Chapter 40:
Luan
"Can a brother not desire to spend time with his sister?"
I ask politely, flashing my signature smile,the one that usually disarms everyone.
She stares back at me. Her face is a mask of indifference. Her gray eyes, cold and assessing, bore into me as if I were nothing more than a bothersome insect.
The intensity of her gaze cracks my composure.
For a moment, I'm back on Earth. Back to the days when I was seen as nothing more than a fat, ugly man.
I take a deep breath.
I am Prince Luan now.
"Well, Brother, we don't have all day."
Lucina's voice cuts through my thoughts.
"Why did you request this meeting?"
I struggle to find the words.
How do I ask what's truly on my mind? How do I bring up the unsettling feeling that she's not acting like the Lucina I remember from the novel?
"Hey, what's wrong with you? You're not acting like the original character at all."
I can't say that.
I stay silent, grappling with how to broach the subject.
"It has just occurred to me that we haven't really had much conversation since you came back from your pilgrimage a month ago."
Safe waters. Neutral ground.
"Hmmmnnn…"
She shuts down any further discussion.
I take another sip of tea.
The awkward silence weighs between us.
"How are your companions?"
I grasp for anything that might open her up.
A flicker of emotion crosses her face. Her eyes soften with affection,a stark contrast to her usual indifference.
Then the mask falls back into place.
"They are well." Her tone is measured. "They keep me busy."
Finally. A light at the end of the tunnel.
I latch onto this topic with renewed hope.
"Busy, huh?" I keep my voice light. Joking. "It's interesting that you have them. It's the first time I've seen—"
I trail off.
Her expression shifts to anger and distance.
"I don't know what you're trying to imply, dear brother."
Her voice is sharp. Her eyes narrow.
"But you of all people must know—the heart is capable of holding more than one person in it."
I choke on my tea.
"Yeah, but—"
"Don't finish that sentence if you wish for us to be amicable siblings."
Her tone is icy. Firm.
I swallow my words.
The conversation steers back into awkward small talk. Every attempt at bridging the gap falls short.
"Listen. I don't know what the purpose of this tea is." Lucina sets down her cup. "But I believe I've spent enough time here."
Impatience drips from her tone.
A pang of disappointment hits me. But I nod in acknowledgment.
"Of course, Lucina. Thank you for joining me."
I keep my voice polite. Inside, frustration simmers.
"I will take my leave."
She rises from her seat with a slight bow of formality.
I watch silently as she exits the serene garden. Her graceful figure disappears among the blooming flowers and neatly trimmed hedges.
Unease settles over me.
Her distant demeanor. Her guarded responses. They leave me with more questions than answers.
I sigh softly and lean back in my chair, contemplating the unresolved tension between us.
I'm not comfortable with this situation.
I ruminate over my next move. Lucina's sudden coldness has caught me off guard. It weighs heavily on my mind.
If I want to mend our relationship, I have to find a way to break through her defenses.
I draw on my twin sister Stella's knack for stirring things up.
An idea begins to form.
Stella possesses a natural charm. A talent for navigating the complex emotions of noble ladies.
I will have to get Stella involved.
I tap my fingers thoughtfully on the table.
I can step in afterward. Perhaps even play the hero in Lucina's eyes.
***
Lucina
Frustration burns through me like wildfire as I storm back to my palace.
Each step echoes my anger.
The meeting with the Prince was an utter waste of time.
The corset I wear—a symbol of courtly refinement—feels like a vise around my ribs. Restricting each breath.
I curse inwardly at the discomfort. Blame the Prince once again for imposing such constraints on me.
Each step brings me closer to the sanctuary of my chambers.
Where I can shed the stifling garments.
Where I can breathe.