"What do you mean No? I thought this thing was just supposed to seal my power. Why does that sound like an Eternal shackle?" I jumped up from the bench.
"The bracelet is just temporary. But it's not under your control even if its used on you. The rubies regulate your energy. And are under your control. But your father is the one who will decide when you should take it off." Emma explained simply.
The way she said it sounded like she already knew about this. This means, she intentionally didn't tell me.
"Is that so? I guess you did what you thought was better. Whoever that may have been for." I was displeased.
I have been almost transparent with Emma. And as I see it, she's never going to be with me. I tell her everything, but she wouldn't think twice before putting a shackle on me.
I guess, whatever we have has always been one sided.
Funny though, this feeling feels familiar. I don't know if it's a sense of betrayal. Or if it's a sense of broken trust. Or if it's just plain disappointment.
It's familiarity felt so vivid. I guess it just something that hit me hard in whatever past life I had.
"Can you let Kendal down now? I should probably take her inside to sleep." I said as I held Kendal and slightly shook her.
I hated this feeling in my heart right now. I just wanted to be out Emma's sight. If I spoke to her right now, I might say something I wouldn't be able to take back.
Silence was always better that saying the wrong thing.
"Hey, are you--?" Emma tried to speak but noticed a serious expression I wore.
"I'm okay. I just feel a little... strained I guess." I said simply without eye contact.
Kendal opened her eyes slightly to directly lock eyes with me.
"Hey? We should go inside. The sun is about to set and I think we should probably get something to eat. I'm a bit famished." I said to her calmly.
Her eyes were locked on me before they darted around. As I turned to leave, she jumped off Emma, bowed to her and followed behind.
"Oh dear, I guess I should have at least told him. He won't be mad forever will he?" Emma muttered to herself watching us walk away.
"Oh, there you are. Come over here and have something to eat. Now that I think about it. Atticus, you haven't had much to eat today darling." My mother said as she covered her mouth.
I guess she didn't realise that since I wasn't around her much today.
"Can you call Emma for me?" She said to me.
"Emma? I would, buuuuut, she said she needed some time alone. I think she'll come in when she's ready." I said and dropped the topic.
We went at the table and had our meal. Some venison, cup of juice and some bread and sliced fruits.
"Thank you for the meal. I'll take my leave and go to my room now." I said and jumped off my seat.
I quickly walked up the stairs but when I reached the top, mother called my name.
"Yes mother?" I responded coming to a halt.
"You can't just leave. You have to take Kendal with you. You don't expect her to sleep alone do you?" My mother said.
"I thought she'd sleep with Emma. I mean, they're both girls, right? It would be weird for her to sleep in my room like we're married." I tried to reason with what excuse I have.
"Hahahaha... don't be silly. Kendal can sleep with you. And besides, Emma isn't back yet." My mother laughed off my excuse it was nothing.
I looked at my old man for an ally but I was wrong. He nodded with a happy smile. I mean seriously, what kind of thoughts were going on in that old man's head?
I could try to fight my way out of this. But there was no good excuse. I slept alone. I enjoyed it. And suddenly the first person I'm gonna share a bed with is a girl.
Kendal looked at me with innocent eyes and jumped off the chair. She walked up the stairs with each step echoing in my head.
'Screw it. My pride is really diminished at this point. Otherwise I don't think I ever had it.' I thought to myself.
Every step sounded like the approach of my doom.
"And good night son. Sleep well tonight. Tomorrow, we'll be getting into sword training. Be sure to bring your best skill. I don't want my genius boy to lack anything." My old man said with a smile.
I would like to think he was trying to cheer me up, or cheer me on? This world is really messed up or I'm the useless one.
My head fell as I led Kendal to our room. Yes, I have accepted defeat. Without saying a word, I made the bed. I set aside the pillows and... there was only one blanket.
Wait, I thought I had two blankets? Oh crap, this is true defeat. My parents seem to be taking socialising and making friends a bit too far.
"Hey, wanna sleep on the left or right?" I asked Kendal who was looking around the room. I guess she was a curious fellow.
She pointed at the left side and we climbed onto the bed.
With that, we covered ourselves. Like that we fell into an abyss of sleep. I had to make peace with it.
The simple justification I gave it was this. Oh well, just a growing cousins going to sleep. Nothing to fret about.
And anyway, it's time I set my goals ahead. I will finally have a chance to learn swordsmanship.
And anyway, I can still learn ways to use my shackled power. There must be a way.
Tomorrow will be a new beginning. A true starting point for the future, my future.