«What do you mean she is not home?! Where the hell could have she gone?» An unknown voice said loudly. Aileen had no idea who would talk that loud in her house, but she was sure it wasn't any maid or knight. The voice came from the lobby designated for guests, which was never used for its right meaning but more like one of the play areas when she was little. As she was walking slowly towards the room, the sounds became more and more clear.
«We're sure Miss is coming back home before lunch.» That was the only thing that Lina (Aly recognized her voice) said between the melodramatic performance of the stranger. She opened the door with one fast movement.
«Who dares to talk like this to my maids, in my own home?» It wasn't that hard for her to seem cold and indifferent since it was her normal expression. Her voice was firm, and her attitude made her seem like true nobilty. If it wasn't for her dress and the condition of her shoes, someone could have thought she was from the royal family.
The orange-haired guy who was screaming just a moment before, now looked at the girl in complete silence. Everyone was silent, actually.
«It isn't your home, but Grand Duke Denekat's. But since things have now changed, it'll probably become your in a few years.»
Aileen was about to insult him in a very not lady-manner, but then she reflected on the second part of what he said. With that, he made it clear enough that is role here was to deliver her a message because, what the hell was that? The house was about to become hers? Illegitimate children weren't supposed to have anything left in their names, even she knew that much.
«What do you mean?» She asked, looking at the boy, who was younger than what she first thought, in the eyes.
«Aileen Daisy Denekat, daughter of Gran Duke Denekat, you are now the one and only future heir of house Denekat.» It was like the world shattered on her shoulders. The weight of that words made her time pass slower for a few moments. It was like time stopped. One of the things that attired her attention was the 'one and only future heir' part. What happened to the others that made so necessary to make her step up from her spot in the dark? It wasn't the only thing she was thinking about.
Lina was looking at the other way, like she knew something like that would have happen. And she, in fact, knew that. Everyone except her knew it. That was the reason behind their weird behaviour from that morning. And no one cared to tell her anything. The young, orange-haired boy stood up, looking at her in his suit and tie. The kind of look that makes you want to throw a punch right in his face.
Time started to pass normally once again. Now they were waiting for her reaction.
Funny, she thought, I thought they forgot about me. But she didn't really have the courage to say that aloud. Knowing something was a thing, but saying it with your own voice only made that more true. And she didn't want that ending. Living a meaningless life meant not living at all. Surviving just because dying would cause little trouble. And right now she was offered the chance to change how things were. She could escape. But was that option really worth it? Leaving to go to the people who abandoned her seemed a lot of no respect for herself. Becoming an heir was an ass-tiring role. Would that really make her free, or just be taken to a cage made of gold thorns?
Then, it hit her. They weren't asking for her opinion. They couldn't care less about what she wanted. What they were waiting for was a reaction to judge her persona. It was a test. And now she had only more questions she didn't know the answer. The more logic thing to do was to act like a dignified person and accept what she was told. It would have made her seem like someone docile and humble. Someone good enough. Oh, hell she was going to give them what they wanted.
«Not only you came here without prior notice, scream at my maid, underestimate and humiliate me, but now you even talk like you can give me a title?» Aileen said.
«If the Grand Duke wants an heir that bad, tell him to come in person.» If there was silent before, now the silence almost made you able to hear glances.
«If he sent such an unqualified person for this important matter, it must mean nothing to him.»« Now, I'd really should escort you to the door, but you don't deserve this kind of treatment. You know where the exit is.» Dhe added coldly. The young boy was as red as a tomato. You could see the wrinkles forming on his forehead. The scenery was pretty satisfying. And it became even more rewarding after seeing how the carrot ran away from embarrassment.
She may have lost the opportunity of her life, but it was all worth it. Even if they wanted to kick her out, better for Aileen. There was a full world to discover out there: she haven't been able to travel, but once she came of age she wanted to disappear without traces. They won't be able to catch her once that happens.
Lina, and all the other staff who was eavesdropping behind the door, had no words. Aileen refused to talk to any of them and just went back to her room, where she started writing what happened on her diary, word for word. It answered with just one sentence: "You did well."