Own Time

Chapter 16

Aidan's POV

"Young master, it's time to wake up," I heard Crade's voice say, causing me to scrunch my eyes before opening them. To my surprise, all the attendants were staring at me.

"Ahh!" I exclaimed, sitting up abruptly. "Why are you all here?!" I asked, clutching my chest.

"I'm sorry, young master, we deserve to die," they all chorused, dropping to their knees and lowering their heads. I sighed and rubbed my head.

"You're overreacting again. Please stand up; it looks like I'm mistreating you," I said as I got out of bed. They all stood but kept their heads lowered. Crade approached me.

"We apologize for your discomfort. We'll try not to do it again," he said with an awkward smile.

"Just remember, every life matters. Making a mistake doesn't mean you need to die," I replied, smiling warmly at them all. I resolved not to be like those who were supposed to care for me but did the exact opposite. I would treat the people who worked for me far better.

"That's good to hear. Even though I said you and your mother are quite similar, when it comes to treating people, you're completely different. It's a relief; it has made us suffer less," he said with a genuine smile, and all the other attendants nodded in agreement.

I laughed awkwardly at his compliment. Speaking of my mother, I looked around and didn't see her. I thought she had been with me all night, or was that just a dream since I had passed out from using too much energy?

"Crade, were you the one who brought me to bed last night?" I asked him. He tilted his head and smiled.

"No, young master. We went to bed after guiding you to your mother's office," he replied as he walked past me, readying my clothes while the other attendants prepared my bath.

"Then, who brought me here?" I asked, following him. He turned around and arranged my clothes on the table.

"I believe it was the Lady herself. Just a while ago, as we were heading to your room, we saw her coming out. She didn't even look at us as she passed by and went away," he said. He then picked me up and carried me to the bathroom, placing me in the bathing tub.

So it wasn't a dream. She did stay with me last night. I was holding her hand tightly, not wanting her to leave. I even remember her warm smile, which made me feel so comfortable and safe.

"I see. Is she going to join me for breakfast?" I asked while Crade helped me bathe, even though I could do it myself.

"I think so, young master. Even when she works late, your mother never wants to miss eating with you," he said, making me smile. I also needed to talk to her. I had so many questions about my mahika since I had awakened it. I'll ask her during breakfast.

..............

I was now sitting in the dining room, waiting for my mother to join me. Griza had said she'd be on her way soon; she just needed to take care of something.

"Young master, I think you should have a few bites. I don't think the Lady would mind," she said as she approached me.

"No, I'll wait for her. You said she wouldn't take long," I replied, staring at the door, waiting for her.

"Listen to Griza; she knows better," I heard my mother's voice say, and I was surprised to see her enter through the window. "You just awakened. You need to gather your energy. I don't want an heir who always faints," she said, taking off her black coat and handing it over to Vel. The attendants started whispering, likely just realizing that I had awakened my mahika.