The Flower of Separation

It became clear to her that if she didn't make a fuss then Ramon would not let her go. Even on the way in he insisted that he would accompany her for longer, but she brushed him off. Now is not the time to attract too much attention. If she walks in with Ramon people would surely talk so she parted ways with him before they went inside the ballroom.

The moment she went inside her father approached her and so did Eric.

"Oh my you look exceptionally lovely today. Perhaps you are putting in more effort for a certain someone?"

Those words did not go unnoticed by the other nobles attending. Or rather ever since she came inside the room people have casually looked her way.

'This guy he is trying to reconfirm those rumours about me and Lucas.'

Lillian chuckled. "You jest brother, I put in this much effort because I knew you would attend today."

"I see, my sister has learned to flatter people. I must admit that is a great skill to have."

"Ah now you are just teasing me brother."

"You two have always gotten along. This is good having children who do not fight." Her father commented.

Lillian knew what the others were thinking. In the eyes of other people they must think that too. 'What a harmonious family.' Those who didn't believe in the rumours regarding her brother and father may think she is the luckiest girl in the world. A handsome and talented brother, and a father who dotes on her.

'But it is easy to act out a role when there is already a script.'

Yes this is a typical scene to read in a novel. The protagonist no the villain, supposedly has everything the protagonist should have. A good family, a good career and somebody she loves. But that is not the truth.

She does not have any of those things outside this role. The moment this party ends it will be the same as usual. Her tyrant like father and brother emotionally manipulating her into doing whatever they want.

A life of a caged doll, she has everything. A roof over her head, and riches that will last a life time. She even has these eyes, the power of a ruler. 'I could have been the Empress, I could have ruled the nation. But I didn't want any of that.'

The first time her father punished her seriously was when she refused the Empress position.

He tossed her into a pit of wolves for four days and didn't check on her once. If anybody gave her food it would only alert the wolves so she had to refuse it. All she could do was stand silently in the corner hoping the wolves wouldn't go to her. If she does not make a move they will not attack her.

But one day one of the guards watching over the pit dropped a piece of meat into the pit and it landed directly in front of her hiding spot. The wolves who had not paid attention to her all surrounded her for that piece of meat. It seemed the grease got onto her so even when she tossed the meat to them they chased her.

'It was my first time killing a wolf, but after I did it once. I could do it again.'

A week after leaving her in that place her father checked up on her and found her surrounded by dead wolves, and her eating their insides. She had refused to eat the normal food gave her but ate pieces of the wolves.

Her thoughts broke off when she felt Eric caress her hair.

"It seems you are quite absent minded today. Are you unwell?"

'The servants must have told him already.' Lillian brushed his concern off with laughter.

"Are you speaking of yourself brother? You are the one who has been working too hard."

Those nearby will not find this conversation strange.

All they will see is a sister expressing concern for her brother. But the reality? 'He should have died on those missions. If this guy got killed in battle, it would make her plans a lot smoother.'

Before he could respond anymore they are interrupted by the sound of music. Eric extended his hand out.

"May I?"

Lillian scanned the room for Lucas or even Ramon but she could find neither. What on earth are those two doing? Still she knew she couldn't avoid dancing with Eric so she took her his hand and joined the waltz.

She kept scanning the room for the two but couldn't find them. The strange thing was Natalia wasn't anywhere to be found either.

This is weird, she was the one who was so hyped up about the party. Isn't it strange that she isn't here?

"It seems your partner isn't around. Did you scare him away?"

"If only."

Lucas has not attempted to run away since that time.

'I still find it odd how well behaved he is being. A magician of his standing doesn't have to remain shackled like this.'

"Still, you two appear close to be giving each other gifts. That is quite the pendant." Eric's gaze remained on his neck. "Did he use the money from yesterday to give you a present? How sweet."

Lillian could only stare at him dumbfounded. This guy's stalking skills are getting better. The necklace she wore with this dress was something Lucas gave her with the prize money from the hunt.

'If I have to accept this thing, I might as well make it useful.' When did he get such good tastes? The necklace he gave her matched with her outfit.

"It looks good on you, he seems to know what suits you." Eric's smile only made her shudder.

This man is a psycho, why does he have to be so attentive when it comes to her? Even if he isn't her real sibling, they were raised as siblings. Why is he always so creepy towards her?

"Bridget seems to be quite upset that you hurt Rosa the other day."

"Sister Bridget has never liked any of my methods."

"Indeed. I am not as fond of her as I am with you."

She wants to throw up so bad. Why does he have to say such cheesy sounding words? Isn't his acting over the top today?

"It seems you made the right call with Rosa. Father lost his temper with her and locked her up. You won't be seeing her around today." Eric trailed off. "But my dear sister, you should also control yourself a little. We don't want people thinking that our family is on bad terms with each other."

Lillian sensed the sarcasm and the warning behind his tone, before she could say anything else the song quickly ended.

Eric leaned down and hugged her tightly. "It is fine to have your fun, but do not over do things."

'Is that warning?'

*Unedited*