Cloaked Heart

.·:*¨༺ Twenty-Seven ༻¨*:·.

Win had accepted that there was so much to learn about the marquis since they never had the chance to become acquainted during their younger years. In their early days, they could not stand to be with each other yet there were moments where Win almost felt that there could be something else there and more. When Bright took over the title from his father, his personality took a turn, exhibiting a decorum fit for the nobles of the beau monde and one that Win detested. Instead of comprehending that Bright was acting that way due to the pressure of the society he lived in, Win saw him as a condescending highborn and it only worsens with the ruination of his father.

To witness the marquis engaged in an intimate conversation with someone else other than his stepmother made Win realize that he disregarded a few things about his character that was rarely seen by anyone, let alone a stranger. The exchange between him and the Cyprian that Win had seen as he accidentally went to the courtyard to search for the man, caused him to turn around and walked away. He went back to the gaming tables where Sir Gulf announced his lucky streak, winning three consecutive games in a row. Unfortunately, Win could not find it in his heart to celebrate his friend's success and his chest felt a slight jarring as the scene was still fresh in his mind.

"You seemed miffed, is something amiss?" Gun, as usual, was the first one to inquire.

"I'm worn out," Win immediately answered, not wanting his friend to push him over the edge. "I'd be fine in a few."

"Well, the card games must have truly left a dent in your memory. You could not seem to enjoy it without being surly."

In all honesty, Win did not notice that he was surly and he apologized copiously to both of them, even to the Duke of Vanderveer if they thought that he was out of it because of its connection to his father. After a few moments, the Marquis of Vanderveer had returned to their designated corner and Win glanced at him cautiously. Although he trust Bright with all his heart, he still could not help feeling acrimonious knowing that the Cyprian knew more about the marquis than him. Of course, the indifference did not miss Bright's attention, however, he elected not to say anything yet.

─┉┈◈◉◈┈┉─

It was not until their sojourn back to the Vanderveer House did the marquis began the conversation that Win truly did wish he hadn't for he was not in the mood for his teasing.

"How was your cozy with your aunt?"

"Poorly received."

The marquis was surprised but could not help but cackle. "Odd that you would say that. You always find it in your heart to defend her actions in spite of her not deserving of it."

"It was not always her fault, my father did bring so much distress to her, not to mention that she was obliged to take me and my brother under her roof."

At this point, the marquis looked at him solemnly. "Pardon me for saying, however, I do not hold such high regard for your relatives since that day I saw you out in the rain."

The memory of it causes Win's cheeks to color as he diverted his attention outside of the window of the vehicle. "Then, why do you ask?"

"I am curious of your sour mood and wish to hear an enlightenment of it."

"I am not entirely certain what you are trying to infer, my lord."

"You are not entirely forthcoming either, are you?"

Win snapped back and looked at the marquis, "Are we fighting?"

"Not at all, my love," Bright answered finding the whole conversation amusing. This was one of the things that made him adore Win, his fearlessness that knows no bounds and that he always has an answer to every provocation makes it all the more exciting. "I am simply pointing out that I have seen you peeking at me and Mrs. Rowley and suspecting that it must be the reason for the shift in your disposition."