1.5

Suddenly, Brandon's eyes flew open and his breathing was ragged as he sat up in bed. His chest rose and fell at an unusual speed, not noticing that his face was wet.

Brandon cried so hard he fell asleep without realizing it. And he also cried in his sleep.

But he didn't notice it. All he could think about at the moment was the dream he had as he looked at his lower body from under the sheet.

To be more precise, dream was not the correct word, but memory. A vivid memory that felt like he was living it all over again. The pain of seeing his mother sick and a little bit of happiness to see her again.

It was a regret he felt and remembered everything he felt at the time, but a tremendous relief that he still had such memories. The sweet sound of her voice that he never heard again was in his memories, even if he couldn't see them often.

A dream that made him cry and that made him feel sad but grateful to see her again, however little it was and in such a situation.

His heart, which was filled with sadness and pent-up anger, was now a little more relieved after a night of releasing his emotions.

"Mother…"

The redhead's voice called to her, weak and low, he spoke in a silent environment with no one else to hear.

He looked up at the ceiling and then out the slightly open window. The stars were still there, even though the sun was rising. What he heard, that she was there watching and cheering him on, was very comforting.

"Thanks."

It was in a whisper that he said, as he turned to look at the sky again.

Footsteps were heard outside his room. This was unusual since he was the only one walking around and the time was still early in the morning, the only ones who should be awake at this time were the knights and people who had jobs far from their homes.

The sound disappeared and a presence stopped in front of the door. There was nothing to indicate that she was there, but Brandon could feel that she was on the other side.

A new noise was made and it was metal twisting downwards. Someone was trying to get in and the doorknob twisted down. Due to him locking her up before sleeping, the stranger couldn't get in.

'Who is it?'

As Brandon listened to the individual trying to enter, he stared at the door, barely breathing. Who could be trying to get into his room was what was going through his head. But he couldn't think of anyone.

Even if it had been James, he would have shown up before midnight, not in the twilight of dawn. The only one who came to mind, who arrived at this time almost always, was Phillip.

His face went cold at the thought that the presence was his.

'What is he doing here?'

The man was supposed to be in his room, with his fiancée, whom he made a point of introducing to everyone as soon as he arrived at the mansion.

Wasn't it obvious? How could he be there?

Even if she was in her own room, it was very inappropriate to go into someone else's room, let alone an ex-lover, when you were engaged to someone else and in the middle of the night.

Was he not ashamed?

The presence stopped, giving up on entering. She was heard walking away from the room and Brandon couldn't hold back a sigh, turning back to look out the window at the sky, with the sun continuing to rise on the horizon.

*

Countess Miller walked towards the carriage with her youngest son at her side. The purple-haired woman had a soft and happy expression to see how excited the boy was.

James was looking forward to getting out on the streets and seeing the county. Being the lord's son, he didn't have many chances to leave the property, especially in times of war, when people were more anxious about his safety. He only came out on special occasions.

Hence, young James couldn't help but express his emotions with a vivid face and a smile on his face. The naturally flushed cheeks gave him an air of youth as well as radiant.

The carriage door opened and they both sat on separate benches. The seats were comfortable enough to feel nothing during the ride and they were facing each other.

"Where's Brandon, Mom?"

"Went to inform your father that he was coming with me, even though I already informed him."

She said and the child nodded, understanding, but it didn't lessen the excitement she was feeling.

Fortunately, it didn't take long for Brandon to show up. His red hair was combed and his green eyes looked darker in the backlight. He was in class for a trip he was going to take with his lordship and his young master.

"Hi brother."

"Hello James." Brandon said.

The two did not meet during the early hours of the day. Brandon had left his room early and had breakfast, then sorted out the documents that had been left behind, because of his layoff, the day before.

So he didn't get a chance to meet James, although he did see the earl and Ferion when he went to deliver the documents.

"Madam." He bowed a little and sat down next to James.

"I'm glad you agreed to come with me."

"I wouldn't dare refuse the invitation." Brandon smiled, saying it with sincerity.

The carriage began to move, pulling away from the Miller estate and leaving the mansion behind. There were some knights, who didn't go to war, accompanying them on their way out. A basic protective measure for any aristocrat who wants to go out on the street.

The shopping street was always busy and that day was no different. There were several people walking through the streets, of the most different styles and colors. The voices of their conversations were loud and lively, gleeful at the end of the war.

James was looking out of the carriage through the window, seeing the daily lives of those who walked by. Brandon was looking too, but through the other; he didn't leave the mansion much either, especially after his mother's death.

The countess watched the two with soft eyes, chuckling inwardly at the expressions they both made. Brandon could have been less expressive in this environment, but his eyes understood him completely.

The carriage's stop signaled that they had reached their destination. The door opened and James came out first, followed by Brandon and lastly the countess. She stood up and put her hand on Brandon's to leave, stepping onto the stone floor and seeing the storefront, with clothes in its window.

The trio entered. Mannequins with hanging clothes and dresses were on display for customers to see and appreciate, to buy whichever they wanted. Men's clothing was also there, ready to be purchased.

"Oh, Countess Miller. Brandon."

The attendant appeared smiling and greeted the countess. She was well known to everyone in the county and was an almost regular customer of the store.

"Paula, hi." The noble returned. "We're here to do some shopping."

"Yes. And who is this boy behind you? I know Brandon since he comes with you sometimes."

The shopkeeper looked at James with a friendly smile and a curious look. The boy was a little embarrassed by the stranger's gaze. He's not that much of a kid, but he's still shy with strangers.

"It's my son, James."

"Little James? Fiona told me he had grown up the last time she was there, but she didn't realize it was that big."

The woman was surprised, as the boy was tall for his age, appearing to be a little older in case any strangers looked at him. James still had a childish face, so you could tell it didn't make that much difference to Brandon and the countess, who were still taller than him.

"Hello James." She nodded, turning to the countess. "So, let's go shopping. Is there anything specific you want?"

The countess flashed a smile at the woman, squinting at James before answering.

"Not really. I'd love for you to bring some pieces to try on. Not for me, of course. But for my son."

James eyed her suspiciously. A shiver ran down her spine and a feeling that something terrifying was going to happen crept up. He looked at Brandon, but all he saw was the other's face looking as if he was going to see something amusing ahead of him.

He didn't know what they were up to, but it was obvious that his brother was in cahoots with his mother.

"That's great. We have a lot of new clothes, especially the latest fashion."

The countess laughed, putting the fan she carried in her mouth. She had expectations for this afternoon and that it would be productive.

"Please follow me."

They were led to a large area and asked to sit down. The attendant, Paula, brought a catalog for the countess and went out to get some clothes that match James.

Tea was served by an employee and placed in front of the two elders. The young master Miller was served an orange-colored juice, to suit the child's taste.

"This is delicious." The noblewoman said, smiling.

The others did not comment. James studied the place, wondering if he'd been there before and Brandon was just waiting for Paula to come back.

Brandon tapped his fingers on his leg, he was excited to see James in so many styles, thinking how cute he would look in such outfits. His heart was weak for adorable things and the boy fit that category for being like a little brother to him.

Of course, for Claire, the countess, it was no different than it was for Brandon. She was doing this because she came up with the idea after realizing that her two eldest sons had grown into grown men. The precious time she'd had with them when they were minors wouldn't come back and she had to enjoy it while her youngest was a teenager.

Although, surely, she would make him go shopping with her again when he was an adult.

"I went back."

Paula said as she returned happily and the clothes she brought were shown to the trio. They were of the most varied types, colors and details. Some extravagant, understated and simple.

"Am I going to have to wear all this…?" James looked at what he classified as a mountain, but not literally.

"Of course. We came to the clothing store for this, honey."

"I thought we were going to buy you clothes." James replied in surprise.

"They have my measurements, it wasn't necessary for me to come here."

"Then why did you call Brandon?"

"Why, to bring you of course." She laughed in his face. "If Brandon came, you would come naturally."

"Brother… Did you know that?"

Brandon didn't respond right away, he was taking a sip of his tea before answering. The entire time, he had his eyes a little away from James. So he just nodded.

"Brother, you…"

"Leave Brandon and go with Paula, she'll show you where to try on the clothes." The Countess Miller said, taking another sip of the tea served to her.

James, with no choice and feeling helpless over his brother's betrayal and mother's scheme, walked to the locker room.

A short time later, he was back. He was wearing a cream-colored coat and the outfit was white. His hair was natural and loose, falling a little into his face. The light purple of his hair was something that made him charming as it fell across his forehead and his brown eyes looked at them both with apparent dissatisfaction.

"It's pretty."

"Yes, the clothes fit you very well."

"Isn't it great for him to go out? It seems ideal for this."

"I think it would be nice. It's also good for home use."

The two studied him and praised his appearance. James seeing them talk about himself and how handsome he looked embarrassed him a little, making his cheeks slightly flushed.

The changes of clothes that followed were the same.

One was wearing a dark blue coat, with a black blouse and elegant pants. Hair slicked back. It was perfect for balls and banquets, as it highlighted her noble appearance.

Another was black and high-necked, with some white details on the sleeves and collar. But unlike the other two, this one made him adorable and was very comfortable. The compliments given by the countess and Brandon on this one were a little stronger for a shy James.

"I feel betrayed." James stated when they were done and left the store.

His mother had already paid for the clothes they decided to buy and were ordered to be sent to the mansion. And James looked at Brandon resentfully. The redhead only gave a guilty smile, understanding what the boy meant. However, Brandon had no regrets. He was sure after he saw it, James was cute, even in different styles.

"I can't believe you betrayed me, brother." James complained.

"Want me to apologize? I do. But know that I don't regret it."

Brandon laughed at James' contorted face at his words. They stayed inside for hours, but only James had to change, not him. Also, the countess bought clothes for her too, so it wasn't a loss.

"We're done here, boys. How about we go to lunch? It's about time."

The countess appeared, as if she had done nothing for her son. She had so much fun talking to Paula and Brandon about how adorable their son was in those clothes. She'll remember to get him dressed at least once.

"I agree, ma'am."

"I will if I can have dessert later." James said, hoping his mother would accept after what she made him do at the clothing store.

"Fine, then let's go."

She smiled into her son's bright eyes and walked into the carriage with the two of them.