19

"The Capital was beautiful. Ceasaria had only been multiple times and when she heard Kalypso would get to go in her stead, her beautiful face twisted into envy." — The Lovable Villainess, Chapter Twelve.

...

The sun wasn't even in the sky when I was woken up by Mina. Her tender hands brushed through my dark pink tresses and weaved them into a braid. I was barely awake. My eyes wished to close shut as I yawned, trying to stifle my exhaustion with a certain type of excitement but I couldn't even convince myself.

"Are you still tired, Ceasaria?" Aramus asked. I knew him by his voice now. I recognized him despite the bleariness in my vision. I opened my arms to him, asking to be carried and within a second, he picked me up. "You're still far too light."

"I'm tired and eating a lot," I answered back, rubbing my eyes. I was wearing gloves I observed. Cain was also there, and he didn't look tired. I sleepily waved at him and he waved back.

"She looks cute," Cain said, poking my cheek.

I would have been embarrassed if I wasn't so tired. I leaned against Aramus, his hair tickling my nose. The soft redness of his hair had become comforting. I had even wanted to braid some of the pretty ribbons that Mina had gotten for me. "She looks tired," Mina answered back. She was wearing her regular uniform; a deep black dress.

I nodded, agreeing with Mina. Indeed, I could feel myself falling back asleep. Somewhat awkwardly, Aramus patted my back, "I haven't done this since you were little."

"No wonder, you look awkward. Let me try." Cain said.

Aramus shook his head, "Won't you give me a chance?" He questioned as he stepped into the carriage.

Mina chuckled as Cain also hopped inside. Mina was about to close the door when Aramus grabbed her wrist, "Don't tell me you'll be sitting with the coach."

"It's improper," Mina answered back, a sigh on her lips.

Cain frowned, "I'm sure Ceasaria would want to see you."

"You have to stop using her as a reason," Mina exhaled, gently pinching Cain's cheeks. He was just as lovable as the young girl. Aramus gave her a pleading look to which she sighed and sat down next to him. Cain smiled.

Mina had raised him and although he did not call her mother, he saw her as such. She was the one beside his father and for most of his youth, she was the one that protected him. Aramus was clunky as a father, doing his best to raise him, and when he needed a gentle touch, it was Mina that helped. Silencing the maids that talked about him and his peculiar habits, and comforting him whenever he and his father fought.

Cain never asked about their relationship. The two of them in front of him always were together, it would be odd to see them separated.

"She's different now isn't she?" Aramus said.

Cain nodded. When Ceasaria had first come into their care, she looked nothing short of a doll. It was almost as though he was talking to someone who didn't exist in the fabric of his world. She seemed lifeless; the bruises that littered her skin made a home in her heart. "Do you think she likes us?" Cain mumbled, nervously.

"You're too lovable," Mina answered, satisfying his anxiousness, "There's no way. I think she likes you the most."

Aramus eyed Mina's gaze before giving a nod, "You two are practically siblings already. If she accepts being adopted, it'll be because of you."

Cain lit up from the praise. A smile curved onto his face, gleeful at the fact that he had done so. "I read up all about it," he boasted, "And I also asked Rafael. He says he and his sister don't get along like us!"

Aramus could see the pride on his son's face, "Well that's because you're a great brother." He chuckled, leaning against the carriage. Closing his eyes, Cain yawned trying to stifle it as best as he could. "You should rest. I'm sure you're also tired."

"I'm not like Ceasaria," Cain answered, "I'm an adult."

"You haven't been knighted yet. It's happening this year. You're almost an adult." Mina stood up and slid next to Cain, gently placing the young boy against her shoulder. "Rest well," she said brushing some hair out of his eyes.

Cain tried to resist but the lull of the carriage and Mina's warmth made his eyes flutter shut. It was just the two adults.

"I never thought you would want to have another child," Mina answered, gently tucking some hair behind Cain's ear.

"Mina," Aramus exhaled, "You know what my answer is."

She swallowed, her eyes staring at Aramus as she smiled. It was a heartbreaking smile that made his heart almost shatter. It made him twist in his seat. His gloved hands straining; his bones feeling as though they would shatter, "Is the only reason we're heading to the Capital because of her playmates?" Mina asked. She was as astute as ever. Her gaze was outside, looking at the greenery.

"The Emperor wants to see her," Aramus answered. He looked down at the sleeping girl. She was dressed in all black with red accents. She looked so delicate and peaceful when she was asleep.

"The Empress," Mina corrected. Aramus didn't say anything in response.

Charlotte Heliot.

"I promised that I would tell him about it when he becomes knighted," Aramus said, quietly. His gaze turned to his son. "He deserves to know even if it's harsh." He loved Cain more than he loved himself. Mina had yelled at him, slapping him across the face, angrily sobbing into his chest stating that he shouldn't abandon his son. That young boy did nothing wrong. She angrily forced him to drag his finger across the scar across her chest, forcing him to accept that she was here and she was alright.

Mina nodded, "We can only protect them for so long before being a detriment to them."

"Mina, I—"

"Don't say it, Aramus." She whispered. "I know." Again, she gave that heartbreaking smile.

Aramus hung his head low. What use was the Valentine Duchy if he couldn't protect the ones he loved? It was useless. "You can rest, Aramus. I'll be here when you wake." She gently extended her leg, brushing it against him. He grit his jaw.

"Mina, I. . ." he trailed off.

"I know. I'll be here, Duke Valentine."