Page 25 of Legacy of Succession

“Knock?” I enquire in confusion.

“Please, do it four times.”

The man’s strange behavior is getting worse. The agitation in his stance flooding the room with more fear than I have. I don’t know why, but I go back to the doorway and knock four times.

“Come in,” he calls quietly. “Thank you.” He places both his hands down on his thighs and starts to tap a two beat on each leg alternately.

“Hello, I’m Victoria.”

“I know. I’ve read your file.” He leans over to the side and picks up a wrapped gift. “I was bringing you this, but you moved the chair. I crashed into it and knocked the vase over. You shouldn’t move furniture. It makes it more difficult to understand.”

“I’m sorry.” I find myself apologizing again. “I’ll put it all back. Can I ask who you are?”

“I’m William, Nicholas’ brother.” He doesn’t meet my gaze but hands me the present. “Open it.”

“I…” I’m lost for words. “You didn’t have to get me this.”

“I want you to like me — when you become Duchess.”

His blunt verbiage is surprising in this house of lies.

“I don’t think I’ll become Duchess but thank you anyway.”

“You should have more faith in yourself.” He waves the gift insistently in front of me. I take it and unwrap it. It’s a book on art.

“You didn’t have to get me this.” I reach forward and try to touch his hand in thanks, but he pulls it away.

“I’ve seen you read all the other books. This is the third one in the collection about Rembrandt. You spent a lot of time on those books.”

“You’ve been watching me?” I shuffle farther away from him. I don’t like the fact that he’s been invading my private space.

“We can watch all the girls via the screens.” He nods toward his TV. I must pale or look like I’m going to throw up, which I certainly feel could happen, because he gasps. “That’s one of those things that I’m not supposed to say out loud, isn’t it?”

“It’s a little scary to know that people are watching me.” I raise my eyebrows. “Why aren’t you supposed to say it out loud?”

“I have autism. I often say things I shouldn’t. I can’t help it. When I first saw you on the screen, I told Nicholas that you had the best tits I’ve ever seen.”

I must blush because he groans.

“See. I really can’t help it.”

“That’s ok — it’s nice to be appreciated.” I laugh and this seems to relax William, a little, as he settles down. “Why haven’t you been with your brother and father when they’ve been...um?”

“Torturing you?” he offers.

“Pretty much.”

“My father doesn’t allow me out with his society. He’s embarrassed by me. I’m the reason my mother died, because I was wrong. It’s better if I just hide out up here.”

“That isn’t right. I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright. I’m used to it. Safer to be in these four walls than out there.” He looks toward the door — a means of escape. I take a sharp inhalation of breath. This could be my chance.

“You don’t want to go through there.” He taps my leg.

“Why?”

As if by magic, the door opens and a sleepy looking Nicholas stands in the opening.

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