough!" I scolded at him, trying to act the way Tracy does.

He burst out laughing at my failed attempt.

"I'm serious. Tracy wouldn't want you to be this way" I said.

"Fine. Now let's get you to bed. It's way past your bedtime" he said turning to look at me rather than outside.

"Never!" I screamed and ran off.

He came after me and grabbed me from behind. I struggled in his arms. He let go for a bit and I was like FREEDOM but then he quickly turned me around and draped me over his shoulder. I pouted at no one in particular because there's no one out at this time. We entered my room and Austin was there.

"Austin. Help me" I begged.

He just burst out laughing and Kevin dropped me on my bed. I pouted angrily at them.

"Austin. No matter what do not let her leave this room" Kevin told him.

"Sir! Yes sir!" Austin saluted.

I giggled. Kevin left closing the door behind him. Austin jumped in my bed, taking his shoes of first, he grabbed me. We cuddled until I starting yawning. He drew the blanket back and put it over me.

"Austin. Do you think Tracy is fine?" I asked tiresomely.

"Yes. She's a living spitfire and she brave and strong. She'll be fine. Also she'd laugh in your face if you asked her if she's going to be ok" he said calming my worries.

"You're the best" I stated smiling.

"My pleasure" he said kissing me on the forehead.

"Goodnight sweetheart" he said turning off the light.

"Night handsome" I said before he closed the door behind him.

"Goodnight Tracy" I mumbled then fell asleep.