(Pov François)
The maid came back to me and whispered to me.
– he says he will be there
- dinner?
She shrugged and replied with confusion.
– Did you warn the eldest daughter?
I asked him without any real interest.
She nodded positively and turned to her work surface.
I remained perplexed nonetheless.
It's not like him, but I hope that's not what I think.
I won't be able to be there, nothing bad can happen, can it? It's just a meal between brothers.
I hope you're not planning anything for me, hérèse .
Nothing unusual.
I gave my final instructions and put down my apron before turning around.
I also took one last look around the living room, making sure to remove the knives and other potentially dangerous objects, like a little bit of everything, to be honest.
– two place settings.
The maid at my side nodded
– The heretic asked that a place be reserved for her.
I sighed, even more worried.
"It's just a meal," I repeated to myself several times.
Moreover, of his own volition, he who always found excuses not to eat with them, even took another corridor on purpose so as not to cross their paths.
I couldn't just leave like that; I should at least go see him before I left.
But no sooner had I turned around than I found myself face to face with him.
He stared into my eyes, his face surprisingly relaxed and his posture upright, his hands clasped behind his back.
He even gave me a slight, knowing smile.
I stopped him abruptly, placing my hand on his shoulder.
– Do you really want to have dinner with your brother?
– Yes, is there a problem?
His response was fluid and natural.
He didn't seem obligated or bored, but the more I observed his gaze, the less I sensed this story.
– You can eat in your room if you want.
– it's going to be okay
– Did you have an argument?
Silence
He looked up at me, his smile faded, and he removed my hand from his shoulder.
- How's it going
He said this, his tone remaining calm and without hesitation, then he walked past me and away.
– Everything will be alright, François…
I watched him until he settled down; I couldn't force him.
Something is seriously wrong.
Since when has he started using the informal "you" with me again?
He always went way too far when he displayed that disturbing calm; I knew all too well what he was capable of.
I took one last look and walked away towards my office.
I even existed to cancel everything and stay close to those two.
BRINNNN! ? BRINNNN! ? BRINNNN!
My phone started vibrating
I sighed, truly exhausted and with no other choice but to continue.
– keep an eye on them.
I asked Regina
– If there's the slightest problem... Let me know
I left immediately, unable to shake off this bad feeling.
Dinner was just beginning.