*Lessons*

After brunch, the servants quietly cleared away the plates and wiped down the table as they’d done a thousand times before. Lucas barely waited before standing up, his uncle following, and together they made their way upstairs.

I didn’t know if I was supposed to follow or stay, but before I could decide, he was already gone, leaving me awkwardly sitting there with the rest of his family. Besides the uncle wanted to talk to him, not me.

Lucas’ aunt clapped her hands lightly, ...