Right now, I am currently sat across a boy younger than me, My Father's bastard and my father in the center, He had his appearance, yes, but his features says otherwise, probably from the mother.
"You two, stop staring daggers at each other and get along." He placed his cup
".. Daddy, Who is she? She looks so different!" The boy says
"She is your sister, Reillana Alexandra Millaber."
I gaze at him, "Will she be Heir?" He asks
"I am Heir." I muttered
"You're a girl,"
I glared at him, "And you are a basta--"
"Reillana. Syrion."
Our shoulders slumped as Father called on our names, before Syrion spoke up, "Is mama gonna be the Duchess? That way I can be your male heir" he smiles innocently
I clench my fork as father think it through. True, a boy as heir has a better claim.. only if he's named as the Duke's son.
"People already assumed that I named Reillana as Heir when I married her off to Alistair, We'll discuss it further after the Debut." Father says, taking a sip on his drink
"But a male Heir has a better claim, the dukedom will rise and try to press my clai-"
"They hate Bastards." I cut him off, biting on my sliced meat
"A bastard? Yes. But Father's flesh and blood run through my veins! You look nothing like him, maybe you're the Bastard."
"I don't think you understand the manners or etiquette of a noble, Syrion. Father, can I suggest that Syrion will be taught by my teachers? Including the meaning of a Bastard?" I raised my hand
Syrion turned to Father, his eyes pleading to say no. His mother probably told him that the Duke has a kind heart, a Hero, and a good husband. But he isn't raised by the Duke, Reillana was.
"I suppose he could learn one or two, afterall, it's embarassing enough a bastard itself don't know what the meaning of a bastard is," Father says, wiping his lips
"Let alone, assuming the people will press his claim when it's still a long way before he turned of age, and yes, Reillana has more claim than you. Raised by the Duke, known in society and is the Fiancée of the second prince." He added
"I am the rightful heir! Your son!!-"
"Birthed in the common place, raised in mud and dirt, ate grass and rats," I looked at him intently, I knew what the life of common birth was
"You're a child, I understand. But forcing your claim will rise enemies, not allies, the moment you showed your arrogance and persistence over the position as Heir,"
"You will be used, discard, and ridicule, The Duke of Bastards." I said, drinking my drink as if what I said hasn't pulled some strings on him
He clenched his fist, slamming it at the table before storming off, His Nanny running after him
"He's arrogant," The Duke says
"If he had grown, learned some manners and you're still well, Will you name him as your Heir?" I asks, wiping my lips
"Let's talk about it years later." He said, standing up and leave, leaving me alone in the dining table.