As Adrian rushed toward me, his face contorted in distress, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Athi, I missed you so terribly!" He enveloped me in a warm hug, his slender frame shaking with sobs.
I reciprocated the embrace, attempting to soothe his distress. "Yeah, I missed you too, Adrian."
Grandpa Kan's gentle voice intervened, "Alright, everyone, let us proceed to the dining room. I have instructed the head maid to prepare the rooms for your stay, as well as baths for those who desire them."
As we entered the dining room, the soft clinking of silverware and the murmur of conversation filled the air. The room was aglow with the warm light of candelabras, casting a golden ambiance over the gathering.
Uncle kyle, seated at the head of the table, inquired, "So, Athanasia, my dear, how is everything faring?"
I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. "Everything is great, Uncle... except for one thing."
Uncle Kyle's curiosity was piqued. "And what might that be, my dear?"
I whispered slowly, "Well, you know how strict Grandpa Kan is... he won't even let me go outside."
Arion, seated across from me, chimed in, his voice firm but measured, "It is for your own good, Athanasia."
Adrian, his brow furrowed in concern, asked, "But why, Arion? Why is not going outside good for Athi?"
Grandpa Kan's expression turned stern, but Adrian continued, his voice laced with determination, "Pardon me, Grandpa Kan, but we want answers, right, Athi?"
I nodded in agreement, my voice firm. "Yeah, we want answers."
Uncle Kyle's expression turned solemn, his voice low and measured. "Well, you know, Athanasia, you are about to become the head of the family. Everyone who is after the duke's seat will try to harm you. That's why it's perilous for you to venture outside."
I nodded thoughtfully, aware of the risks, the soft clinking of silverware against fine china filling the background. "I understand, Uncle, but I can protect myself. I'm quite skilled in swordsmanship, actually."
Arion's voice cut through the air, his tone laced with criticism, the sound of his knife slicing through the steak on his plate echoing through the room. "Even if you excel at swordsmanship, Athanasia, it doesn't guarantee you can anticipate the actions of others. I suppose you take pleasure in seeing everyone worry about you, don't you?"
My face flushed with indignation, the sound of my chair scraping against the floor as I shifted uncomfortably. "What? No, that's not what I meant!"
Uncle Kyle's face darkened, his voice stern, the sound of his fist thudding against the table making everyone jump. "Arion, what are you doing? Apologize to Athanasia at once."
I intervened, seeking to diffuse the tension, my voice calm and measured. "No, Uncle, it's alright. The mood has suddenly turned... unpleasant."
Arion rose from his seat, the sound of his chair scraping against the floor echoing through the room, his expression contrite. "I apologize, and excuse me, please." The sound of his footsteps, firm and deliberate, filled the room as he departed.
"I'll go talk to him," I said, rising from my seat.
"No, Athanasia, there's no need for that. Sit down and eat. Leave him be," Uncle Kyle cautioned.
Adrian chimed in, "Yeah, Athi, just leave bro alone. He's just not in a good mood today."
I nodded, returning to my seat, but my appetite had vanished. The tension lingered, making the meal feel like an eternity.
After dinner, I retreated to my room, seeking solace in a warm bath. As I soaked in the tub, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. Why had Arion been so angry?
After my bath, I slipped into my nightgown, feeling restless. Sleep seemed impossible, so I decided to take a stroll in the garden. The cool night air and the sound of the fountain might help clear my head.
As I walked, I spotted Arion sitting by the fountain, lost in thought. I approached him quietly, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Hey...".
He reacted swiftly, pinning me to the ground with a defensive move. "Ouch! Arion, what are you doing? It's me, Athanasia! Let go, it hurts!".
He released me, helping me to my feet. "I'm sorry. I thought you were... never mind. Are you alright?".
I rubbed my sore arm. "No, I'm not fine at all. You pulled my arm so hard it hurts! Who's the idiot here?".
Arion's serious demeanor cracked, and he chuckled. "Hahahaha... ,I'm sorry ".
I smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "By the way, Arion, why were you so angry earlier?".
He shrugged, his expression turning somber. "It's nothing... I don't know why I was angry. Maybe I just had too much work to do."
I nodded sympathetically. "I can understand that. You're the duke now, and by the way Arion, how old are you now?".
He raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile on his lips. "don't tell ms You're going to count on your fingers, aren't you?".
I grinned mischievously. "One... two... You're 21 ".
He chuckled. "Yeah, I've grown a lot. Last time we saw each other was when I was about to enter the royal academy, right?".
I nodded, his eyes distant, lost in memories.
"Hey, Arion, you're good at swordsmanship, right? Let'sā"
He interrupted me, his tone firm but gentle. "Not now, Athanasia. Let's do it tomorrow. I'm tired. I'm going to sleep, and you should too."
He patted my head, a soft, brotherly gesture, before turning to leave,"good night", yeah "good night".