The sight of the blooming marigolds in the garden was as bright as ever. The gentle breeze that blew was filled with warmth. It seemed that everyone was preparing for the harvest festival, and technically, my debutante ball.
Butterflies fluttered their wings around the garden, the plants were freshly watered this morning, and the sky was clear. If it weren't for the news this morning, I would've got to enjoy this type of weather pleasantly.
"Cel, about what happened with the duke. It's fine if you don't want me to know. I'm just worried about you, that's all." Nathaniel took a deep breath before picking up one of the blooming marigolds. "These were mother's favorites, and autumn was her favorite season." He paused with a slight grin.
"Brother," I said, encouraging myself to inform him about the marriage. "I have a fiancé now. Count Ashen's son, Sebastian Ashen. My wedding will be held when I turn seventeen."
"You're getting married to that goofball?!" He exclaimed.
"I am not sure what you're trying to say here, brother…"
"That Sebastian you're talking about, he's an absolute idiot. His reputation is indescribable by how bad it is. You also know, don't you? The guy who humiliated himself at the recent banquet hosted by his majesty. I have no words!" He explained, his tone shifted from cheerful to serious.
"I know, brother, but how am I supposed to deny the duke? It's my duty as a daughter to get married off. Daughters are just tools for alliance between families."
"Cel, don't say that! I'll talk with the duke about this matter. For now, just bear with it for a bit." He said, his voice sounded as if he was ready to murder the duke.
"Yes, brother."
"And when the duke's gone. You can be the head of the house instead of me, you know." Nathaniel joked.
We walked for a bit, enjoying the fresh air and the sight of bright flowers.
"What about you, brother. You're already twenty and still unmarried. I bet a lot of girls are reaching out to you." I asked, trying to strike up a conversation.
"Well…I can't get married yet. Who's going to take care of my little sister if I'm married? Or unless you want me to get married, I wouldn't even think about marriage." Nathaniel's response sounded absurd, but he was serious.
"Shall we head in, brother?"
"Sure"
I want my brother to get married already, since when I'm gone, who's going to take care of him? That thought always stayed in my head. He doesn't know I have till eighteen, before my curse shall bring demise to this kingdom.
We head back to the castle, while debating whether to get a book or a sword for the head butler's upcoming birthday. When we got back to the castle, Nathaniel asked Mr. Shanon to schedule a meeting with him and the duke later.
"Cel, do you want to play chess? I always saw you playing them by yourself. You must be wanting a partner to play with." Nathaniel transforms back to his cheerful self after his presence made Mr. Shanon slightly tremble.
"Sure, brother." I have always loved playing chess since I can remember.
"Then we should head to the library. Let's go, Celeste."
The library in the castle always remained the same. The books were always arranged neatly on the row of shelves. It was filled with hundreds, maybe thousands of books. Any genre you want, just name it, and there might be a whole section dedicated to that. Around the inner part of the library was a hidden room, where my brother and I would often go to play together when skipping classes. We hid secret stashes, books, and a chessboard. Both of us slid past the librarian, who was busy tidying up the books. The hidden room was also the same. It was untidy, and some dust had gathered, but what could I say? It was a place where I had the best memories.
"Brother, I found the chessboard! Let's play."
"Alright, Cel, just let me reminisce about the good memories in this room." Nathaniel sat down on a wooden chair and landed with a thud.
"Brother, I forgot to tell you that one of the chairs is broken," I told him with a little laugh.
"It seems you were rather too late to inform me about that, Cel." Nathaniel pouted as he stood up and joined in laughing.
"My apologies then, brother, let's play."