The Family

Friendly...

"Geez, I told you I'm fine!" I pouted to Nicolas who was attempting to wrap new bandages over my bleeding wounds.

"But your making the blood get everywhere now!" He said as he attempted to pin me down and take my bandages off so he could replace them but I was ten steps ahead.

I grabbed the pillow and stuffed it in his face. While he was focused on that, I attempted to stand up before a sharp pain ran through my thigh and I yelped in pain.

The pain grew and I eventually had to sit back down. Once the pain subsided, Nicolas gave me a knowing smirk.

"Well I've gotta be able walk by sunset." I mumbled.

"Well then your gonna need to obey my orders in order to get better." He warned. I begrudgingly nodded.

"Now, please settle down." He commanded innocently.

I sat still while he cleaned my wounds and replaced the old bandages. Then his butler entered the room and introduced himself.

"A pleasure to meet you miss Russo. I have been informed of your situation and will be helping in any way I can." He said, dropping into a deep bow.

"Uhhhh...OK?" I mumbled.

Nicolas then spoke up,"I'm gonna need to deal with some business with my father this morning but I'll be available in the afternoon." He explained.

I nodded my head as he left.

Now that Nicolas had left, it gave me a chance to get a better look at the butler.

He had sun-kissed skin and raven hair. He wore typical vintage butler clothes and had round spectacles along with big emerald eyes. He look around my age, maybe a bit older yet he spoke as if he was much older.

He placed some clothes at the foot of the bed and bowed once again.

"My name is Avelinno, Ms." He said as he dropped into a deep bow once again.

"You know, you don't have to behave like that around me. I ain't anything special." I mumbled.

He adjusted his glasses.

"You couldn't be more correct miss Russo. I serve my prince and only his majesty yet you step in and put you dirty hands all over our fine china and put your filthy feet on our silk sheets from India. I do loath the prince for this decision but also have a deep rooted respect for him and his heritage, knowing that he let a peasant like you into our home is beyond me but I must respect and serve you as it was the words of my master. So why don't you be a good mouse and scatter." He said in an icy tone before taking a deep breathe.

He straightened his posture and put on a polite smile

"Now, the maids have prepared a lavender bath for you and your previous clothes have been washed and fixed. I suggest you leave now." He said as he opened the door and gracefully walked out of the room.

"But I can't-...nevermind..." I muttered, not wanting to interact with the brash butler anymore. I attempted to stand but stumbled onto my knees after the sharp pain shot through my leg once again.

I took a deep breathe as a memory stung my mind.

"Owie!! Papa! I fell and it hurts" I said as I burst into tears. My father came into view and looked at me dissaprovingly,"Valentine, you're gonna get hurt in our family but you need to work through it and get through the pain...else you'll be left behind." He said as he walked away.

I remembered how it wasn't a regular cut but I had accidently dislocated my shoulder. It hurt like there was no tomorrow but I simply gritted my teeth and walked through the pain as every slight bump sent a rush of pain through my entire body. I remembered how Danté was so worried and once one of my father's bodyguards finally took me to the hospital, I came back home good as new, Danté pledged he would become a doctor and help me all the time.

I smiled at the memory...what was I doing here on the ground waiting for some prince to help me with my wounds. I had suffered much worse without any help and I'll do it again. I had gotten too wrapped up in this and needed a reality check. I was Valentine Russo, daughter of Antonio Russo and I had a job to do. I wasn't gonna be weak any longer.

I stood up and gritted through the seering pain. I used the wall as a support as I limped across the dark room and into the dimly lit hallway.

I bit my tongue to stop myself from yelping in pain as I walked down the long staircase.

After-what felt like hours-of walking through the maze of a house. I had finally come to the front door. The guards looked at me in confusion as I limped across the stone cobbleway and onto the uneven road.

I passed an alleyway and heard voices. Nathan and Tyler, my father's bodyguards, were taking care of a unfamiliar man. Gurgle and grunts of pain were heard as Nathan and Tyler looked in my direction with looks of surprise on their faces.

"Val?" They both called out in unison.

"Boy am I glad to see you guys." I said as I wiped a bead of sweat off my brow.

Nicolas had been feeling bad for lying but had no choice. Instead of meeting with his father, he made his way to the Russo family in order to negotiate about the meeting he had made for his daughter.

"Please sir, would you be able to cancel the meeting with your daughter so she could perhaps rest her injuries?" That's what he would say to him. The conversation kept running through his head. He made his way to the mansion and was surprised to see no guard standing out front.

He shook it off and carried on. He made his way to the door.

I had made my way to the office and was awkwardly standing before my father as he took longs puffs of his cigar. He turned around and gave me a look of disgust.

"Look at you." He said as his gaze traveled across my bloodstained clothes and gaping wounds that had opened up on the journey here.

"...pathetic." he remarked before turning to face away from me.

"But father, I tried. I was so close and then Nicolas tried to help me and-"

"And then he got hurt...which is a step away from being killed. Now I suggest you don't talk back." He warned.

I flinched as he raised his voice and looked down to my feet.

"Yes father...I'm sorry father." I mumbled.

"Now, I see that it is I who was wrong. Thinking you could take on a job as important as this. I knew I should of elected Maurius." He said as he rubbed his temple.

"But father-" I quickly bit my tongue. My father stood.

He walked over to me and scowled.

"Where have your manners gone girl." He snarled as he struck me.

I grunted and mumbled an apology.

"There,now I will be replacing you with Maurius for the time being while you recover." He said as he walked back to his seat and sat down.

The room was silent until the sound of the door being thrown open emanated through the room.

And in the doorway stood Nicolas with anger in his eyes.

"Don't touch Valentine like that!" He screamed.

My mind went blank as I thought about what my father would do.

And then...I heard a chuckle...