CHAPTER 16 – Broccoli

“Oh, wait!” He said, “How about you start by demonstrating to me what you can actually do?”

He immediately started to take all the glasses,

“What are you doing?” Aurora asked, watching him.

“Giving you a chance to show me what you are capable of.” He said, putting all the glasses at the top of the big cabinet, high and far away from Aurora’s reach.

“You can’t do that,” She retorted, “I need to get milk.”

“Oh, right,” He said, went to the refrigerator, took out all the gallons of milk and placed them high above, with the glasses.

“There.” He said, dusting both hands together and folding his arms, “Your turn.”

Aurora stepped back in defeat.

‘This is not fair, I needed milk.’ She thought to herself.

“I don’t need to get the milk to prove anything to you,” She said, “As a matter of fact, I never needed the milk anyway.”

“Fine then, goodnight.” He said and turned to leave.

“You’re just going to let the glasses and milk stay there?” She asked with her brows lifted.

“Don’t worry about them, you are the only one who drinks milk in this house anyway,” He said, “The rest of us are good.”

He walked away for good, with a triumphant smile on his face.

“I was really looking forward to having these cookies with milk,” she sadly said. “Would have been heavenly.”

“What do I do now?” She whimpered in defeat.

Theodore went back to his room. He had heard her last sad statement and whimpering.

He lay on his bed with satisfaction, “That should show her not to mess with me.” He said to himself.

His wolf growled uncomfortably. He sighed, “I don’t know what’s going on. I should be able to communicate with my wolf by now.”

He stared at the ceiling, waiting for dawn, as he had plans with Ingrid later in the day.

The breakfast that followed at dawn was a quick one, with no one talking at the dining table, which was awkward.

Aurora, throughout the meal, looked at Theodore with a disdainful expression; he, on the other hand, ate without sparing anyone a glance.

She noticed that he had pushed the bowl of food that had broccoli aside. A new servant had made the mistake of serving him broccoli.

Aurora’s eyes furrowed in anger while she ate.

‘So he is just going to pretend like this early morning never happened?’ She rolled her eyes, ‘My cookie experience didn’t go as planned, all because of him.’ She thought to herself.

Brynn noticed her mood. “Is everything okay, child?” he asked, his head not lifted.

“Yes, father.” She answered,

Bianca rolled her eyes. Aurora, calling her husband ‘Father’, totally disgusts her.

“Son,” Bianca said almost immediately, “What time would Ingrid be coming to the house?” She asked without looking at anyone.

“10 am sharp.” Theodore didn’t lift his head.

“I would love to see her face again; it’s been a long time.”

“Soon, mum, you will.”

“Isn’t she perfect?” Bianca said, looking to her son, “She is from a reputable family, an epitome of beauty, just like her late mother, my dear friend Elise. And most importantly, she knows her family and where she belongs.”

Aurora, knowing what she meant, swallowed in nervousness, while her head fell in discomfort, not meeting anyone’s eyes.

“She doesn’t go around calling someone else, father,” Bianca looked at Aurora, “Unlike some people.” She rolled her eyes in disgust.

Aurora paused a bit and took a drink of water, and it was only then that Theodore spared her a disgusting glance.

Brynn continued eating like nothing was happening.

“I’m good now,” Theodore said. He cleaned his mouth with a small white napkin and dropped it on the table. “I have to get prepared in time for Ingrid’s arrival.”

He stood up and looked at his mother, “See you when I get back, mum.” He bowed and looked at his father, “Dad.” He bowed again and left.

“That’d be my cue to leave now,” Bianca said and cleaned her mouth. “This food suddenly tastes awful.” She sneered at Aurora, stood up, and left.

Aurora breathed a sigh of relief.

“Luke would be at home to keep an eye on you,” Brynn said, not looking at Aurora, “I won’t be around for a week.”

Aurora gulped,

“Don’t worry,” Brynn said, “You will be fine.”

Ingrid arrived at the mansion at exactly 10:00 a.m. She met Bianca on her way to Theodore’s room.

“Good morning, Madam Bianca.” She greeted as she lit up.

“I see someone is so eager to see my son. Good morning, dear child.” Bianca said, walking closer to Ingrid. “It’s been a while.”

“I’m so sorry, madam,” Ingrid said, bowing her head. “I have just been completely hooked by Theodore’s charms.” She grinned.

Bianca chuckled in satisfaction, “As you should. It’s only a matter of time before you two get joined; your mother, my friend, would be pleased in her grave when that happens.” Bianca smiled.

“I don’t doubt that a bit,” Ingrid said, and just then, she saw Aurora walking with Luke on the other side of the mansion.

“Mother?” She called, “Who is that human?”

“Oh, that,” Bianca said, looking in Aurora’s direction. “’ IT’ doesn’t matter because ‘IT’ is irrelevant. I’d rather not bore myself with things that aren’t worth discussing.”

“Are you sure?” Ingrid asked, “Because the other day…”

“The master is just out of place a bit for now,” Bianca said, “With time, he would come to his senses and take proper action. Let ‘IT’ enjoy its time while it lasts.”

Ingrid looked at Aurora with worry.

“In the meantime,” Bianca said, “Let’s not be distracted by things that don’t matter. I am sure my son would be waiting for you in his room by now.”

“You are right, let me go now,” Ingrid said, looking at Bianca. “It was a pleasure speaking with you, Madam Bianca.” She bowed and headed towards Theodore’s room.

Bianca beamed as she looked at Ingrid walking away.

As it stood now, it was only the presence of Ingrid and her son that gave her happiness; her husband’s was the direct opposite.

She looked at Aurora, who was now in the garden with Luke, and she sneered and tightened her fist in hidden anger.   

Aurora and Luke had walked past the garden and landed at the playing ground that Theodore and his sister had used when they were little.

She walked towards the double-seated swing and sat on one of the seats.

“Mr. Luke,” She called, “Do you have a family?”

“No, my lady.” He stood still like a computerized figure.

“Mr. Luke, can I ask you for a favour?” She asked, looking at him.

“Just say the word.”