A remake under the same title. Hope you enjoy!
[(SPOILERS) Alice is not a chain here. There are 5 dukedoms. the Vessalius dukedom is now just a noble family. Oswald/Glen is still Lacie's bro.]
Chapter 1- A frequent sigh of longing
The Baskerville estate was covered by the golden light of the dawn arriving. Alice Baskerville -the only daughter of the Duke Baskerville- was sitting by one of the ponds that decorated the gardens, amethyst eyes facing downwards, her long brown hair was tied in one long braid that hung on her right shoulder. She was poking her finger in the water which produced ripples in the murky water. It wasn't a shock to anyone as to why the young misstress of the house was out so early in the morning. Considering that she visited her mothers grave as she always did everyday. Her mother -Lacie- died in childbirth. It was subject that everyone wanted to avoid. Especially since the master of the house, Glen, changed. It was a subtle but noticeable change. The man just seemed to lose his sparkle.
Alice sighed to herself. She wondered just what would happen if her mom did not die. Then she would be asleep obviously. She sighed again. Her breath visible in the cold air. She looked at the pond once again. Finally regretting for not bringing anything to cover her bare arms.
Alice tiptoed her way through the cold floor. Avoiding the few servants who were busy with their work. She planned to sneak back into her room and snuggle beneath her cozy sheets, for her father did not like her to visit her mothers grave early in the morning. It was not that he did not like mornings, he was just concerned for his daughters health. Rather Alice's health. Too bad her plan failed. Her father stood at the top of the stairs. Fully dressed and ready for the day.
"Alice."
She flinched at the sound of her name and slowly looked upwards.
"What have I told you about going out early?"
She stayed silent and merely stared at her father.
"Alice..." He sighed, and he walked down the remaining steps and looked at his daughter. She looked a lot like his wife. The same hair the same eye shape. The only difference was that her mother had striking red eyes, while she had a gem like purple.
"You know its bad if you go out there in the cold."
"Why do you care?" She whispered. Unfortunately her father heard every single word.
"Alice don't you dare talk to me like that."
"Why? So you can forget about me as well?"
She asked. Her head turned away. Glen then pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Its not like that."
"It is!"
Their voices started to grow louder. A few servants looked curiously at them, while the others were to used to the occasional fight between father and daughter and chose to ignore it.
"All you care for is work!"
"Alice..." His response a try at calming her down.
"You don't seem to visit her anymore, and now you don't have time for us too."
It was the last straw. He then grabbed at her wrist and pulled her forward stopping her from saying another word. "You don't know what is happening. You don't know. So don't speak about things you don't know! Hear me?" By this time the sun was already high in the sky and the smell of breakfast was flowing through the tense air. Unfitting for the scene at hand.
"Do you understand?" He said. No response.
"Do you understand?" He said again this time shaking her a bit.
"Yes.." She finally answered her voice was small. And her voice strained to not look at her father. She then pulled away from his grip and she half-ran and half-walked the way to her room.
Glen stood in his place. Feeling rather guilty for getting angry at his daughter like that.
She curled her sheets under her fists. Her head swimming with thoughts of her anger at her father. She sighed into her pillow. She wanted her mother, she wanted a peaceful family, she wanted to hear her mother's lullaby. She longed for motherly love. Moments later there was a knock at her door.
"I'm sorry, not today." Alice called out through her pillow.
The door creaked open and there stood Abyss. Her twin sister with a weird name. She was already dressed in her favorite white dress, the one with long sleeves. She also brought her precious stuffed bunny, for years she had that with her whenever and wherever.
"Alice, father wants you down for breakfast."
She said in her usual and polite manner.
"I'm not in the mood" Alice said with a muffled voice.
"Come on there is bacon and ham, and there is also a bit of your favorite cake." Abyss said as she sat down besides her sister who was still too stubborn to move; however, she was sorely tempted. It did not take long before Alice's muffled voice was heard saying that she'll come. Abyss squealed with delight and proceeded to help her sister get ready for the day. After that the both of them went down and walked towards the dinning hall. Abyss greeted her father with a hearty smile. Alice just nodded her head and sat down two chairs away from him. He sighed, and they started eating. Mid-way through the meal a messenger came in and whispered something in Glen's ear. With a nod he stood up and the messenger walked away.
"I have some business to attend to, I'll be leaving you in Charlotte's care. The both of you behave."
He then kissed Abyss on the forehead, her giggles annoying her sister. He also kissed a reluctant Alice who ignored him. He sighed again.
"Behave. Alright."
Ignored he left and said his goodbye, several footsteps later the door opened and shut signifying that their father has left. Alice had a mischievous smile on her face.
