It is evening now. I am in my room with Orion and have just returned from training. He went a bit easy on me today because I had missed last night's dinner and today's breakfast and lunch.
Thankfully after lunch Milli brought me some lemonade to regain my energy. Well the Duke only ordered me not to eat food, he didn't mention not taking drinks.
Though I am pretty hungry by now. But it's okay because back at the orphanage as Siri, I was starved sometimes. So I am able to control it.
Suddenly I hear a knock at the door, I get up and open it to only see Alex with a basket covered with cloth in his hands.
He slowly comes inside, closing the door behind.
"Alex, why are you here?" I ask him
"Shh, I know I am not supposed to be here right now, but I cannot see my little sister starving because of some dishonest fool." he says as he lifts up the cloth and I see the basket has a lot of bread, cakes and other food which I like.
I didn't know how to describe my emotions when I heard him. In the novel series Alex is the one who snitches on Eleanor when she was stealing food from the kitchen. But now, it is the same Alex who is bringing me food and showing his concern towards me.
"Brother, I have already drunk some lemonade Milli had brought me. That is enough for me. Besides, it is the Duke's order that I do not eat food and if he finds out.."
I think about dueling one of the knight's son. Even though he would be only a year older, he will still be talented because the knight himself had been training him since his childhood and since he has also attended the academy for a year. However I think that now I will be able to protect myself but I would have to make sure I don't blow up my cover.
"He will not find out, none of the servants will snitch on us because they are on your side and care about you. So quickly finish this up before he finds out that I finished my training early today." Alex says
I just nod as I start eating quickly. Oh this feels so good not being hungry anymore. But I can't stop myself because the food is so tasty! Alex just chuckles softly before he gives me a sad smile.
I just smile back to him brightly and finish up only half of what he brought as I am overfilled now.
"Thank you brother! The food was very tasty." I say as he pats my head? I am not a small kid anymore!
He somehow reads my expression as he starts teasing me.
Suddenly Orion comes in with a worried expression but before he could say anything the door opens. We quickly push the basket under my bed only to see Astria standing on the door with a plate of food in her hands as she enters.
What..
"I am sorry did I disturb you both? I will umh..leave.." she says but is stopped by Alex
"Why were you coming here anyways? To mock my sister with a plate of food?!" he exclaims
She is then pushed into my room and then the door behind her is closed.
"I....I thought she would be hungry due to father's punishment so I brought her food." she says as she gives me the plate
"Really?" Alex asks dumbfounded as she nods
"Thank you so much Astria!" I say as I accept the plate from her with a polite smile
She is the heroine of the novel, of course she is going to be kind hearted! She isn't evil!
"You can never be sure"- says Orion
"Why do you keep reading my mind?!" I ask Orion
"Well, I can't help it, your thoughts are too loud" he says as I try to control my temper
"But what if someone snitches on you because they saw you bringing the food?" Alex asks rudely
Astria just looks down and doesn't answer...she seems very sad as if she would burst into tears anytime
"Alex, Astria cares for me, she even brought me food! Can you please not be rude with her?" I ask Alex pleadingly as he sighs
Astria then smiles and starts to leave as I stop her.
"Brother, Sister, why don't we get to know each other and take a stroll in the garden! Astria is still not very familiar with the estate so it will be good for her too!" I say as I give Alex a pleading glance
He gives me a glare but his eyes show that he agrees, and Astria's beaming smile is enough to answer my question.
We take a good stroll in the garden, the weather is also pleasant. Alex now seems a bit comfortable around Astria, but whenever we talk I feel her giving me creepy stares.
It feels as if something is wrong about her...or maybe it is this body's previous hatred towards her which is giving me such chills.
..........
The Dinner
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The Seating Arrangement
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I sit at my new place and give Astria a reassuring glance that she can sit wherever she wants. Dinner is now served and everyone except me, starts eating.
Well my stomach is already full with the food that my siblings had brought for me, so I don't mind.
After the dinner is finished, and everyone is about to leave, the Duke suddenly stops all of us,
"I wish to discuss something about Eleanor's punishment. I just wanted to confirm if Eleanor had taken any food from the kitchen so I asked the head chef. I request her to be presented here right now." he says as the Head Chef, Ronella walks towards us
The Duke then asks her if something unusual happened in the kitchen or if I came and asked for food.
"Miss Eleanor did not ask for any food, your Grace" she says obediently, "But Miss Astria did come to the kitchen after eating her evening snacks asking for more, but as I have noticed these past days Miss's appetite is not very big, so it was very unusual for her"
Oh wait, how can I forget! Ronella was one of Rienne's close friends and one of the few who mourned a lot for her death as per the novel. So of course she is going to hate me because she might think that I was the cause for her friend's death, when the actual cause of her death is the Duke. Why do I have to pay for his sins!
"Moreover I also saw her exiting the kitchen and going to Miss Eleanor's room as I was leaving at that time for my break." she further clarifies
Astria starts sweating as her face pales. Alexander had a big appetite and heavy training so him asking for more food was normal, but I was definitely not for Astria!
The Duke then looks at her and asks, "Astria is what she says the truth? Did Eleanor ask you to bring food for her and threatened you to not tell anyone? You can always tell me if she forces you to do something, you do not need to comply to her demands"
Alexander glares at her as she starts speaking, "No-no Papa! Sister d-didn't force me to do anything. I was feeling guilty so I did take a p-plate of food for her but she refused! She refused because she didn't want to disobey you! So please do not blame her!" she says as she stutters
"I am disappointed in you Astria, you are too kind for your own good. And I know that you are lying as the Chef also reported you exiting the room without a plate in your hand, so stop it." the Duke says gently but in a strict voice
"As for Eleanor" he further continues as he looks at me with anger "she will face the consequences for disobeying my order tomorrow morning."
"I suggest you get a good sleep because you will need the energy to face the next punishment." he finishes as he exits the hall without giving anyone the chance to say anything else.