บท 3: The Younger’s duty
Liandra had no choice at the time but to agree to Estelle's terms. Liandra couldn't risk letting Julian find out about her crush on him. This wasn't about political implications but about face. Estelle knew very well that Liandra cared a lot about her face. If Julian found out about Liandra's infatuation with him and decided to reject her, then Liandra would not be able to live it down. She was hoping to use her father to secure an engagement with him through Julian's parents. If his parents agreed, then Julian wouldn't be able to reject it.
"I agree to your terms. Now please let go of me…" Liandra avoided making any eye contact with Estelle as she was now frightened of what her new sister was capable of. In her eyes, Estelle was crazy and manipulative. However, this only made her think about herself too. Wouldn't she be the same as Estelle? Using her father to force a situation onto someone else?
Liandra shrugged off this thought, trying to keep her resolve to find love with Julian.
"Little sister, of course… but make sure you remember our little agreement. I call and you answer. The will be not 'buts', okay?" Estelle slowly rose to her feet and back away from Liandra. She had accomplished what she wanted, gaining the upper hand. If all went well, she could avoid the fallout of the original plot.
Liandra promptly stood up, adjusting her clothes and straightening anything out of place. "I promise… elder sister." She nodded nervously.
With that being their first meeting, the sister could have been considered to have a less than optimal relationship. One side vied for power and was crush whereas the other had complete control of the situation from the beginning. The inequalities were apparent but who would believe that the adopted child was bullying the true heiress?
While the meeting was rather short, the impact would be felt for years to come. The sisters now had a sort of hierarchy between them, something that would only be exhibited in private for the time being.
As time passed by, the day began to shift to night. Dinner was called but both parents were not present. Estelle and Liandra were left to dine together under the constant watch of their dutiful servants. Liandra made sure to eat quickly and avoid making interactions with Estelle, whereas Estelle simply ate her food without too much care. No one spoke a word before dinner ended.
With the food consumed, Estelle requested to be quizzed to her new room. "Little sister, I haven't been to my room yet… would you be so kind as to help me with the directions?"
Liandra's left eye twitched, she did not expect Estelle to already start using her authority. "Elder sister, why not let the servants help you-"
Estelle calmly interrupted, waving her palm. "I would prefer my sister to guide me since I know you better than the servants."
A power play… Liandra could see it now. This wasn't about using her authority, it was about showing that she could make her little sister do what she told her. Estelle had obviously been to the room already but she had asked Liandra to perform such a trivial task that could even be done by a servant. She could only frown and hope she was not embarrassed enough that the servants would talk behind her back.
"I guess I could guide you back to your room." Liandra stood up and began walking to the door.
Estelle followed suit, strutting at a even pace until she stood beside Liandra. "Aren't you going to open the door?" Estelle questioned, glancing at the door handle innocently.
Liandra rolled her eyes and opened the door to let Estelle pass through, walking after her.
"Follow me, your room is down the hall, next to mine." Liandra unenthusiastically instructed, walking away in the direction she pointed.
Estelle walked side by side with Liandra, purposely making sure she did not fall behind the latter. Again she made it apparent that she was not below the true heiress.
As they finally arrived at Estelle's room, their steps grinder to a halt. There were no servants roaming the hallways at this time of the night and there were no bright contrasting lights shining through the halls. It was dim and isolating, a cold and empty place.
"Little sister, I feel as though this cold and lonely place is too scary for you… perhaps you would prefer for me to sleepover and keep the nightmares away?" Estelle nudged Liandra's arm, signalling for Liandra to obey.
"Elder sister, I am fine on my own. But if you insist, You can take the left side of my bed."
Estelle grinned with a false warmth. "My dear younger sister, I would be glad to watch over you tonight."
The two entered Liandra's room and changed into their sleepwear. The light dimmed to near pitch black as the two laid in bed. Estelle grinned, feeling so accomplished. Perhaps with this sort of relationship, the deeds of the villainess will never take place.
Liandra strangely found herself sleeping easily, as if she was safe. The night slowly passed by for the both of them. There were no nightmares this time. Liandra finally had a night where she could sleep uninterrupted. There was no cold sweat, no worries. She found herself at peace despite the turbulent situation she had been resigned to.
It made no sense.
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