Claimed By Zodiacs

Chapter 33

# Gabriel Bravesky

I froze at the door, watching the chaos that was our home. Boxes upon boxes were piled near the staircase, servants still hauling more inside. A servant passed by, bringing something that looked like velvet. I peered closer. It's velvet shoes!

*Velvet shoes?! In this weather?!*

Queen Sofia emerged behind the pile of boxes looking annoyed.

"This is unnecessary Linda. I only asked for clothes."

"But these are all contents of your wardrobe your Highness."

She blushed at that, the state of her face matching her pink pajamas.

"I said bring me clothes, not my wardrobe." She glanced at me. "This is embarrassing Linda..." She leaned closer to whisper so I couldn't hear.

I pretended not to notice and went to the kitchen. Mom was cooking dinner.

"Mom," I greeted, making her aware of my presence. It had been a habit of mine. Mom hurls knives at intruders who barge in without notice.

She raised her head and nodded at me, hands still chopping food. I sat on the chair, leaning on the counter. I love watching her work in the kitchen. Each precise slice is captivating, I could almost imagine it sink through skin and bone. Blaire couldn't imagine Mom being an assassin. He never watched her handle a knife. I did....and she looked like a professional butler at times.

"Is there a problem?" Mom asked, cutting off my train of thought.

I shrugged then picked some fries. She slapped my hand away. I ignored her, putting the fries in my mouth.

"I know you have a problem. You only come here when you do."

"That's harsh. You know I love watching you cook."

She slapped my hand with the flat of the blade as I went for another piece. I stopped then. She might slice me later if I won't.

"You used to. Now you just barge in here when you need something."

I chuckled. Of course she knows what bothers me. She's Mother after all.

"I'm just not used to the house being loud."

She gave me a sympathetic nod. I hate it when others invade my private space. So does Mom.

"It's temporary...and besides, Sofia is family."

*She used to be. But it's not the same as before. We're not the children we used to be. *

"We moved your things to the guest room."

I groaned."Mom..."

"What? We can't let her sleep in that small room. And besides, Blaire's stuff is too messy."

I watched as she continued chopping, not perturbed by my complaint.
"But that's my room!"

"And this is my house young man."

"The guest room doesn't have a tub!"

"You wouldn't need that iced bath anymore. Just roll over the meadow. It's littered with snow."

"You're kidding."

"Do I look like I'm kidding?"

I sighed, reaching for the plateful of fries that wasn't there. The cold breeze blew, neutralizing the heat from the stove. The windows are open. Now that the long Winter has come, mother opens the windows whenever there's an opportunity. She's a sucker for the cold.