I arrived at the estate hours later, the place looks gloomy and quiet..
I walked through the halls and burst my father's office door open
Only to find Syrion sitting there with a serious face, his chin resting on the back of his palm
"Why're you here? Where's father?" I asked, looking around the office
"He went to meet with my mother, he hasn't come back yet."
"Then what do you think you're doing sitting there?" I asks, glaring at him
"I supposed I triggered your anger issues, sister." He sat up properly, leaning back on the chair, "Thanks to that lessons you've told father to teach me, I find out, a bastard or not I have a better claim than you over the estate."
..what? Is this kid seriously usurping the title of Duke?
"They had said, Father's carriage fell down the cliff on his way home, and they're currently investigating the situation, which makes me.. his son, to take over during his absence."
This shameless bastard.
"You're not titled as the Duke's son. Rumors are the only ones circling you, no one knows you in society." I spoke
"Don't ridicule yourself by claiming you have a better claim than the one who's actually known as the only daughter of the Duke." I added
"Maybe you're the one who should study more," he laughs sarcastically
"That's the Kallisterian way, the fallen Empire." He added with a smirk, "Here in our beloved Marfester Empire, bastard or not, known or not, with connections or none, as long as it's a male, it has a claim, a better claim against a daughter even if its an only child." He smirked
"Confine her to her chambers." He commanded and knights bursted into the room and grabbed me by the wrist, practically dragging me to my room and locking the door.
As I sat in the dimly lit confines of my chamber, the weight of Syrion's words echoed in my mind. The walls felt like they were closing in, a prison of my own making. I could hear the distant sounds of the estate—footsteps echoing in the halls, whispered conversations, and the occasional clink of armor from the knights stationed outside my door.
I had always known Syrion to be a thorn in my side, but never had I imagined he would seize this moment to assert a claim that was not rightfully his. The thought of my father's carriage falling down the cliff sent a shiver down my spine. Was it an accident, or was there something more sinister at play? I needed to find out.
The knights stationed outside my door were loyal to my father, or so I believed. Perhaps I could reason with them. I stood up, straightening my dress, and approached the door. I knocked softly at first, then harder as frustration bubbled within me.
"Let me out! You can't just keep me here!" I shouted, my voice echoing in the silence.
The door remained unmoved, the knights outside exchanging hushed whispers. I pressed my ear against the cold wood, straining to hear their conversation.
"Should we really be doing this? She's the Duke's daughter," one knight said, hesitating.
"Orders are orders. The new lord has commanded it," replied another, his tone resolute.
New lord. I clenched my fists, anger surging through me. Syrion was trying to usurp not just the title, but everything my father had built. I had to act quickly.
Thinking of my options, I glanced around the room, searching for anything that could aid my escape. My eyes landed on the window. It was a long drop to the ground below, but I had no choice. I needed to get out and find my father, to ensure that Syrion's claim never saw the light of day.
I rushed to the window and pushed it open, the cool breeze rushing in. I took a deep breath, gathering my courage, and climbed onto the ledge. The ground seemed far away, but I couldn't let fear hold me back.
With one last glance back into my room, I jumped.
The fall was jarring, but I rolled as I hit the ground, the grass cushioning my landing. I quickly regained my footing, looking around to ensure no one had seen me. I needed to find my father and uncover the truth behind the accident.
As I dashed towards the stables, determination fueled my every step. Syrion may have thought he could claim the title of Duke, but I would not let him take what was rightfully mine without a fight.
I'm fighting your war this time, Reillana.