The Marquess had a very bad habit of shutting himself off when he encountered a problem. And that was exactly what he did this time too. He couldn't get any work done. He paced from one end of the room to the other to no end. He heard some sounds and decided to look out the window.
The swing his wife used was in clear view from his window. Sometimes he'd look out there and smile, she would wave back with both her hands. Her pink hair would flutter in the wind like it was dancing.
The same pink hair fluttered in the wind again. It was his daughter's instead.
When he talked to Alaric, he didn't know how to face his children. He stayed locked in his study since the talk, he even slept there.
The sun shone brightly on the kids, Aaron had the biggest smile on his face as he indulged himself with delicious treats. Alaric pushed Adeline, he didn't know what his son said, but Adeline couldn't stop laughing.
'I lost a lot of time with them. I shouldn't lose any more out of fear."
He firmly decided that he wasn't going to hide anymore. He freshened up immediately and went down to the garden. There was still a bit of hesitation on his part but once he stepped outside it felt like a different world. It wasn't cold or dark like he imagined it to be.
"Dad?" Adeline almost shouted after seeing him walk towards them. He was dressed more casually, he looked more like a father than a Marquess.
The momentum of the swing made her move back as it did, Alaric was supposed to push her but he was so surprised he forgot to catch her. He just let himself be hit.
"Ah!"
He fell straight on his butt, and though it hurt, his surprise was the only emotion he could show. Aaron on the other hand was so focused on the pastries he didn't notice his father coming towards them until he heard his brother's yelp.
The piece of pastry almost dropped from his hand when he saw his father smiling. Just what was happening?!
"F- Father?" Aaron mustered with his mouth full of sweets.
Ignoring Aaron, he quickly helped up Alaric.
Adeline was too small to be able to stop the swing so she could only helplessly wait for help. Seeing that she was swinging back again she yelled, "Dad!"
In an instant, she found herself in his arms.
"I've got you."
Such comforting words made her smile. She looked up and pleaded, "Please stay with us."
Although she meant for him to stay for the picnic, he interpreted it in another way.
"I promise I won't leave you."
The butler who helped his master freshen up snuck a peak. He couldn't help but feel delighted to see them getting along. He was a person the late Duchess brought in from her home.
He had seen her grow up to be a wonderful lady, become a beautiful bride, a caring mother... It devastated him when she passed away. He could see her in Adeline, she was definitely his favourite.
The manor wasn't the same when she passed away, but seeing them together brought back those happy memories. He wished this joy would last.
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*shhhh*
The sound of the whip echoed through the empty room.
"Just twenty more, dear."
Although the Empress's voice sounded delicate her expression was cold. She watched as her trusted servant whipped the back of her son. This wouldn't have happened if he had followed her orders. It did cause her a little pain to see him whipped, well, next time he won't disobey her.
After the whip marked his body for the last time she rushed to hug Cassian who almost lost his balance.
"Sorry, dear. It had to be done. Mother is sorry."
His lifeless eyes couldn't even shed a tear. He stared blankly into the mirror, in its reflection he saw his mother wiping the blood off his back.
"It hurts me more than it hurts you. Promise me you will do as I say from now on."
He nodded lightly, he tried his best not to flinch whenever his mother touched his back.
"It's all for your own good, Cassian. Mother is doing this all for you."
She held a twisted love for her son. He was her pawn, he was also her everything. He was her key to power and freedom, she would never let him act on his own, she couldn't afford it. If he doesn't fit the standard she will personally shave off his imperfections to make sure he is perfect.
Once his wounds were dressed she immediately started planning her next move. He was still young and his power hadn't manifested yet. That timid second prince was showing signs of awakening and she couldn't have that happening.
By hook or by crook she will make sure Cassian awakens his powers. But first, she had to deal with the issue he caused. The Northern Duchy has refused all letters and had been closed off, she was sure it was because of Cassian's rude behaviour.
The Northern Duke wasn't the kind to hold a grudge against a child, the Empress wasn't in her right mind to have rational thoughts though.
She couldn't afford to alienate another power. She placed her hand firmly on his shoulder and ordered him to write a letter to Adeline Kendrick. She made sure to stamp it with her seal so they know it was an order.
'No matter what it costs, he will be the Emperor.'