Page 20

“Yes, Brother,” I responded, my teeth nipping at a smile from slipping.

A hand met my back, and his pat was not forcible but rather light. “You’ve outdone yourself. It’ll rule in your favor when the time to enact the scheme arrives. Think of it as a reward that’ll bring you peace of mind if everything goes smoothly— that’s if you keep it between us and our brothers don’t discover our play.”

“Of course, Brother,” I said, my stomach loosening as I took in his malicious grin. “I will do just that.”

* * *

Another day signified another routine to uphold, this one only emerging in front of guests—in specific, the Ambrogio sisters.

After the habitual inspection of my ensemble, I retired from my chamber and onto the main stairs, where my younger brothers began taking their accustomed positions along the last step. I upheld my spot beside Jacque, then Noah and Christopher followed.

Christopher stood beside the right handrail, bearing an entirely white suit that complimented his pure-blonde hair. It was waist-length and pulled back into a French braid that opposed Noah’s appearance. Noah’s shoulders straightened as he matched Christopher’s stance, his oversized azure dress shirt and skirt harmonious with his raven-black waves. While Noah’s hair curled in all directions, Christopher’s had no strands misplaced along his head.

Both of them side by side contrasted in the same manner darkness opposed light, the difference in their tastes and personalities overwhelming.

Raphael stood on the left, one hand slicking back his jet-black curls while the other wiped down his ebony jumpsuit. Jacob and Jacque were in between Raphael and I, sporting an indigo jumpsuit with their dirty blonde hair pulled behind their ears.

Kaleb strolled to my right, occupying the space between Noah and I, bearing a casual burgundy outfit, his walnut brown hair styled into waves. Yet, just like him, my outfit was standard, a bare white dress shirt paired with gray formal trousers and my hair fixed with minimal effort.

When we settled into our spots, silence was our only companion. Moments like these revealed our stubbornness: many not caring for a word, few remaining too timid. If we didn’t discuss revenge, we had arguments. If we didn’t have either, then our conversations remained inanimate.

Beyond the closed towering double doors, tires graveled against the driveway and halted, the entrance widening to reveal our guests.

The Ambrogios continued to be the largest Regal Family to live, their power and name extending from all corners of the earth. Although recognized for their influence throughout history, they’re acclaimed for keeping relations with all who have the slightest blood connection to them.

And while they were known as the largest name, the Sephtis name was noted as the smallest. We were the only heirs, a single family bearing the weight of continuing our lineage.

That’s why That Man perfectly paired the seven sisters with the Premier’s seven sons, each of us corresponding in age. It not only cemented our lineage but bound him to more power since their father was next in line after the Sephtis name finished serving their terms.

Their presence evolved along the surge of air that devoured us, the polarity in the sister’s extreme.

The Ambrogio sisters’ presences varied due to personalities and the fact that they didn’t all share the same mother. But their beauty was inimitable, all of them bearing what specifically branded their lineage: ice-blond hair that complimented their variation of distinctive eye colors and features.

For today, only four sisters were present.

Anabella was the eldest from the first wife, and her sister, Bethany, followed. They both resembled their mother’s wide and full face, but as Anabella possessed her mother’s deep-set, obsidian eyes, Bethany displayed the hooded, crystal blue eyes that dominated their father’s lineage.

From the second wife was the third oldest, Catalina, followed by her sister and the fourth oldest, Davina. While Catalina upheld their father’s semblance with round features and eyes that matched Bethany’s, Davina was a replica of her mother, who bore angular yet harmonious features and soulless silver eyes.

Their appeal rounded their presence like a magnet to attract their surroundings, yet it didn’t disguise the truth: they were all wolves in sheep’s clothing.

On cue, we bowed, and Christopher broke the silence. “Shall we take a seat?”

ChapterSeven

KATERINA ELI

The medication hit right when I finished my rounds inside the first gate. If I had nausea medication, it wouldn’t be so bad. But the tension in my stomach, mixed with the echoing ache in my muscles, wasn’t particularly fun.

Granted, I wasn’t used to jogging miles on end for days. But still. My body should not be hurting this much. If Lorenzo were here, he’d be lecturing me like there was no tomorrow.

I instinctively turned toward the underground passageway. Mr. Amelle stopped me halfway through my walk.

“Follow me,” he commanded. Mr. Amelle quickly walked in the opposite direction, which led to the second gate.

“Today, the Sephtis have Regal guests visiting, and generally, private guardians are responsible for mandating such events.” He guided me through the driveway, where a limousine awaited by the entrance. “But since it was short notice, I had no time to review the protocol regarding meetings with you.You have the choice of having me join you on the post or not.”

“I can do it,” I said, my tone a little too eager. “I mean unless there’s a specific procedure I need to follow?”