The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1365

The brothers wailed in unison, "Darren, we really see the error of our ways!"

Darren looked at them with disdain, their pitiful state laid bare before him. Just moments ago, they had claimed they'd rather die than utter a word of complaint, and now they clung to life as if it were gold.

"You value your lives, but to you, mine and those of my son and daughter-in-law, my granddaughter are less than the dirt beneath your feet."

Having had enough, Darren unleashed his anger with a leather belt, lashing at them until exhaustion stayed his hand.

"From now on, we go our separate ways. Our bond ends here. You're no longer my brothers! You have two days to disappear. Don't let me catch sight of you in Dawnstar or Solterra again!"

The brothers were stunned, hardly believing what they were hearing. Was Darren really cutting ties, treating them as strangers?

"If there is a next time, I will come for your lives myself. Now get out."

After a moment of bewildered silence, the brothers sobbed with gratitude, thanking Darren before scrambling out the door.

Finally alone, Darren's tense nerves relaxed, and he nearly collapsed.

Arabella rushed to his side to support him.

Turning to see his perceptive and thoughtful granddaughter, Darren felt a pang of sorrow. All those years of brotherhood, of pouring out his heart, and yet this newly found girl showed him more warmth and care than they ever did.

His pride as the family patriarch seemed to melt away, leaving him feeling old and weary. "Let's go home," he said weakly.