josephine's dreams
A loud bang woke Gilbert from his transit-like state as he painted < brother! brother !> Josephine's voice came in an excited scream that calmed Gilbert's scared heart.
The yang girl walked panting half dragging her skirt half jumping < I was accepted !! I was accepted! > Gilbert smiled helplessly and reached out to steady his sister< calm down Josey .. breathe ..> as she leaned on his hand, Jose looked up with sparkling green eyes identical to his. < brother !! The academy accepted me !! I am to be an official student of the Royal Academy!!>
The smile on Gilbert's face faded. < Josey … you .. sent an application? In secret?> The excitement in the yang girl's body vanished like water evaporating in the blazing sun. Her gripe on his hand tightened < I want to go! Everyone goes! Amelia met her fiancee there !! Lucia was acknowledged as a genius by the whole empire for her knowledge of alchemy because she attended the academy !! I want to go! I wish to study herbalism! I want to make friends! I want to find love !!! > Tears rolled down from emotion but her face showed determination reminding Gilbert of the day she arrived at the mansion.
He held his little sister closer and hugged her tight < Jose … it took everything we had to convince him not to marry you off to that old pervert .. do you think he will allow you to attend the royal academy ?>
Josephine pushed him away and with tears in her eyes, she exploded < it is my life !! Why can't I choose? >
Gilbert stared at her and felt a bit jealous of the fire she had in her eyes< sweet girl .. > he caressed her face tenderly < you .. and I are his property … he will never allow either of us to gain power ..>
Josephine bit her lips and looked down at her feet but then looked up < let's run !! You and I ! Brother let's leave this place with nanny !! >
shocked Gilbert laughed.
He laughed so hard that his eyes teared < why not ?? Why are you laughing?> the yang girl asked in frustration.
Gilbert sighed took a deep breath and held his yang sister's hand < josy.. didn't nanny teach you about the house of Richmond? Didn't she explain how high is that man's position? How much power, influence, and fortune did he have ?>
< but .. but .. if we hide ..>
Gilbert cut her off < Josephine ..> and squeezed her hand < no matter how hard we try to run he will find us... He will drag us back and we will both be punished .. , you .. you were accepted into the academy because you have the name Richmond >
Gilbert stopped talking as he looked at the tears of misery rolling down < you .. sniff .. you don't know that .. > he smiled but it didn't reach his eyes < oh but I know you're smart Josey but running.. that ... before you came onto my life .. how many times do you think I tried? How many lives … were taken because I tried to leave .. >
He lifted her shin and made sure she knew how serious he was < don't ever say such a thing .. nanny will be killed and you will be sold off to some nobleman .. and that is the best case scenario.. >
The poor yang girl's eyes went so wide with fear and she just turned around and ran out of the studio crying.
—
Maxim stood frozen holding a towel and the brushes he was cleaning. He was surprised at what he had just witnessed. A few days ago he found a terrifying secret and has seen more revealed in front of him. He slowly put down the precious brushes and stood up staring at his master back frozen.
He was but a servant, a slave, who knows a bit too much. He felt grateful for being mute. He felt conflicted again. His heart pierced with pity for his master. This beautiful man seems to have suffered greatly in life. He had no voice, but he wouldn't know what to say even if he had.
A snicker came from the slightly open door and Maxim walked toward that sad man.
The beautiful face of the insane guest showed up. Emilio's angelic face showed up as he was giggling < aren't you a bit too harsh on your only sister? > Gilbert didn't answer. But Maxim could feel the tension radiating off him. He took the remaining steps separating them and stood protectively at his master's back. He hasn't forgotten that this kid had kissed the yang lord. < ooh don't be nervous !! I won't say anything to the count! >
< it doesn't matter .. > The voice came from the fragile back in front, as if he was a man who had accepted his death penalty. It sounded steady yet so vacant and empty. < he knows everything. He allowed it to happen as a punishment for us .. to have the gates of heaven right in front of us.. but not enter >
silence..
Maxim felt the pain the voice carried and looked up ready for the action to come from the intruder.
He was a bit surprised to see anger. < you're giving up? > came a hiss from the small boy. < your sister may not get into the academy this year .. but there is still next year! >
—
Gilbert's head snapped up as he stared at the pretty boy. He smiled faintly. He was a bit tired to answer yet he appreciated the fire in him. He hasn't lost his soul yet … good.
< I am tired .. I have painted all day .. > he turned and was surprised again to see the silent servant standing by him. When did he approach? How can a man this big be this silent when moving?< maxim ..> he breathed, not realizing how his muscles would relax every time this attendant was close. < escort the guest to his room .. > he said and walked back to the sofa in the middle of the room and simply threw himself on it feeling drained.
< I am not leaving .. I am not done talking !>
Gilbert closed his eyes and massaged his temples. He felt a headache already. < you can stand there then, but please be quiet..I need to finish this painting by this week and I need rest to do that..>
The boy didn't answer and Gilbert breathed out again feeling his throat closing. He hated seeing Josy cry. He wanted her to live in the sun happy and bright. He knew she was not an idiot and she was extremely ambitious and smart. He didn't have a choice. He didn't know any way out .. Gilbert swallowed back the tears that threatened to come. He was drowning in his sea of misery unaware of the piercing eyes on him.