Viktor, ever observant, couldn't help but notice Aden's prolonged silence throughout the day. Concern etched his features as he approached Aden, genuine worry apparent in his voice. "Aden, you've been rather quiet lately. Is everything alright?" Viktor's inquisitive gaze searched Aden's face for any signs of distress or unease.
Aden, usually composed, met Viktor's concerned eyes. His thoughts were a tumultuous storm, a blend of past memories and present uncertainties. After a moment of introspection, Aden offered a subtle yet reassuring smile. "Just lost in thought, Viktor. The events unfolding around us are... intriguing."
Viktor, always ready to assert his seniority, grinned at Aden's comment about being lost in thought. "Come on, Aden, you know you can tell me anything. I'm practically your big brother here," Viktor bragged, emphasizing the advantage of his age. As he boasted, a familiar voice interrupted their banter.
But before Aden could respond, a familiar voice interrupted their conversation. "Viktor, my dear, where are you?" called out the voice, Viktor and Aden recognized it instantly. "Oh, big brother still needs mama beside him?" Aden teased playfully, his words dripping with playful sarcasm.
Viktor's face turned a shade of red as he realized the voice belonged to his mother, the queen. He reluctantly parted ways with Aden and rushed to meet his mother. "Mother, I've told you many times you don't need to accompany me all the time," Viktor protested, trying to sound stern, but his mother's theatrical display of faux tears quickly softened his resolve.
The queen pretended to weep dramatically, her voice trembling as she lamented her little boy's newfound independence, and cried out, "Oh, my little boy doesn't need me anymore." Viktor's resolve wavered as he saw his mother pretending to cry.
Caught between his desire for independence and his mother's emotional behavior, "Fine, just for today," he conceded, unable to withstand his mother's heartfelt plea, and the queen's tears magically transformed into a joyful smile.
Aden, watching the scene unfold, couldn't help but murmur with a small laugh. As Viktor reluctantly agreed to his mother's request, Aden couldn't resist a playful jab. "Who's the little kid now?" His amusement lingered as Viktor and his mother continued their playful exchange.
As Viktor played along with his mother's theatrics, Agatha appeared from behind, a bemused expression on her face. "Ah, you again, Lizabeth," she remarked, smacking her face in mock disappointment.
Lizabeth, with an air of regality, corrected her, "It's Queen if you please."
Rolling her eyes, Agatha replied dismissively, "Yeah, yeah, Queen Lizabeth." Despite the formality, there was a playful camaraderie between them. Agatha continued, "And what a queen you are. Don't you have any other important matters to attend to?"
Lizabeth, who had been at the Academy since the first day Viktor started there, couldn't help but laugh at Agatha's teasing.
As their playful exchange continued, Lizabeth's demeanor shifted slightly, her expression turning more serious. "Actually, I do have something important to discuss," she said, her tone now earnest.
Agatha raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? What's on your mind, Queen Lizabeth?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.
With a sigh, Lizabeth glanced over at Viktor, who was still engrossed in conversation with his mother. "It's about Viktor," she began, her voice tinged with concern. "He's been showing signs of restlessness lately, and I fear it might be affecting his studies."
Agatha's expression softened, her concern mirrored in her eyes. "Restlessness? In what way?" she asked, her attention fully focused on Lizabeth now.
"He's been distracted, more so than usual," Lizabeth explained, her gaze drifting back to Viktor. "I worry that he's feeling the weight of his responsibilities as the king's son, and it's starting to take a toll on him."
Agatha nodded thoughtfully, considering Lizabeth's words. "I see," she murmured, deep in thought. "Perhaps it's time we had a conversation with him about his future, about the path he wants to carve for himself."
Lizabeth nodded in agreement. "Yes, I believe that would be wise," she agreed, a sense of relief evident in her voice. "Thank you, Agatha. I knew I could count on you."
With a reassuring smile, Agatha placed a hand on Lizabeth's shoulder. "Of course, Lizabeth. We're all here to support each other," she said warmly, before turning her attention back to Viktor and his mother.
Lizabeth, with a determined gleam in her eyes, leaned in slightly, as if sharing a secret. "I have a suggestion," she said, her voice lowering conspiratorially.
Agatha, intrigued, prompted her to continue. "What is it?"
A small smile played on Lizabeth's lips. "I should attend the class with Viktor."
"And here I was taking you seriously," Agatha's eyes widened in disbelief at Lizabeth's suggestion. "You want to attend the class with Viktor?" she asked, her tone a mix of surprise and incredulity. "We can't have parents in regular classes."
Lizabeth, undeterred by Agatha's reaction, nodded earnestly. "But, I believe if I'm there with him, he might feel more at ease and focused. Besides, I can use this opportunity to learn more about what he's studying and support him better."
Agatha exchanged a glance with Viktor, who seemed equally astonished by his mother's proposal. "You have never been like this with brother and sister," Viktor pointed out, his tone accusatory as he addressed his mother. He takes a step back from the conversation. The idea of having his mother in the same class was not something he had anticipated, and it left him feeling a bit flustered.
Lizabeth's eyes widened in surprise at Viktor's outburst, hurt flashing across her face. "Viktor, I'm only trying to help," she protested, her voice tinged with hurt.
But Viktor wasn't convinced. With a heavy sigh, he turned away from his mother, unable to bear the weight of her expectations any longer. "I hate you, mother.." he muttered, making his way towards his class door.
As Viktor left the hall, a tense silence settled over the group, each of them lost in their own thoughts. Agatha couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Lizabeth, understanding the lengths a mother would go to for her child. But she also knew that bending the rules for one student could set a dangerous precedent, one that could undermine the integrity of the entire Academy.
Agatha sighed, contemplating the unconventional situation. "Queen Lizabeth, while I appreciate your concern and involvement in Viktor's education, having you in the class might disrupt the learning environment for everyone," she explained diplomatically.
Lizabeth's enthusiasm dampened slightly, but she remained determined. "I just want what's best for Viktor," she insisted.
Agatha nodded understandingly. "We all do. However, let's find a more suitable way to support him without causing disruptions in the class. Perhaps we can schedule regular updates on his progress or arrange private sessions for additional guidance."
With a heavy heart, Agatha turned to Lizabeth, her expression apologetic. "I'm sorry, Lizabeth," she said softly. "But I can't allow you to attend class with Viktor. It wouldn't be fair to the other students, and it wouldn't be fair to Viktor either."
Lizabeth nodded sadly, her disappointment evident in her eyes. "But..." she began to protest, only to halt abruptly as the distinct clang of a knight's armor echoed from behind her.