Hidden Hierarchies ( 12 )

Javier sulked in his highchair, his toddler features carefully masking the storm raging in his mind. The dining hall buzzed with the return of the noble party. Lord Garius, the dried plum, sat at the head of the table, exuding a self-satisfied air in his new silver-trimmed uniform.

The family's newly polished silver emblem gleamed on his chest—a testament to the family's rise in rank.

Silver now, huh? Good for you, dried plum. One step closer to shining in the sun like a raisin, Javier thought, snickering internally.

The dinner itself was uneventful at first. Plates were served, maids bustled about, and the siblings chatted among themselves. As always, the eldest and second sons, Marcellus and Cedric, drew the most attention. Lady Francesca personally ensured their plates were full and their glasses never empty, beaming with pride.

Javier, meanwhile, had his usual entourage of three maids: Liana, Meira, and Lithia. He was perfectly content, planning his next nightly escape to the library—until Francesca's words shattered his peace.

"Miera, Lithia," Francesca began with her usual composed tone, "starting tomorrow, you will be assigned to assist Marcellus and Cedric, respectively. They are at critical stages of their studies and training. They'll need your help."

The maids exchanged glances before bowing in unison. "Yes, Madam."

Javier's fork froze mid-air. His mind reeled, the words echoing painfully.

What? No, no, no... This isn't happening.

Francesca turned to Liana. "Liana, you will remain dedicated to Javier. He's still young and needs close care. Handle him well."

"Yes, Madam," Liana replied, her expression calm as always.

Javier clenched his fists under the table. Just Liana? ONLY Liana?! Are you kidding me?

His thoughts spiraled into despair. Meira, my second mama, gone. Lithia, my kind third mama, gone. Both stolen by those two brothers of mine. WHY?!

He could feel his chest tightening, but he kept his face blank. Francesca glanced at him briefly and smiled, as if to reassure him. It only made him more upset.

Dinner dragged on, each bite tasteless to Javier. When the meal finally ended, the family dispersed to their rooms, leaving Javier with Liana. She carried him back to her room, her steps light and unbothered.

Sensing his mood, Liana glanced down at him. "Young Master, you've been quiet tonight. Are you feeling well?"

Javier pouted, burying his face against her shoulder. "I'm fine," he muttered.

Fine? No, I'm not fine! My beautiful mamas were just snatched away! This isn't fair!

Back in Liana's room, she laid him gently in his crib. "Rest now, Javier. You've had a long day."

But as she turned to leave, Javier reached out and grabbed her sleeve.

"Liana..." he said softly.

"Yes?"

"You won't leave me too, right?"

Her stern elf face softened, and for the first time that night, Javier felt a hint of comfort.

"I cant promise," she said, stroking his hair. "But I'm here for you."

Javier sighed, closing his eyes. For now, at least, Liana was still his.Assign for him,only for him

No one takes her. Not even my brothers.

Javier looked up at Liana with his best pleading expression, his big toddler eyes shining with faux innocence. "Can I sleep with you? Please?"

Liana's expression softened, her usual calm demeanor now tinged with a gentle smile. "Of course, Young Master. Come here."

She lifted him from the crib and held him close, her hands steady and warm. Javier nestled into her arms, letting out a small, triumphant heh.

One step closer to securing my number one spot with Liana. Those dried plums and their schemes can't stop me.

What Javier didn't realize was that Liana's smile held a secret—a bittersweet acceptance of her current position. Among the household maids, serving the lord of the house directly was the highest honor, followed by attending to the lady or madam. Being assigned to care for the eldest or second sons, who carried the family's hopes, was prestigious too. But being tasked to care exclusively for the youngest child, especially one not yet of notable status like Javier, was considered a demotion.

Still, Liana didn't mind. She had seen the complex web of politics and power struggles within noble households. While others may have viewed this role as a step down, she found peace in it. Attending to Javier meant fewer eyes scrutinizing her every move.

And, in truth, she'd grown fond of him.

As Liana settled into her bed, she laid Javier beside her. He snuggled closer, his tiny hands clutching at her sleeve. "Liana?"

"Yes, Young Master?"

"You won't leave me like Meira and Lithia, will you?" His voice was quiet, laced with vulnerability he rarely showed.

Liana hesitated, brushing a lock of hair from his face. "No, I won't leave you."

Javier grinned, his face pressed against her shoulder. "Good. You're now my favorite."

Liana chuckled softly. "You're quite the charmer, aren't you?"

You have no idea, Javier thought, smirking inside.

As the room fell into a comfortable silence, Liana watched her young master slowly drift to sleep. She could tell he was clever, more so than any child his age had any right to be. His antics, his sudden silences, the way he observed everything around him—it all hinted at a mind far sharper than he let on.

For now, though, she kept those thoughts to herself. After all, being assigned to Javier meant she could witness what made him unique. Whether it was a demotion or not didn't matter anymore.

Liana adjusted herself on the bed, cradling Javier gently. She tilted her head, observing him with a soft, almost maternal expression. "You want to breastfeed, Young Master?"

Javier's eyes lit up instantly, his excitement concealed behind a practiced, innocent smile. "Really? Yes, I want to!"

She chuckled at his enthusiasm, patting his cheek lightly. "Alright, come here then."

Javier wasted no time, crawling closer to her. Liana, always composed, adjusted her blouse, revealing just enough to cradle him comfortably against her chest. Her movements were graceful, deliberate, as though this had become second nature to her.

Javier latched on with a contented sigh, a warm sense of satisfaction washing over him.

This is the life!. Liana, you're my number one now.

Meanwhile, Liana observed him quietly, stroking his hair as he nestled against her. There was something peculiar about him—an unspoken maturity beneath the surface, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

"You're always so eager," she teased lightly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Javier gave her a sleepy grin in response, his energy finally starting to fade. "That's because you're special."

Liana's heart softened at the words. She leaned back against the pillow, her mind briefly wandering. Despite her position in the household hierarchy, moments like this made her feel important in a different way—cherished, even.

"Alright, Young Master, settle down now," she murmured.

Javier's breathing slowed as he nestled closer against Liana. Even as his small body relaxed, his mind stayed active.

Don't worry, Liana. I want you, and I will always want you, he mused, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. For me, for the current me, and for the future me. For our future.

The resolve in his heart felt unshakable. He didn't care for the noble rankings, the parties, or even the expectations placed upon him. What he cared about was the bond he shared with Liana—a bond he was determined to protect.

Liana, oblivious to his inner thoughts, continued to stroke his hair gently. She gazed down at his serene expression, her own heart feeling a strange warmth she couldn't quite explain.

"You're such a curious little one," she whispered softly, her voice barely audible in the quiet room. "But… I'm glad to be here for you."

As Javier drifted further into sleep, his last conscious thought lingered on Liana's warmth and the promise he silently made to himself.

No matter what happens, Liana, I'll make sure you stay by my side.

And with that, the room fell silent, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight, a quiet promise binding them in the stillness of the night.

( End of Chapter )