“I have been trying to see you, Mother, but it has been really hard to get away. It is like Lord Jaias is trying to make up for all the lost time between us in a matter of a day or two.”
Most had gone to bed quite a while ago. Now was only time that Cixi wasn’t being primped and preened by a team of hand maidens. Or tethered to Lord Jaias’ hip. Ever since the spectacle at dinner, Cixi had been asked to accompany Lord Jaias everywhere he went. She knew that everyone was still talking about her. Even more now that she had become the "favored niece". But, at least no one would dare to do it to her face.
In her mother’s bedroom, they both sat quietly in the darkness. Darkness which was only lifted by the moonlight spilling in through the windows and the outdoor lamps on the city streets. They spoke in whispers to each other, so as not to wake anyone. But mostly to not be overheard.
“I can’t really tell him no. I am staying in his house,” Cixi explained,” I am eating his food. All these clothes I wear every day are things that belong to him. I can’t just be openly defiant. You and Father taught us better than that.”
“Cixi, sweetie,” Alara said, gently grabbing onto her daughter’s forearms, “I do not like you being around my brother. I know him better than anyone. I don’t want you getting close to him.”
“Why?” Cixi asked.
“Just listen to you mother, sweetheart. I know best about these things.”
“i have done a lot of growing up while I have been away, Mother,” Cixi answered, “I can handle whatever it is that you think is bad about Lord Jaias."
Alara did not answer, so Cixi kept pushing.
"We are already keeping our being here a secret from Father, Taulithran and Zendier. And I have not asked why we are doing that. But the least you can do is tell me why I have to stay away from someone whom I share blood with.”
Alara sighed, seeing that her daughter was not going to let this go. She straightened a bit in her chair and let her hands slide down to Cixi's elbows. Alara looked at Cixi earnestly.
“My brother always has a reason for doing things,” Alara replied, “And most of his reasons are self serving. I don’t know why he is doing what he is doing, but I am sure that it can only hurt you once it is all over. It is what this family does.”
“He doesn’t really seem all that bad to me,” Cixi whispered back, "He has done nothing but try and make me feel welcome."
“He isn’t bad, not entirely” Alara replied, “He was a kind man once. And he will continue to be kind until you decide not to fall in line with his plan. Then you will see him for what he truly is. I want to get you away from him before it ever reaches that point.”
Cixi made to promises to her mother that night. In fact, despite her mother’s warnings and pleading, Cixi found herself at Jaias’ side more times than not. At meals, she was requested to sit at his table. Evening activities, she stood at his side. There were even times where she was called to his study, where no one was allowed in but him and her. The two of them shared small conversations about things that seemed inconsequential. What was life at the village like? How did she get along with her brothers? How were things growing up? And the more she shared about the Daybreaker Clan, the more Lord Jaias would share about House Ebonlynx
Despite Cixi feeling very awkward around her uncle, she could not see what her mother was so worried about. He was genuinely nice, even if it was wrapped in a chilled and stilted distance. However, every night, Cixi’s mother implored her to stop saying yes to Lord Jaias when he requested to see her. And even though Cixi could not see the justification in it, she could not ignore her mother’s fear forever.
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