CHAPTER 88: LET ME HAVE PEACE [2]

{I deeply apologise for the inconveniences I had caused you guys.)

After several more minutes of more conversation, Selene returned to their wagon.

Inside, she found Alaric still resting against the cushions, his breathing steady and eyes half-lidded in exhaustion.

The without disturbing him, she settled into her seat across from him.

Clip-Clop! Clip-Clop!

Soon the wagon lurched into motion, wheels grinding against cobblestone as they began their journey home.

Selene sat in silence, arms folded, eyes fixed on the boy with quiet intensity. There was a strange, simmering curiosity in her gaze.

The trial’s events were still reverberating in her mind.

Whoosh!

Then, with a subtle breath, she released a thread of her Essence, just enough to scan his rank.

Let’s see how much you were hiding, she mused.

Though a moment later, her pupils narrowed slightly.

E+? Just... E+ rank?

Her mind reeled.

That Asher had been at least a D+, perhaps even C-.

She furrowed her brows.

Is he capable of suppressing it? Or hiding it altogether?

Then, slowly, her lips curled into a quiet, predatory smirk.

Oh, you clever little fox, she mused.

Either you possess some remarkable technique for masking your abilities, or...

Her eyes glinted with dangerous admiration.

You’re naturally capable of fighting far above your weight class. Either scenario makes you incredibly valuable.

She tilted her head. Accessing him from head to toe.

The other houses will be scrambling to reassess their intelligence now.

They’ll spend months trying to figure out what they missed about House Glimor’s heir. And while they’re chasing shadows and revised estimates...

Her smile deepened.

We’ll be three steps ahead, as always.

Well played, dear boy. Well played indeed.

She leaned back, still watching him as the corners of her eyes glinted with growing amusement, and dangerous intrigue.

After what felt like hours of gentle swaying, the wagon finally came to a halt in front of the familiar gates of their estate.

"Wake up, boy," Selene said softly, her voice carrying a hint of amusement as she watched him stir.

Alaric stirred, groggily blinking his eyes open. He turned toward her, rubbing at them like a child roused too early.

"You’re back, my dear aunt," he murmured.

Her lips twitched at his continued emphasis on their newly developed relationship.

"Oh, dear, I’ve been back for quite some time actually," she replied dryly, then tilted her head toward the door in a clear gesture to get moving.

Alaric glanced out the window and realized they were already before the manor.

I fell asleep, huh? he thought, surprised at how deeply he’d rested despite the day’s events.

He stretched, then stood and stepped down from the wagon. Once his feet touched solid ground, he turned back and offered his hand to help Selene.

To which , she placed her gloved fingers in his, and he helped her descend with a smooth, practiced motion.

Tap! Tap!

Then they walked through the corridors, their footsteps echoed softly against polished marble.

The afternoon light filtered through tall windows.

And just as Alaric was about to excuse himself and retreat to his chambers, Selene’s voice came from behind.

"What’s the rush? Can’t even spare a little time to have tea with me?" Her tone carried a playful lilt.

He halted mid-step, turned, and tilted his head slightly. Then a slow, mischievous smile curved his lips.

"Why not... my dear aunt."

And without hesitation, he walked back toward her.

Selene’s jaw tightened ever so slightly, that he’d turned her own game against her.

Let’s see how long you can maintain that confidence, she thought, her lips curving into a predatory smirk as she pushed open the heavy oak door to her private study.

She gestured gracefully toward an elegant sofa positioned near her desk.

To which, he complied wordlessly, settling into the edge of the plush cushions with the easy confidence.

She then poured tea into two delicate cups.

Then she took her seat behind the mahogany desk and began sorting through a stack of documents.

Alaric observed as she worked through the stack of parchments, her emerald eyes scanning each document.

He sipped his tea in comfortable silence, savoring the delicate blend of herbs that carried hints of jasmine and mint.

The study’s atmosphere was peaceful, only the soft rustling of papers and the occasional clink of porcelain against saucer were breaking the quiet moment.

After few minutes, Alaric finished his tea and set the cup back on the low table with a gentle clink.

He looked directly at her, one eyebrow arching with mild impatience.

"So... what did you call me for?"

She hadn’t said a word to him since they sat down, and he had more important things to get back to.

Which obviously was his precious little rest.

He don’t know why, but since the past few weeks, it had become second nature to train, drink tea in silence, and rest.

Any deviation felt like wasted time.

Selene finally lifted her gaze from the parchment, a smile curving her lips.

"What’s wrong? Already growing bored of your devoted aunt’s company?"

This time it was Alaric’s turn for his lips to twitch with barely suppressed irritation.

You little... Woman. Don’t test my patience.

Though he kept his thought to himself.

And before he could reply with best set of words, Selene spoke again.

"You certainly made quite the spectacle today, you know."

Alaric leaned back into the sofa, with an almost lazy posture.

Of course. It was bound to happen.

Though he raised simply a brow at her, wordlessly inviting her to go on.

"You’ve made your first real impression in the noble circles," she continued, setting down her quill with deliberate precision. "Word of today’s trial will spread."

Her emerald eyes held his steadily, the playful teasing from moments before replaced by something serious.

"Soon I’ll be announcing you officially as the heir to House Glimor," she said.

Alaric’s expression remained carefully neutral.

"Which means," Selene leaned forward slightly, her voice dropping a little, "You’ll soon find yourself drowning in a very particular kind of attention. Marriage proposals from ambitious fathers, ’friendly’ invitations that are anything but friendly, challenges from young nobles eager to test themselves against the new Glimor heir."

She paused, allowing her words to settle between them.

"But before any of that circus begins, there are certain... understandings I need you to have. Rules of the game that weren’t necessary when you were just anonymous but will become matters of survival once you wear the Glimor name openly."

Her fingers drummed once against the mahogany desk.

"Are you prepared to hear what those entail, dear nephew? Because once we cross this threshold, there will be no returning to the shadows."

She then playfully gasped placing one hand over her mouth.

"Ah, I almost forget, let me tell you something important. There will be a meeting this evening, and three more tomorrow regarding the mines. As heir, you’re bound to attend them," a faint smile tugged at her lips.

Alaric arched a brow. "Why me? Didn’t you just say I’m only heir in name and free to do whatever I want?"

She shook her head.

"Of course that’s what I said." Then she rose from her chair with fluid grace, and began circling him, slowly, like a predator sizing up prey.

"But you also need to make your debut in politics. Strength in the arena is one thing... but strength in the council hall is what cements your image. Show your face, establish your presence, let them see the new power behind our name."

Her fingers trailed along the back of his sofa as she moved.

"Once you’ve proven yourself capable, then you’ll truly be free to pursue whatever... interests... you desire."

Alaric nearly groaned, rubbing his temples.

Meetings. In his both lives, that was what he loathed most, sitting in stale rooms with self-important vultures, who loved the sound of their own voices more than actual progress.

Back then, he’d simply sent his envoys to deal with it all. But now here... He had to attend them again?

Selene finally sat beside him on the sofa, tilting her head with a sly glint in her eyes.

"What’s wrong? Surely you’re not afraid of a little... conversation?"

Alaric finally released a long, weary sigh. "I’ll think about it."

Her lips curved ever so slightly, savoring that tone as she watched his reaction.

A soft groaned escaped her as she stretched her arms above her head.

The movement was calculated, drawing attention to the elegant curve of her neck.

With deliberate slowness, she slipped off her silk-trimmed slippers.

Thud! Thud!

Then, with the practiced ease, she reclined against the sofa’s armrest and placed her bare feet directly in his lap.

"Surely you can do this much for your dear aunt?" she murmured with mock fatigue, her voice carried a honey-sweet tone.

Then, she feigned a weary sigh and shifted slightly, her toes nudging lightly against his thigh.

"After all that walking, my feet are absolutely aching."

She watched him through her half-lidded eyes, seeking any faintest flicker of reaction as her touch lingered.

But...

He gave nothing.

Just stared at her and then, his lips curved into a matching smirk.

He raised his hands and reached for her feet in his lap.

"What? Want your little nephew’s help here?" He said and pressed a pressure point at the base of her toe with practised efficiency.

Heeak!

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Chapter End...

[A/N]

Yo guys.

Again, I’m sorry for the trouble.

Though I’m not back yet, so there will be bit inconsistent updates for a day or two, with only single Chapter a day.

Then I’ll be back to 2 Chapters a day.

Till then, please bear with it. Bye, bye.

Take care.

And thanks for reading.