The Rebelero Brothers' Curse

Eleven

I watched silently as she slumbered. Jessamine lay serenely in the center of my bed where I put her. She slept soundly as her body demanded rest.

I'm not sure I fully understand what she did to me, but all I know is I'm healthy as I have ever been and that Jessamine's body gave way under exhaustion. I did not see how it was possible that she could heal me the way she did. I've seen healers at work before, but never to this degree. Healers were meant to aid the body's natural recuperation, not take over the whole process.

I sat on the edge of the mattress and leaned over her. The sun would soon be rising and I'd have to go down to make an appearance. I knew my father would not be happy with me for disobeying his orders and I know he must have heard of the incident last night with Dale.

I sighed and raked my fingers through my hair. Either I go down and face him, or when he woke, he'd come here and find out Jessamine was here.
I settled for the former and pulled on a loose tunic. My curiosity would have to wait.

I shut the drapes to keep the rising sun's rays out of the room so they would not disturb her. Taking one last look at my sleeping beauty, I pulled the door shut behind me as soundlessly as I could.

I made my way down a few corridors and down the stairs to the dining room. Celeste was already up and reading a book at the table. She looked up and smiled at me as I approached. I hugged her and we exchanged good mornings.

"Were you able to get back to sleep honey?"

"Yes, I slept just fine. Thank you." I lied but there was no need to worry her.

"Good I'm glad." She smiled at me and immediately went back to her book without paying me any more attention.

I sat at the beautifully carved, red wood table. My place was to the left of the head of the table where my father sat. The right is where my brother, Sam, would sit.

A servant came by and I asked for a light breakfast. While I waited for my food, Sam dragged himself into the room. "Good morning,"he said with a yawn.

"Good morning," me and my aunt said in unison.

My brother sat down in his seat and gave me a smirk. I looked at him warily.

His brown hair was getting long and was tousled from sleep. We looked nothing alike. My features are dark whereas his are all much lighter His eyes are honey brown, his hair is brown like our fathers, he has freckled cheeks which stand out on his pale skin. He is tall and lanky. He takes after our father's side of the family and I guess I take after our mother.

"What?" I asked. He did shook his head and laughed.

"You're in big trouble mister."

"Father told you?"

"He did. He was so angry last night that I had to listen to the lecture you deserved. He may still lecture you, but we'll see."

"Great," I mumbled as I rolled my eyes.

"You have to be more responsible Lucian. Every action has a consequence or a reward," my aunt looked up from her book for a moment to chime in.

The rest of breakfast was graced with silence. We all ate quietly. I was beginning to think my Father skipped this meal and decided to lock himself in his study. Out of all days, today was not one of my fortunate days where my father avoided me.

Just as I finished the last bit of fruit left on my plate my father made his entrance. When he saw me he instantly scowled. It was his usual reaction to me; if not it was a grimace, but today his scowl had deeper meaning than simply my unwanted presence.