3 Chapter (3): Peevishness

"Since when you believe in superstition?" The Captain was behind him.

The last time that Miguel saw such a bird dropped from the sky while having its legs fastened with a red rope, things went dark, his sister Vivian died. This memory was still fresh in his head, it could never shove down the sorrow that came afterward.

"Since when the alerts had become superstition? The cursed crow is an alert and I suggest you protect my nieces well, because I may not be able to spare any neglect."

With his menace, it made Luna assured that this poor bird was a sign of a troublesome occurrence.

The sky thundered. This new young captain was suggested by Elenore, therefore, Miguel didn't like this dog of hers but he was humble enough to keep his head in his own hat, not picking an argument with a wild dog. He was as if an assassin in his dark polished leather uniform. His handsome face was very different from his heart.

Miguel took out the gloves from his belt. Wearing them, he picked the bird by the roped legs. He was supposed to burn the bird but he couldn't shove the lingering thoughts away. Who had sent this alert, why here? What a wicked way they were choosing either time.

He rushed to the smithery and hastily tossed the bird inside the furnace. The flames reflected in his eyes.

"Who else they are going to kill this time?"

He was afraid because the alert was vague. He rarely could endure such kind menace.

"Father, ask them to stay for an hour until the sky soothes down this rage."

His son dragged him out of the thought which glued him to the floor, drawing him into the fire like a magnetic field. The tie between him and his cousin was already floppy and sleazy, he couldn't fight with him.

"Alright, go inform them. I prepare a bath for Elizabeth to clean herself."

Miguel strode to the door that was connecting him to the mansion. Turning the handle, he crossed the corridor and reached the entrance hall, he went to Luna who was pausing for her younger sister. Near the sculpture of a muse, she was peering at it.

"Sweetheart, let us clean your sister. I think your father can wait for one hour more."

"Only twenty minutes is enough." Elenore who was at the doorway ordered.

Lucas closed the umbrella and led her to the sofas. Their muddy shoes left prints.

The guards who had escorted them by the door stopped there watching them.

"You have a beautiful mansion, Miguel."

She noted. It was the first time that she came inside, already she was standing outside not lowering herself to enter this house of Miguel. So, Miguel did not pester to invite her personally.

"You brought this house warmth." Miguel held the ritual but the fact was just unlike what he just shot out of his mouth.

The elders always lied to each other, they were pretending and masking their faces all the time just to keep the ethics safe in position, it was what Luna had been thinking about.

"Thank you, inside the bath, I hope these kids wash down the peevishness that they illustrated in their hearts." She taunted at the woodcutter smith man who had a heart as hard as the steels that he used to hammer.

Luna shot her a glare, not hiding what her emotions were toward her.

"Margaret, are you there?" He called out for his middle-aged maiden who was cooking inside the kitchen and the warm scent of fresh bread could make every stomach groan and shiver.

A round figure with a smiling face appeared, her chocolate face was the nicest of all. Her hair was braided and wrapped above her crown. Her apron was spattered by flour cloud.

"I am here," she gazed at the lord and bowed. She didn't show any attention to Elenore but Miguel saw a tinge of crooked anger on the corner of her lips. He couldn't force his staff to respect this witch.

"Please, bring our guests some warm drinks. I am going to clean Elizabeth."

She bowed her head and got back to the kitchen.

Miguel was hiding that he didn't want to sit by the fire and hear their nonsense stories from the court.

He drew his way to the stairs and ascended.

Luna realized that her uncle was escaping, she followed him up. Assisting him to finish the bathing faster. He didn't talk to her father and she could not remember the last time they did a discussion. She truly missed those days that were not so farther, only two years passed.

"I am helping you." She told him, grabbing his hand.

She had questions about the bird but kept it in her bowels. Elizabeth was also a curious cat that possibly would question him.

They arrived at the second floor where a maiden was bringing Elizabeth. The young woman was wearing a frown, approaching them.

"Lisa, what is that face?"

Uncle Miguel asked. The woman with white hair pointed to the little girl that just smelled horrible.

"Are you aware of her becoming ill if she ever travels for over four hours to reach that Greenwood mansion?" Her blue eyes sharpened.

"Yes. And you must wash her now. Luna will help you."

Luna's hair was furthermore wet and her dress was numb.

"They both have riotous features, warm water can calm them down."

Uncle Miguel noted, opening the main bathroom door that always had warm water inside its huge bath that was encircled by pillars and marble platforms to have seats on each.

"Thank you, sir! I would make sure, they will stay safe." Lisa noted, smiling at him, the nice woman could be a good wife for their uncle if he ever paid attention.

The girls quickly entered. Elizabeth knew that her unpleasant scent already perfumed all over this mansion. Seemed a naughty pig ran out of the den and haunted around to tease others.

Lisa closed the door behind the girls. Placing their bags on the stone table. She extended her hand to the buttons behind Luna's dress. She opened them and intended to help Elizabeth.