All of a sudden, they were nice to Evan, including his 'caretakers'. He started beating himself up for praying for their downfall.
This is the second day after they started being nice. At the first, they gave him various gifts and showered him with ' love' , which Evan lapped up. He prayed to the gods thanking them for changing his family's attitude towards him.
' The Golden One ' came herself to see him. She had the same captivating crimson hair that cascaded to her waist, glowing golden eyes , a small round nose, high cheek bones and a bright warm smile that would brighten anyone's day.
She took time to spend with her little brother, though Clara remained distant, she would give him pitying glances whenever they met. Evan didn't understand her but thought it was just a phase.
' The Golden One ' also called Arisa , took him to a park, but only at night. This made Evan feel seen.
They would often talk hours on end about various topics. When they got to the topic of his family, she would often console him and promise to talk to the family.
She had a honey voice that made his step- mothers' , pale in comparison. "So, Evan , how do you feel."
"Honestly, happy. Everything is better and at least we are playing my games, not anyone else's."
" Hmm, good. How do you feel about the upcoming tests? Though father says your affinity is of no use, at least you will be able Clara,I and some of our siblings." she said in her cheerful voice.
"Yeah, I feel good I will be of some use. I'm actually not mad at them, they had trouble and needed some help to relieve their stress, I'm happy I could be of use."
' So naïve," Arisa snickered inwardly though she faked a loving expression.
They moved back towards the Duke's castle talking casually. Arisa kept encouraging him for the day he would help them. Little Evan, ever so blunt, simply smiled and promised to be brave.
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On the third day , Casta and Elena took him to a guest room as his new room. They played together till noon, where they then went to bake, or try to help the castle bakers.
They set up a trap where flour would rain on anyone walking into the kitchen. Fortunately or unfortunately, the head maid walked in and was showered in white powder.
She glared at the kids as well hey scramed and ran past her. Honestly she couldn't be mad at their childish antics , so she just let it go.
They headed towards Evan's new room and played before the girls left him. Though it was just a few hours past dusk, Evan fell asleep, with a smile dancing on his lips.
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On the 4th day...
Darius walker through the halls, right before dawn, with a half- meter cat , clear night sky fur decorated it's body heading towards Evan's room.
Darius entered quietly but Evan stirred and woke up," Good morning brother Darius."
The moment he saw the creature, he shot out of bed and jumped towards it," Brother! Brother! What is it?"
Darius chuckled seeing his reaction, he handed Evan the leash," This is Night. Night, this is Evan. Sure the name is cliché but, it just felt..."
"It felt right. I feel the same too." Evan finished with wisdom way beyond his age.
He introduced them both before walking out. He closed the door behind him remaining his composure,but then , his plans came to mind and he broke down.
Not in tears, at least not of sadness, but he was laughing maniacally, he had to hold his ribs , tears streaming down his eyes.
A maid was passing down the hall and heard him. She was curious but what she saw made her confused.
She rushed to his side and helped him calm down and asked the matter but he just waved his hand dismissively and left.
She followed, determined to know what was going on.
Evan led Night out of his room , and together they explored the castle, Evan staying in the shadows, though he could feel his skin simmer.
He was stubborn and made sure to enjoy his day with Night, despite the pain.
Late evening, as they were heading back, they met with Darius. He took Night and shooed Evan off to sleep.
Darius shouted after Evan,"Father's coming tomorrow Evan!"
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5th day...
Evan woke at the crack of dawn, and found Night sleeping cozyly on his bed next to him, like a quiet sentinel.
Evan moved towards the Japanese style bath, cleaned himself and jumped into the tub.
The water was hot, but not scalding. It threatened to take his consciousness more than once.
Only when he made his way to the wardrobe, did he notice that the sun had rose high.
He dressed in a simple black suit and a white shirt underneath. At the moment he sat on his bed did someone knock on his door.
*Knock* *Knock*
"Come in," he called out.
His father, Duke Arnold Augustine, closed the door on his way in. He stood before his son and got on one knee, his body , visibly trembling.
He spoke in a hoarse ,deep voice," Son,Evan. Forgive me, for all I have done. I watched you suffer and did nothing about it...
His voice cracked as he continued," I should have never blamed you for my wife's passing. I've failed you as the Duke and... as a father. Forgive this miserable excuse..."
Evan leapt off the bed and held his father's head in his arms. Whether it was genuine or not, he was touched.
If it was genuine,he earned respect from his 'trash' son but if it was an act, the dude deserved an Oscar.
His acting was that flawless. After he regained his bearing, hand his son has a heart- to- heart.
It lasted for well past dusk, but it deepened their relationship nonetheless. He left Evan tucked in bed , already sleeping.
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6th day...
He woke up , feeling relieved and refreshed. His ears caught to the feminine murmurings at the door.
He turned his head and what he saw, made his breath catch. His 3 step-moms were huddled together.
They all wore french maid outfits that did anything but define their figures more.
He stared as only one word came to mind,'Damn,' their hourglass figures combined with their pretty faces and too much mass, made Evan's mouth water
He cursed his body for being too young. The blue head noticed him and rushed quickly, others following.
Like a well reversed chorus, their voices blended into a sweet , harmonic one," Young master, good morning. We have prepared the bath for you..."
His mind refused to respond and fazed out, leaving him staring. The green head chuckled and his mind came back.
He got off the bed getting rid off the nasty thoughts and greeted them back. Before he realised, he was in the bathroom. Naked. Cleaned by the moms.
He didn't think much of it and it ended just as quickly. He was brought to the vast library where the took turns either teaching him about the family, the world or a story.
Like that the 6th day ended, though not quite...