+ brother’s arm, susan’s pristine face is disfigured ever so slightly by a frown.
“ the start of it all would be a good place. would you rather go to a more quiet room, my brother? ”
“ oh, peter, i know. had my presence been requested by you, i’d have been present. however, i do prefer to steer away from the politics of war and conquers. i also am aware most topics will be eventually brought up with me later, if my input is needed. ”
patting her +
“ you are not excluded from any meetings, though, i hope you do know that. whatever anyone has to say to me, they can say it in a room with you, too. ”
they were equals, and he wanted her to know that. regardless of the -
+ count on you making an appearance in the gardens. ”
her smile had a slight mischievous touch to it before she regained her composure.
“ tell me, brother, what’s on your mind? ”
even though she wasn’t quite done with reading the chapter, she allowed the book to be closed before giving her brother’s hand a light squeeze.
“ i wouldn’t dare interrupt your routine, as i am sure all the meetings were of extreme importance, brother. and—i suppose, i can +
he didn't quite mean to startle her, yet he found it slightly amusing when he did. a chuckle following soon after. though, he took the initiative to close the book slowly, right before placing his hand over hers.
“ busy, but not the -
upon his arrival, susan looked up from her book and allowed herself to smile gently at him.
“ nothing too interesting, just a history book, thought it becomes useful whenever you father or uncle need any sort of advice. ”
closing the book and resting it on her lap, +
his voice is an abrupt interruption to the silence that surrounded, startling her and leading her to raise her eyes.
“ at most two, as you’re aware is rather underwhelming for me. ”
and there it is, the amused smile on her lips. “ all of you had been rather busy earlier. ”