Jolyn's Pov
Three months of rigorous training had left me sore and exhausted, but today Lucious had postponed our session.
He mentioned needing something special, though he didn't elaborate, and I didn't bother to ask. My father knew more about it, but he kept it from me. I respected that—if it was personal for Lucious, I wouldn't pry. I understood the need for privacy, as I valued my own.
"What are you thinking about, Jolyn?" My mother's voice brought me back to reality.
I shook my head, smiling faintly. "Nothing much. I was just admiring your painting skills." It was true—her talent fascinated me. I lacked that skill entirely.
She set her brush down and regarded me with a warm smile.
"Would you like to try painting yourself? I can arrange for a mentor if you're interested."
The thought of having another mentor like Lucious made me shudder. The idea of enduring more harsh training was unappealing.
"You haven't said anything, so I'm guessing you're not interested?" my mother inquired, noting my hesitation.
"Well, not exactly…" I rubbed my neck, struggling to explain my apprehension.
She paused, then seemed to understand. "Is this about Lucious?"
I scrambled for a response. "Uh, no?" My answer sounded uncertain.
"Then what's the real reason?"
"Did you read my mind or something?" I asked, half-joking.
She laughed softly and moved closer. "I don't have any special powers, dear."
"So how did you know what I was thinking?" I pressed.
"It's all in your reactions. You wear your emotions quite openly."
Could it be that Lucious was right about me being weak because of my emotions? Was that how people read me?
"How did you figure me out?"
She gave me a gentle smile. "I can see it in your eyes. If you want to be someone who can mask their emotions, you need to learn to control them."
It seemed that my eyes betrayed my feelings. My mother continued talking about finding me a mentor for my artistic interests, but I had another matter on my mind.
"I've been thinking about my studies," I said, hesitant.
"Studies?" she asked, surprised.
"Yes. I'm planning to enroll in school for the upcoming year," I confessed.
She was quiet for a moment, then looked back at me with a thoughtful expression. "If that's what you want."
I felt a surge of joy as I hugged her tightly. This was a dream come true for me—attending a respected university had always been my goal.
"Thank you, Mom. This means so much to me," I said, looking into her eyes. Was this what she meant about emotions being visible in the eyes? I saw her happiness for me without words.
"It means you'd be moving to the city, right? We have a business there," she said, recalling what my father had told me.
"Yes, I remember. If you want me there, I'll be ready," I assured her.
Her smile deepened, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. It seemed she was reflecting on the times I'd been away.
"You look a bit sad," I observed.
She shook her head. "No, I'm just proud of you. You're growing up and making decisions that are right for you."
Her words touched me deeply. My eyes welled up, but I held back the tears.
"You're making me emotional," I said, causing us both to laugh.
Every day since I arrived here had been a whirlwind. The dreams I'd cherished were becoming reality, and I was determined to make the most of them.
"When do you want to start your studies?"
I thought for a moment. "The day after tomorrow?"
My mother nodded. "Alright. I'll arrange everything you'll need."
"Thankyou mom."
---
I was at a seven start Hotel, father had thrown a dinner party for me. However, I wasn't in the midst of the guests that were partying. Lucious and I had retreated to the rooftop.
We were sitting on the edge of the building, our gaze fixed on the luminous moon.
"So, what's your plan after the dinner?" Lucious asked, breaking the silence.
"Nothing much," I replied, feeling a bit aimless. I hadn't decided on any plans.
"Would you like to join me for a walk?"
I hesitated.
"I was thinking of going to the park. It's quiet there at night, and it helps me clear my mind."
His suggestion was tempting. I enjoyed solitude or the company of those I felt comfortable with, and though Lucious and I were still figuring out our dynamic, I didn't mind his presence. It was an opportunity to relax away from the crowd.
"What do you think?" Lucious pressed.
"Sure, but…" I paused and turned to face him. "You need to make sure you get me home afterward," I added.
He chuckled and looked away, his profile illuminated by the moonlight. The light seemed to highlight his features, making him look even more appealing. My heart skipped a beat, and I couldn't ignore the feelings stirring inside me. I hoped I could handle this new emotional landscape without repeating past heartbreaks.
"Is something funny?" I asked, turning my gaze back to the moon.
"No, it's just that I didn't expect you to agree," he said with a hint of amusement.
"Well, I did want to go to the park. Is that a problem?" I asked.
He fell silent, and I returned my attention to the moon, lost in memories of my friend Alice. During full moons, we used to visit the river and make wishes to the moon goddess. I missed those times and hoped to reunite with Alice when I moved to the city.
Minutes later, a voice called out to us. It wasn't familiar, so I turned to see who it was. A tall man approached, and I noticed a striking resemblance to Lucious.
"That's my father," Lucious whispered.
Ah, that explained the similarity. His father looked distinguished and brave, though I hadn't seen him before, perhaps not at my eighteenth birthday celebration.
Lucious stood up and extended his hand to help me rise. We walked toward his father.
"Princess, you look beautiful this evening," his father said, taking my hand and kissing it. I glanced at Lucious, unsure of how to respond.
"Nice to meet you," I said politely.
"Are my parents here?" I asked.
"Yes, they're with me. Shall we go?" His father's demeanor was warm and courteous.
I remembered how polite Lucious had been at my party, though his behavior had taken a sharp turn since then. I hoped his father was different. As we entered the elevator, Lucious placed a supportive hand around my waist.
"How has my son treated you?" His father finally inquired.
I looked up at Lucious and smiled before replying, "Not well." It was the honest truth.
Lucious smirked. "I've been fair to her, though she doesn't seem to appreciate it."
His father's teasing voice carried a light tone. "Seems like there's some tension between you two. Anything we should know?"
Just then, the elevator doors opened. Lucious's father stepped out first, and I noticed he hadn't introduced himself properly. Even Lucious had been vague about his family, so I was curious to learn more.
We reached the dinner venue, where soft violin music filled the air. The room was intimate, with only my parents, Lucious's father, Lucious, and me present. I moved to my parents and embraced them warmly.
They engaged in light conversation, and I only caught fragments of it until my mother brought up my plans to enroll in school. I glanced at Lucious, hoping to gauge his reaction, but he seemed preoccupied with his meal.
He didn't seem interested.
"So, when will you move to the city?" Lucious's father asked.
I took a sip of water before answering. "The day after tomorrow."
"That's excellent, isn't it, Lucious?" His father's tone was hopeful.
Lucious remained silent.
"Is something wrong?" I asked, puzzled.
"Nothing, dear. Lucious will be attending the same university, so he'll be there with you throughout the school year," my father explained.
"Oh," I replied, understanding the implication.
"That's reassuring. At least you'll be in good hands," my mother added, squeezing my hand.
"I'll manage on my own," I insisted.
Lucious's shoulders shook slightly, a sign that he was laughing at my claim.
"Is there something amusing, Lucious?" I asked, trying to maintain composure.
All eyes turned to Lucious as he set aside his utensils and picked up a napkin. He met my gaze.
"Sure, you can handle yourself," he said, not sounding entirely convinced.
I chose not to respond immediately and focused on my meal instead. I planned to address this with him later. He had no right to underestimate me. He was strong, but I was determined to prove that I could handle myself when necessary.