In the dining room, the three of them settled for dinner, with Silas at the head of the table. Cas brought out their meals and poured wine at Silas’ request. Alexander did not so much as glance at his father’s half filled glass and merely speared a piece of his roast, as if he didn’t sip from a bottle every now and then from the cellar. 

‘How are both of your exam preparations coming along?’

Johan took up his water glass, his expression nonchalant. 

‘All is well, Father,’ he said. ‘Mr Bates is an excellent tutor.’ 

Silas looked at his eldest. 

‘Everything’s fine,’ Alexander said at last. ‘Nothing will change.’ 

Silas continued eating. ‘Good. As you already know, this year is important. Keep up your grades and you’ll be certain to enter the finest schools of your choosing.’ 

Cas entered the kitchen to start clearing up. It was further away from the dining room, but faint conversation could still be heard. 

Silas continued, ‘Speaking of which, I’ve just been informed by another parent. It’s confirmed that Professor Lagen will be offering two places again this year for piano. You’ll be told about it in class soon enough.’ 

‘Aren’t all offers made on a scholarship basis?’ Johan said. 

‘Yes. The school still upholds that tradition.’ Silas took a generous drink from the wine. ‘Are you already familiar with her son, Erik?’ 

‘He’s not in our class.’ Alexander started on the potatoes, though absentmindedly. ‘We see him occasionally on the school grounds. But he’s mostly alone.’ 

‘Not in your class? Well, I wouldn’t have thought,’ Silas said. ‘Regardless, it would be worth getting to know him.’

In the kitchen, warm water gushed through the soapy pots and pans, and the hands that tended to them moments ago were now still. Cas was no longer listening to the conversation. 

The Lagen Institute of Music was highly regarded not just in the country, but recognised for producing exceptional musicians through new and classical techniques. The acceptance rate was so low, with heavy emphasis on musical talents rather than grades, that Cas never imagined attending there.

It was inevitable that Silas had no plans to fund his tuition after finishing school, and he hadn’t thought about what he should do. There had been funds left to him in Lily’s will when it was read seven years ago, but as his legal guardian, this remained under Silas’ name. For all Cas knew, there may be nothing left by the time he turned eighteen. Silas would have used them unsparingly toward the Academy he attended with the twins and any expenses that came along with it, ensuring the image of charitable man if his ties to Cas were ever brought to light.

Cas started when water was cut short. Alexander’s hand was on the tap, his demeanour no longer submissive.

‘You’re quite defiant today, aren’t you?’ he said. ‘I’ll have Father know you’ve too much time on your hands. Clearly having all those assignments and chores aren’t enough.’ 

‘I’m sorry, it won’t happen again.’ 

Alexander took his leave. Cas went to clear up the table, and was surprised to see Silas still present. He quietly collected the plates and left the wine glass alone. Speak only when you’re spoken to, were the first words to him when the news of Lily's death reached them. Things will work differently from now, and the house will no longer be as you have grown used to. 

‘Alexander and Johan will require full focus on the midterms. They’re going to practise more often so the piano room would have to be cleaned frequently. Do not distract them,’ Silas said, downing the last of his wine. 

‘Yes, sir.’ 

Assuming Silas had finished speaking, Cas turned to leave. 

‘Since your midterms are also coming soon, I won’t be sending you on errands for the time being. Do as you wish.’ 

Cas was taken aback. Though it won’t free up much time, this was enough. 

‘Thank you,’ he murmured. 

In the kitchen, Cas quickly scraped the leftovers onto a plate and headed upstairs. His chest felt light as he continued working on Alexander’s draft, words pouring onto the page. The pen moved swiftly across the paper, as if it too, was relieved to carry on.