Forced to Love, Forced to Hold Back

Armand returned to the window in which he originally viewed the family, and he came upon a quiet scene. If he didn't know any better, he would think it was just a regular family gathering, but he could see beyond the facade. Adrian's face seemed unnaturally tense, and every now and then, he would look up at Acacius. This went on for some time, then when his father moved to wipe his mouth, Adrian slipped a roll off his plate, into his pocket. Armand smiled grimly, realizing that this wasn't the first time the oldest child had done this, and it probably wouldn't be the last. Adelaide nodded to Adrian, showing her approval. Then Adelaide looked up at the slave girl, who had started to serve more meat to Acacius and was making her way down the table. Armand watched as Adrian pretended to eat, and when the slave girl rounded on him, she served him more meat, and dropped a small pack in his lap. Armand knew it was  meat, and he watched as Adrian put that in his pocket without blinking his eye. Armand was impressed. Ame looked glassy eyed at his father, and yawned involuntarily. Acacius looked up and smiled at his youngest, the first warm smile Armand had seen from this cold-hearted man.   1

"Ame, are you tired?" He asked, his voice filled with the warmth of dinner.2

"No." Ame answered simply, and yawned again.3

Acacius laughed and stood. Adrian and Adelaide stood also.4

"I think I will put Ame to bed, and then smoke a cigar in front of the fireplace." Picking up the tired boy, he walked around the corner and up the creaking stair case. Adelaide waited until she couldn't hear his footsteps before walking over to her oldest.5

"Is it hidden?" She asked, whispering frantically. Adrian smiled.6

"I have it mother." He answered, patting his inner pocket.7

"We don't have much time. After your father and I go to bed, you must go to bed also. Act as if you are asleep, and please don't let your father catch you. That means be in your pajamas. When you no longer see the candle light flicker in our room, go to your sister's room so she can eat. Don't light a candle. I,.." the ceiling above them creaked,8

"...don't want you to get caught." She finished lowering her voice even more. Adrian nodded and walked to the den as if nothing had happened. Armand smiled and decided to make himself known to Adelaide.   9

"Child, I am here. Fear no more, and worry not, I am watching over your children. Now your husband is coming, go greet him." As Armand predicted, Adelaide heard Acacius coming down the stairs.10

"Thank you, Angel." She said as she went to greet her husband.11

Adrian paced back and forth in front of his closed door. Every now and then he would pull out his pocket watch and glance at it nervously. He could hear his mother and father's mumbles from the room across the hall. He knew they would soon be asleep, until then, he would just have to sit and wait.12

Adelaide sat in front of her vanity, a slave girl brushing her long hair gently. Acacius sat on the bed, reading from his Bible, a grim look shadowing his handsome features.13

"Tulian, leave us." He said, not glancing up from his book. The slave girl put the brush down and bowed to Adelaide then to Acacius, and left without saying a word. When the door was closed, Acacius only waited a moment before calling to his wife.14

"Adelaide, come here." He commanded.15

"I-," 16

"I said come here." He said sternly, still staring into his book. His voice was filled with hardness and hatred. Adelaide, knowing better than to question him, walked slowly toward the far right corner of the bed. Acacius didn't look up once.17

"Now, my darling, it is time that you knew your place." He said simply. Adelaide felt her growing mistrust blossom into fear. 18

"What do you mean?" She asked squeezing her night gown nervously. Acacius finally looked up from his book with a smile that turned Adelaide's blood cold.19

"Take off your gown." He said, closing his book. Adelaide stepped back incredulously.20

"What, Why-" 21

"I said, TAKE IT OFF." He commanded, jumping off the bed and grabbing her.22

"NO! Stop, Acacius, before you wake the children. No!!!" She cried as he ripped her gown away, revealing her naked body.23

"I am your husband, and you belong to me. Do as I say." He threw her on the bed, and held her struggling form down. "Quiet, before you wake the children, my darling." He said as he blew out the candle.24

Adrian woke suddenly, aware that he had dozed off. Jumping to his feet, he realized it was two hours before dawn. But what had awoke him? He wondered as he hurrying to the door. Peeking out, he saw that his parent's candle was out, and he knew it was safe to go. Taking the food, he hurriedly walked out into the hall and into his sister's room.25

Armand had been sitting in the window when he heard Adrian's quiet footsteps. Armand smiled as he disappeared out of sight. I knew that thought would wake him up, Armand thought as he watched the door open and close, and a dark figure bustled in the room. Armand noticed how the clouds had broken and allowed the full moon to show through the window. The light fell over the sleeping girl and Armand suddenly felt a strange feeling from Adrian. Focusing his thoughts on Adrian, Armand could read the boy like a book. Adrian stood with his back against the door, facing his sister. Armand looked toward the peacefully sleeping girl, and nearly gasped at her beauty. Amarante's flowing hair was hovering around her like a golden halo. Her pale skin contrasted beautifully with the black sheets, and she looked so innocent and peaceful. Adrian walked slowly to his sister's side, and Armand suddenly felt love eminating from the boy. Jumping to attention, Armand fixed his sights, again, on the oldest. Not only did Adrian love his sister, he was in love with her! Armand could not believe what he was getting from this boy's mind. All his thoughts, all his dreams, everything was focused on Amarante! He was obsessed. Adrian had knelt beside the bed, and was staring at the sleeping figure of his sister, just admiring her beauty. Amarante turned her head, still very much asleep, so a stray piece of gold fell across her face and collarbone. Adrian held out his right hand, and fingered the gold strand down to her collarbone, and lightly moved it back to to where it had been before, allowing his hands to move across Amarante's shoulders. She stirred, and Adrian pulled his hand away, just when she opened her eyes and smiled up at her brother, who's frown only lasted a minute.26

"Amarante I brought you food." He stated. She sat up and frowned.27

"You shouldn't have done that. If father catches you-" before she could finish her sentence, Adrian put some meat into her mouth. Laughing softly, she pulled it out and hugged her brother.28

"Thank you, but don't do it again." Going back to her food, Armand noticed the shadow that past over Adrian's face, and knew that Adrian was thinking about Amarante.29