Chapter 7 - Gelato

Jordan smiled when he heard his father's words. A few minutes ago, he had been greatly displeased with the attention his father had showered on Darian. His irritation had gotten worse when the chef and the servers had come into the dining hall and given Darian the biggest and most beautiful bowl, which was full of gelato. That was meant to be his. Jordan had been told so much by Ally, his mother, that he easily looked down on Darian. Darian was only a few months older than him, but that did not count. The moment his father had asked him to come collect Darian's big bowl, he spat, "Finally." He hopped down from his chair and hurried to his father's side. Darian sighed. He wanted that big bowl. He wondered why his father was doing this, after being nice to him.

Lucas could guess what Darian was thinking. "Son, I just want you to get along with your brothers, that is all. You should trust your dad."

Darian nodded without uttering a word. As long as he ate any gelato, he would cope. This was the first time his dad was nice to him. He would go along with it.

Ally rose to her feet. "Jordan, get back here now! You should not take what belongs to others. Have I not told you that?"

Jordan turned to his mother. "But Mother, you told me that Darian is a concubine's son. You said he deserved to have nothing. You said I would have it all because I am the first son of the legitimate wife. So, why can't I have his bowl of gelato?"

Ally balled her fists. Lucas relaxed fully in his chair. "I see how you teach my children. He speaks exactly like you." Lucas turned to Jordan. "Come here, my boy. Your mother is wrong. Brothers should stay together. They should be united. Besides, Darian is a few months older than you. If you want me to be happy with you, you should treat him well."

"Fine, now give me the gelato," Jordan said.

Lucas placed the bowl in Jordan's hand, then he turned to Ally and smiled, almost as if he could tell. Jordan could not wait to get to his seat before he ate the gelato. He could imagine his father changing his mind and giving the bowl back to Darian. Jordan dipped the spoon into the gelato and raised it to his lips.

Like a thunderbolt, Ally rushed to Jordan and hit his hand so hard that the bowl fell off. The bowl hit the floor and shattered into pieces. The cool gelato splashed like a puddle. Jordan felt the harsh pain in his hand. His mouth widened in surprise, and tears streamed down his cheek. He placed one hand in front of his eyes and wailed loudly.

"Shut up! I told you not to touch Darian's meal, and you did!" Ally scolded.

"But Dad asked me to," Jordan replied, dropping his hand.

Ally was panting badly. She grabbed Jordan's ear and pulled it harshly. "Mother, please," Jordan begged.

"Follow me!" Ally yelled and dragged Jordan along with her. They exited the dining hall. Ally dragged her crying Jordan straight to his room. This was not what Ally had planned. She had planned that Darian would eat the bowl of dessert and die. But somehow, Lucas had suspected it and foiled it. She would try again. She would try another day.

***

Two days later, Darian was in his room reading on his bed when he heard a knock. "Come in," he said.

The head chef, John, stepped in and bowed. "I came to give you some cookies and milk. Your father, Lord Lucas Featherington, asked me to give this to you."

"Place it on the table," Darian said as he put down his book.

The chef stepped out and shut the door behind him. Darian came down from his bed and walked toward the table. The cookies were hot and fresh. They were carved like flowers. He carried one and broke it in two. Then he lifted one to his mouth and chewed. It tasted delicious.

***

By dinner time, Ally stepped into the large dining hall brimming with energy. There was a pleasant smile on her face, and her two sons noticed. Lucas noticed, too, even as he kept watching the door. He was waiting for Darian to walk in through that door. He had never been late during mealtime, so Lucas wondered what was going on.

"Shall we eat?" Ally asked.

"Let us wait for Darian. I am sure he will be here soon," Lucas said.

Ally sighed. "I am so hungry. When did that little boy become so important that we cannot eat without him? I can't wait. I will eat now! My children are hungry, too. They should not starve because of the son of a concubine."

Lucas rose to his feet and walked straight to the door without saying a word to Ally. She could go crazy for all he cared. All he wanted to do was to see his son. His face was stiff, no emotion showed, but his heart felt a tinge of worry. Darian was absent, and Ally was so happy. What could be a better sign that there was something going on? Lucas had always walked fast, but now, his strides were quicker. He got to Darian's door and opened it.

The gentle moonlight shone from the window, casting light on Darian's face and blonde hair. There was a candle in the corner of the room. It cast its light gently. Lucas stood by the door and watched his son. His face looked so gentle, yet, so pale. Lucas walked in slowly. The boy was asleep, or was he not? Lucas placed his hand on Darian's skin. It was so cold... too cold.

"No," Lucas muttered without raising his voice. His brain registered the fact: A normal human should not be this cold. He raised Darian and shook him. "Darian, my boy. Wake up."