Late winter brought the reminder of spring's approach, which meant Roxas would soon be wed to Xion.
Just the day prior, Xion had appeared at their home distraught by the approaching wedding. Roxas had assured Xion the wedding would be alright, and she left that morning. Before the slave who had been sent to fetch Xion departed that night, he confirmed
Axel and Roxas's deep romantic relationship.
With this confirmed, Ventus knew Roxas would stop at nothing to guarantee a future with Axel. Ventus had bode his time for too long now, and it would be only a matter of time before he would send his brother tumbling from his spire.
The catalyst occurred before evening meal.
A piercing scream, a wet thud, and the sound of retching coming from outside caught Ventus's attention.
"What's going on out here?"
He threw open the doors leading to the garden to find a guilt-stricken Axel hunched over a puddle of vomit. On the steps lay the female slave Larxene, her neck bent and her eyes open wide.
"I-it was an accident," Axel managed to stammer.
He was undoubtedly telling the truth, but Ventus could not let this moment slip away. A smirk cut its way across his face, and Axel turned paler.
Larxene was given a short memorial service and was buried in the garden with the other slaves the next day.
All day the house was quiet. Ventus's tongue itched with the opportunity to unleash his final terror upon Roxas. This would surely make up for everything that was taken from him.
He didn't even bother to ask himself where all this hatred stemmed from, the only thing he could think of was the sweet victory over his insufferable brother.
That evening, Ventus was as enthralled with Axel as Roxas had been the first time he witnessed Axel's skill in the arena.
Everyone ate their meal in silence. Ventus squirmed with anticipation.
Finally, as if the gate had been opened, Ventus spoke the first words, "It's a shame poor Larxene's life was taken so quickly, and at such a young age. She was a very diligent slave, was she not?"
The diners mumbled in agreement. Not the reaction he'd hoped for.
More lies spilled from the opened gate. "It's an even larger shame that Larxene was murdered."
This time, there was no reaction other than louder silence.
"What do you mean to say, Ventus?" Ansem inquired. He didn't seem at all dismissive to Ventus's words, and Ventus wondered if his father even had the idea that this was a trick.
"I mean to say that Larxene's death wasn't an accident." Ventus replied.
"I-it isn't right to speak of the deceased." Roxas piped up with a slight stutter.
"We're not speaking badly about her, I only speak good things about the departed," Ventus assured, "Besides, isn't it a bit suspicious that there was only one witness to Larxene's death?"
He turned his head to Axel, who paled and stared at the table.
"You, Axel, you were the one true witness to Larxene's death, correct?" Ventus demanded.
"Y-yes, it is true." The slave replied.
"And how did Larxene die?" Ventus pressed.
"Sh-she slipped on the steps outside." Axel answered.
"But why did she lose her balance, and why was she even outside in the first place?" Ventus pushed harder.
"She was chasing a rat outside." Axel said a bit too quickly.
"Then why were you there?" Ventus insisted.
"I was helping her."
"Ventus, what is the meaning of this?" Ansem sighed. Now his father believed this was all a trick.
Ventus couldn't contain himself anymore. He stood abruptly, shouting and pointing at Axel, "This slave is the one who really killed Larxene!"
Roxas bolted to his feet and shouted back, "That's not true!"
"Who are you to vouch for him? He's just a slave, isn't he? Or...is he something more?" Ventus hinted.
Roxas didn't answer, his eyes askance.
Ventus glided over to Roxas, the venom in his words growing thick, "Is it possible you and this slave have an affair between you?"
"You don't know what you're talking about," Roxas stated.
"I don't? Then how do you explain what I saw when we returned that night from the Saturnalia feast at the house of General Eraqus?" Ventus asked.
"Wh-what did you see?"
Ventus finally dropped the words, "Your slave lay in the same bed as you, passed out with the smell of sex in the air."
The two froze on the spot. The silence hung thicker than ever.
"Though it's not uncommon for masters to use slaves for whatever purpose they desire, I believe something stronger exists. What is it, Roxas? What is it this slave to you?" Ventus urged.
Roxas's lip trembled; he was only a step from spiraling into squalor.
"If he really means nothing to you, then let him face his punishment for murder; let him be executed in the morning." Ventus decided.
"Ventus, you treacherous wretch!" Roxas screamed, breaking through the silence.
"What's wrong? You're going to be the master of the house someday; what's one meaningless slave to you?" Ventus teased.
"He means more to me than you ever will, brother or not!" Roxas yelled, his eyes glazing with tears. "A true brother would never spill another's secrets. And what is this for? What do you have against me?"
"What do I have against you?" Ventus scoffed. "I have everything against you! You're the younger twin and you're
style="font-size: 16pt;"the one whose going to inherit everything!"
"What does that have to do with anything?" Roxas demanded. "Take the house, I don't care! Take Xion, too! All I care about is Axel!"
"Favete linguis!" Ansem finally roared, rising to his feet as well.
The silence blanketed them.
"Roxas, Ventus, go to your rooms. I don't want to hear another word from you tonight." Ansem ordered. "And as for Axel, I will not have him executed."
Two sighs filled the room.
"However, I will be sending him back to the gladiator school." Ansem decided.
"No, please don't take him away!" Roxas pleaded.
"I'm sorry, but this is how it must be." Ansem replied. "Now both of you, go to your rooms."
"Just, please, let me say goodbye..." Roxas's voice broke.
Ansem cleared the room, dispersing Ventus and the slaves throughout the house.
So it had finally been done; the high-and-mighty Roxas finally fell from grace. Before Ansem retired to his chamber, he glanced at Ventus with no expression.
Ventus returned to his chamber, shutting the door tightly. He realized, with terror, he felt...nothing. No glory, no pride, and no shame from tormenting Roxas.
He felt empty.
Translations
- Malum discordiae - Apple of discord, also refers to the catalyst of the TrojanWar