Chapter 33 - Preparing for nobel meet

Kimora's voice slowed down as she finished her story with a teary expression while recalling her past. "I've never gone back there again" she whispered, her fingers shaked as she traced patterns on Ethan's chest to find comfort for himself. "And I don't think I ever will. I couldn't bear to face them again."Ethan held her tightly while holding her together while caressing her head. "I can understand your pain," he said softly, his voice filled with kindness. "It will be okay, you are my cute wife now."Ethan knows that the spiders attacked Kimora out of fear, as they haven't seen a spider becoming human. The spiders probably resented Kimora out of fear and because she was different from others. It was lot like how some human beings are shunned for being different,Kimora buried her face in his chest, seeking comfort with him. "You're the only one who's ever made me feel truly accepted, Ethan. The only one who's seen me for who I really am.""I always will do," Ethan promised as he kissed to the top of her head.Ethan heard footsteps approaching. Ethan's body tensed slightly, recognizing the sound. He turned his head to see his mother, Lucia, standing in the doorway. Lucia, staring at them with a fixed gaze on them. Her expression was scary and unreadable, but there was malice in the atmosphere that made Ethan's heart shiver."Mom," Ethan said a bit creeped by her sudden appearance.Lucia's eyes fluctuated between her son and Kimora with her gaze on the way they were wrapped around each other. "I see you're both up early," she said, her tone was calm, but he could a dark atmsophere. Her silver hair was neatly pulled back, and she surveyed the room with sharp gaze. She was a woman of few words as she rarely expressed openly."Ethan," she said, her voice as cold and crisp . "May I speak with you for a moment?"Ethan carefully untangled himself from Kimora and sat up, his expression turning serious. "Of course, Mother. What is it?"Lucia's eyes turned towards Kimora for a moment before it returned to her son. "Alone," she added, her tone leaving no room for discussion.Kimora opened her eyes and she glanced at Ethan with concern thinking she did something wrong, but Ethan gave her a reassuring nod. "It's okay, Kimora. I'll be right back."With that, Ethan followed his mother out of the room and down the corridor. The two walked in silence for a moment with tension in the atmosphere. Lucia led him to a quiet room at the end of the hall, a place she often used for private conversations.Once inside, Lucia closed the door behind them with a controlled movement. She turned to face Ethan while her expression is unreadable for Ethan. For a moment, neither of them spoke.Finally, Lucia broke the silence. "Ethan, there is something important we need to discuss."Ethan nodded, waiting for her to continue.Lucia's eyes softened and it was replaced by her usual stoic demeanor. "You are aware that Hightide Haven is a crucial part of our family's influence," she began."The nobility of this region holds regular meetings. The next meeting is approaching.""Ethan," she began, her voice steady but severe, "there's something you need to understand about the upcoming noble family meeting."Ethan listened carefully, understanding what she exactly meant by that. Hightide Haven was a strategic coastal region, rich in resources and trade routes. So that they have most basic products like food, water etc. "You've spent most of your life away from the inner workings of noble politics," Lucia continued, her tone turning even more serious. "I never wanted you to be dragged into the political games these families play. It's world full of deception, manipulation, and power struggles, and I've done everything I can to shield you from it."Ethan listened intently, his heart beating a little faster it was a big thing. He knew his mother had always kept him never fully immersed in the family's dealings. He had always assumed it was because she wanted to protect him, but now it seemed there was more. A question striked in Ethan's mind."Why now, Mother?" Ethan asked, his voice was calm but he was curious. "Why expose me to this world if you've been keeping me in the dark until now?"Lucia's gaze softened a bit, though the intensity remained. "Circumstances have changed. The other noble families are becoming more aggressive. A noble family discovered your existence or began probing into the Blackwoods' affairs. To prevent them from prying further I have decided that it was better to introduce Ethan on her own terms. Further hiding you will make you an easy target."She paused fir a but, before continuing. "The upcoming meeting will be the first time many of them have seen you in this light, as my son and as someone with a potential claim to our family's influence. I need you to understand the situation, Ethan. Every word you speak, every gesture you make, will be judged."Ethan shaked his head feeling heavy. "This is so depressing. What do you want me to do?""Maintain your composure, but don't reveal too much," Lucia instructed. "Speak only when necessary, and keep your answers short and vague. They will try to pry information from you, to gauge your weaknesses and strengths. You must give them nothing they can use against you—or against our family."Ethan could see the worry in his mother's eyes, hidden beneath her stern exterior. "I understand," he said, his voice steady. "I'll be careful."Lucia replied. "There's something else," she added, almost reluctantly. "I never wanted the other nobles to know about you because... because I wanted to protect you from them. They can be ruthless, Ethan. They see weakness as something to exploit, and I couldn't bear the thought of you being caught in their web but you have already been involved. You have too much potential to be kept quiet. You are such a troublesome son to have" Lucia said as she grazed at Ethan's cheek while pinching him.Ethan felt how deeply she had cared for him all these years, even if she wasn't much expressive. "I appreciate that, Mother. But I'm not a child anymore. I can handle myself.""I know," Lucia replied, her voice filled with both pride and concern. "But even so, this is a different kind of challenge. You must be careful at all times. The way you dress, the way you carry yourself—everything must be perfect. Wear the proper attire, present yourself. The smallest misstep can be used, and that's something you cannot afford."Ethan nodded. He had always been careful, but now he would have to be even more meticulous."And one more thing," Lucia added, her tone returning to its usual firmness. "Do not allow yourself to get too close to any of them. They will feign friendship, offer alliances, but most of it is a facade. Their true intentions are often hidden behind smiles and pleasantries. Keep your distance, and at the same don't be reserved. Just talk like you do as with coworkers and don't share anything private be a professional.""I'll remember," Ethan promised, his mind already racing with thoughts how he would handle it.Lucia studied him for a moment as if searching for any sign of doubt or uncertainty. When she found none, she nodded. "Good. Now, prepare yourself. The meeting will be soon, and I need you to be ready."Lucia's gaze hardened, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You must be strategic. Forge alliances where you can, but do not hesitate to apply pressure where necessary. The other houses respect strength, and they will only yield to those who demonstrate it.""I know, Mother," he replied, his voice firm. "I will do what needs to be done."Lucia's hand moved up to his cheek, her thumb brushing gently across his skin. She leaned in closer towards him with her breath warm against his lips as if she were lost in the moment in instict. For a second, it seemed as if she might close the remaining distance between their lips and their relationship might cross a line that should never be crossed.But then, she finally regained control, Lucia pulled back, her eyes widening as she realized what she was doing. She took a step away from him, her breath coming with shallow, unsteady gasps, her hands trembling at her sides.Ethan stood there his heart pounding in his chest, his mind shaken but his lower region getting tightened as he felt a little pain. It grew too much in his pants.Lucia closed her eyes, steadying herself, forcing her usual composure back into place. Her cheek was a little rosy with embarrassment."I... I'm sorry," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I shouldn't have—""No, Mother, it's okay," Ethan interrupted, his voice gentle, while struggling to hide his exictment. "You don't have to apologize."Lucia shook her head, her lips pressed into a thin line. "No, it's not okay, Ethan. I... I let my emotions get the better of me. That was a mistake.""It was okay mom, You are pretty cute when you go shy over me " Ethan said as spoke excited to see his mom's face. He mentally burned the image of his mother becoming shy and embarrassed.Lucia looked at him, her eyes filled with regret but with her longing him. "Yes, but I am your mother. And there are boundaries I should never cross, no matter what I feel."Ethan nodded wanting to comfort her. "Well we can always do in private but don't shut me out because of these feelings. I will give you the comfort of a maiden as a man"Lucia's expression softened with the coldness in her eyes melting away as it was replaced by something warmer. She stepped forward again, her hand reaching out to lightly touch his arm."I could never shut you out, Ethan," she said, her voice steady.. "You are my son, and I will always love you, no matter what."Ethan gave her a small reassuring smile, his own emotions still raw but manageable. "I love you too, Mother. Always."Lucia nodded, satisfied with his response. "Good. I will support you in any way I can, but ultimately, the decisions must be yours. You are the future of our family, Ethan. Do not forget that."Lucia sighed, pulling her hand away and straightening her posture with her usual composed and controlled demeanor. "You should get some rest before the meeting," she said, her tone back to its usual coolness. "You'll need to be at your best."Ethan nodded, understanding that the conversation was over. "Yes, Mother. I'll be prepared."Lucia gave him a nod before turning to leave the room. But just as she reached the door, she paused, as if considering something. "Ethan," she began, her voice softer now, "there's something else. It's been a long time since we've spent any time together...just the two of us."Ethan looked at her while slightly surprised by the suggestion. His mother was not one for such soft gestures but he could see longing in her eyes, even if she tried to hide it. "What do you mean, Mother?"Lucia hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I was thinking...perhaps we could share a bath together, like we used to when you were a child. It might help you relax before the meeting."Ethan blinked, she actually did it. He replied with a smile "If that would make you happy, Mother." he replied carefully. " Who might have known that you are actually quite thirsty " Ethan teasedLucia quickly masked it with her usual stoic demeanor. "Yeah I should need water right now, How did you know I was dehydrated," she asked with an obvious tone missing the point, her voice steady once more. "I'll prepare the bath. Meet me in my chambers when you're ready."Ethan deadpanned at her response "Mom, how did you even had sex? Did you even pleasure your- " Ethan tried to ask her a bolder question but before that.As they stood there, a faint knock on the door interrupted their conversation."Excuse me, Madam," came Kimora's voice from outside. "May I come in?"