Angelus Carduus

Chapter 26: Respect Is Gained Mutually

Valeria fluttered her eyes open, realising she had fallen asleep while working in her office. She slowly sat upright and yawned.

"A dream.." she softly uttered to herself, trying to keep the dream fresh in her mind before it disappeared.

Though some parts were gone from her mind, she could still somewhat remember the main points of the dream she had.

Valeria sighed, rubbing the sides of her forehead. She should have declined them from coming to the duchy. Now she was gonna have to deal with annoying people.

"I have to prepare."

Another sigh slipped out of her lips as she returned back to the documents spread around her.

The day where her parents will arrive, soon came by fast. Aelius and her were now standing outside waiting for her parents to greet them a welcome.

A fancy looking carriage came inside the duchy and stopped. The coachman got down from his seat and opened the door.

A middle aged couple stepped out of the carriage. They both had the same coloured hair as Valeria. Her father had sapphire eyes while her mother had jade green eyes.

Valeria had to admit though they weren't young anymore, the couple still looked stunning. She knew where her looks came from now.

"Father-in-law. Mother-in-law. Welcome to the duchy." Aelius spoke, showing them a brief smile.

"Thank you for having us and letting us stay here for a few days." her father spoke, sending a smile back.

Earl Felix Quintus and Countess Julia Quintus were her parent's names. Valeria looked at them for a short while before looking away.

Her chest tightened up and her stomach began to feel uncomfortable. She wondered if this was the previous Valeria telling her to be alert with them.

Vincent brought her parents to where they were going to stay for the next few days. Aelius turned to Valeria who had been quiet the entire time.

"Wife-"

"Shall we head inside?" Valeria spoke first, bringing her gaze up to Aelius.

Aelius paused before nodding to her words. She turned and headed inside first with Aelius following behind her.

"Your Grace, Earl and Countess Quintus requested to see you." Myra quietly spoke to her.

Valeria had a dark look on her face before replying to Myra, "Tell them to wait. I will be there later."

"Yes Your Grace." Myra bowed and left, heading to the waiting room where her parents were waiting.

Valeria could feel her head beginning to buzz but chose to ignore it.

'It will be fine. They are my parents so I should show respect.'

Valeria took her time, dragging her feet over to the waiting room where they were in. She stood outside the door, stalling some time before walking in.

Felix and Julia Quintus turned to the door but they never got up.

"Hello dear, how have you been?" her mother, Julia asked with a smile.

Valeria stared at her without a word before nodding.

"Fine."

Julia lightly laughed, her hand covering her lips, "As usual, very little words from you."

"Why did you want to see me?" Valeria asked bluntly.

She didn't feel like beating around the bush. She could somewhat tell they came here for a reason and it is not just to see her.