Cloaked Heart

.·:*¨༺ Three ༻¨*:·.

Staying away from the royal capital for a long time, Win couldn't help feeling like a country bumpkin when he finally returned. A lot of things have changed—new buildings were built and new establishments were placed on every corner, entertaining the general crowd and painting the whole city with colors that comes vividly alive.

He drew his gaze away from the activity outside to dwell upon the number of gifts presented to him on his departure from the academy. His luggage was in the compartment but still, there was a lot to carry if he was to consider the gifts. But most precious above all was the leather-bound copy of Don Quixote, handed to him by Gulf as they bade farewell to each other earlier. Win's eyes were filled with tears as he perused the gifts. He wouldn't exchange them for all the jewels belonging to all the royalties of the beau monde.

"We're almost there, sirs," the driver reminded.

"Sounds great," Tay responded and turned to the younger male sitting beside him. "How are you feeling?"

"Can I say dreadful?"

"Your feelings are valid. Hang in there," Tay chose to understand him rather than try to argue with him.

Hang in what? Win wanted to retaliate even more but whenever he was reminded of the teachings of the academy, he was obliged to act with decorum. If there was one thing he was most afraid of right now—it was the fact he may not be able to return if he continued to be bitter.

Soon, the service car came to a halt and Win realized that they had reached their destination at last. His uncle's house looked as splendid as he expected it to be. There was fresh white paint on the door and windows, and the brass knocker and lamps shone in the late afternoon sunshine. All at once his heart was heavy again. He had never entered his aunt and uncle's house without feeling sad, and today was no exception.

When they stepped out of the service car, the driver began unloading his luggage. Some of the attendants who came in front to wait for him also help with his belongings.

"I shall leave you here," said Tay.

Win was bewildered to hear this although he expected him to leave later anyway. Not this soon. "You aren't coming inside?"

"No need. There are things that needed to be done, fast. You'll see me again. Sooner, Win."

Although puzzled by this, Win waved his hand as the service car sped off with Tay in tow. He wondered what was the real deal with him. As far as Win was concerned, he was acting as both the lawyer of Bright and his family. Which makes his loyalty questionable.

Win walked inside the hall of the Buell's mansion with his head erect, and he was greeted by the house steward, Evander.

"Welcome back, Sir Montgomery," he said and Win felt that it was a genuine one despite the fact that he had plagued all the servants mercilessly in this household in the short time that he and his brother had stayed with them after his father's death.

"Thank you, Evander. I hope you're well yourself. And Mrs. Evander too."

"Yes, I thank you, sir."

"Are uncle and auntie at home?" Win was anxious to have his first meeting with them as soon as possible.

"I regret to inform you sir that Sir Emrys and Lady Luisa are dining out today, but I shall take the liberty of preparing you a breakfast in the dining room."

"That's great. I'm kind of famish, thank you. I will come down as soon as I have washed," he replied, not at all surprised that his aunt and uncle had forgotten to leave a message of welcome for him.

When he was shown into the bed chamber, all of Win's suspicions were confirmed, for he was to occupy the former room of his aunt's late cousin. Win recalled the poor, mousy creature very well. She was actually a distant and impoverished relation of Sir Emrys, and being grateful to be provided a roof she had been most willing to do anything for the members of the family. As a child, Win always thought that it was wrong for both his aunt and uncle to treat a relative that way. And now, they were doing the exact same thing to him.