Another breakfast

Despite getting very little sleep last night, there’d been lots going on after all, Vel felt great. It was just him and the women in the family at breakfast again, at this point all but one of them had positive dispositions towards him, what a pleasant change that made. Two of them were carrying his children too, which excited him beyond words. His mother was doing her usual routine of asking people about their plans. “So, Chielynn, what do you have planned for the day?” His sister was less afraid, though she hadn’t quite kicked the constant fear yet, it was still nice to see. “Oh, I received some illustrations from the tailor in town, you know I always need new dresses.” Lady Rienne looked a bit exasperated as she nodded. “Oh, and Adi, Mother mentioned you were looking into acquiring a few new dresses. I would love it if you joined me, and we could look for something together.” Vel was surprised. Adi wore dresses sure, but she wasn’t exactly one to get excited about them. His twin blushed. “Oh, yeah. Thanks, Lynn, I would like that.” The sisters smiled at each other a bit awkwardly. Was this part of some effort on Lynn’s part to get on better terms with Adi again? Maybe as part of her efforts to please him? He would find out soon enough, Adi would tell him how it went. Ella sounded a bit bitter. “It sure sounds like fun. More fun than being stuck with tutors all day.” Vel smiled. Was breakfast really breakfast without Ella complaining about tutors?

“Oh, Viella. That reminds me, Tutor Vaccam is indisposed today.” Ella perked up. “Does that mean no imperial history lesson?” Their mother smiled and shook her head. “Now, now, young lady, that is not something you should look so happy about.” She wagged a finger at Ella, but her amused smile kind of undermined the effect. “But no, no it does not. Your lessons are important. I was going to ask Velas if he would mind filling in for Vaccam. He always excelled in that subject.” Vel didn’t mind the idea. He really did love history, and tutoring Ella could be fun. “Of course, I would love to.” His mother seemed to appreciate that. “Thank you, Baby, that’s nice of you.” Everyone at the table froze, and Lady Rienne briefly looked horrified. Adi was stifling a laugh. Dina looked legitimately disgusted. Vel decided it was best to ignore his mother calling him baby and act like nothing. “Oh, think nothing of it, Mother. I really do love history, and one of the very few things I love even more is my little Ella.” Ella beamed at him; she clearly didn’t mind the idea of tutoring if it involved her brother.

His mother ran with the pretending nothing happened strategy. It mostly seemed to work as their conversation returned to normal. That was until his mother dropped a bombshell. “Oh, before I forget, a new delivery of suitor papers arrived. Amordina and Chielynn, I want you both to look through them. It is probably time for you to take a look at them too, Adeline, you are old enou-“ She was cut of by both twins protesting in perfect unison. “NO!” Their mother looked taken aback, then angry. “Now you listen here, I am the lady of this estate and your mother, it is my decision-“ Something stirred within Vel, something powerful. He wasn’t going to let any of his sisters be married off, but the mere suggestion of Adeline even looking at potential suitors was anathema to him. More than anyone else, she was HIS. Lighting crackled between his fingers. Luckily it was under the table and none except Adi could see it. “I SAID NO!” He pretty much roared it, which stunned his mother into silence. Even Dina looked stunned. He drew upon his powers and used command, trying to make it affect everyone at the table. “This subject will be dropped, no more talk of Adeline and suitors, I will brook no argument.” It took a lot out of him, trying to command so many at once, but it worked. His mother acquiesced. “Okay dear. If you feel that strongly about it, I will drop it for now, but it cannot be avoided forever. And your father will not like this.” Vel scoffed. “When has he ever liked anything to do with me?” Lady Rienne looked like she might be about to protest, but though better of it and lapsed into silence.

Dina’s expression had turned inscrutable. Vel was pretty drained, but feeling barely even drew on his reserves these days. He looked at her membrane, and her emotions were not what he had expected. Her usual hate and distaste for him were there, but there was also a large dose of surprise, and a small measure of respect. It seemed his forceful outburst had resonated with her, which he supposed made some sense, she respected strength above everything else. She still hated him, and this would make no difference in the long run, but it was useful information for sure.