The things that hold my attention are rare.
I wouldn't consider myself a person who gets bored easily. It's just that the world insists on offering me the same dull spectacle, over and over again. Like the tedious lives of the crowd around me whose only aim is getting home after a long days work. The bright designer stores across the street displaying clothes I've worn a thousand times. Or even the lady in red beside me with her grating laughter who thinks I'm intrigued by whatever she's spouting just because I'm paying for her time. The days feel monotonous and uneventful, like running through a hamster wheel.
But it's like the world finally took notice of my patience and good behavior. Because the moment I saw her beautiful face bloom across a television screen mounted above a storefront with the news channel murmuring some distant narration, I stopped walking. Every sound and sight faded, and my eyes took her in. It wasn't that I hadn't seen her before. It was simply that this version of her in court, with red puffy blue eyes, trembling shoulders, and hair she used to be proud of, chopped short, takes me back to what I thought of in the past. That she is the prettiest girl I'll ever see.
"Little canary..." The name slips from my lips before I realize I've spoken at all.
"Arthur?"
The lady in red, whose name I don't bother to recall, had stopped a few feet ahead when she noticed I wasn't with her.
My eyes stay glued to Clara's quivering lips before going lower. There was no ugly gem at her chest now, which I had suspected was a new trend. "Leave" I answer absently, tossing out a handful of cash. "We're done here."
Since the money was more than what I owed the lady, and what she was worth, she swallowed her pride and kneeled down to collect her cash. There were hints of disappointment along with anger on her face, as if she was really looking forward to being under me. A smirk tugs at my lips. Perhaps if she was blonde with enchanting blue eyes, brimming with fear and hate, I might have reconsidered.
I recall that day when Clara and I bumped into each other. Another one of life's surprises that would have been entertaining if not for her lack of melancholy. She seemed confident, determined, and positive. I was also surprised by the fact she still wore that necklace I had gifted her in the past more than anything else. The encounter felt like picking up a familiar eye-catching book from a shelf, scanning it, then putting it back and moving on. Of course she must have changed over the years. Of course her story had to end with her escaping her family. She's like a princess whose happily ever after was her birthright.
But that was the problem. Clara is the best version of herself when she's drowning in despair. Everyone is. So when seeing my little canary cry out as she spoke, I could feel the urge rising in my heart. To keep her. Especially when my eyes fall on the necklace again. I almost laugh. She's still wearing it. Like it's precious. How did she actually feel that day at the swings that she'd keep it near her? Did she not hate me desperately? I suspected she'd thrown away that tacky thing the moment I got her in trouble.
"Do you want her brought to you?" Kyle steps beside me, following my gaze. I wonder if he remembers her too as the girl I was flirting with that day outside the café. Although, he seemed to be in a rush, so he probably doesn't. Unlike me, he takes things very seriously. It's the reason why my father assigned him the Contractor's Quill instead of me even though he's not his son. I could easily kill him to get it, but I agree with my father on this choice too. Kyle is a loyal man and so far, his usefulness has prevented me from hurting him. Yet father still thinks me the family disappointment. Until now, that is...
"Forget it. There are more important things brewing at the moment." I answer, moving on and walking ahead. It's probably best to forget about her. For her sake, I do hope our paths don't cross again. As much as I adore breaking pretty dolls, this isn't the time for that. Not when I've been such a good son lately. For once, the family isn't nagging me to do better despite having gathered more artifacts than anyone else. All attention is on Garrick. That hot-head is in deep trouble since artifacts are being stolen from his district. My brother's incompetence is finally being brought forth. The attack on that hippe woman's retreat was the final nail in the coffin.
This is the perfect opportunity for me.
"Did you contact Garrick about our district wanting to help them capture those thieves?" I try my best to hide my smile. I already know he won't agree, but father has already given me permission. Not only will this give me the chance to prove how better I am than those obnoxious siblings of mine, but it could actually help me with my ultimate goals.
The world is finally rewarding me for my patience.