The Heirs: The Silver Knight

Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Aleks

I leave Imogen with my sister for the day, giving them time to catch up.

I'm working with Dad today and I can't stop smiling like a fool as I continuously check my phone for updates from Imogen.

"How's my moonlight?" Dad asks, smirking knowingly at me from where he sits opposite me at his desk.

"Good," I clear my throat.

Dad stares at me a long moment. "Anything you want to talk about?"

"Anything you want to talk about?" I repeat his question back to him, knowing he's itching to ask me more about Imogen.

Dad leans back, grinning.

"You're in love. Call me curious."

I roll my eyes. "It's...we're...figuring things out."

"I've never seen you speechless," Dad's smile grows.

"Stop," I roll my eyes.

"And the way you two were smiling at each other..." Dad shakes his head. "I like how happy she makes you."

"She does. She makes me happy," I admit.

Dad's smile turns wistful. "Can I ask you something, son?"

I nod, knowing he will ask me whatever he wants with or without my permission.

"Is this what you want?"

I frown. "What do you mean?"

"This," he opens his hands a bit, indicating to his office, "I know you've always had expectations set upon you, mostly by your grandfather...and I'm at fault too. But is it really what you want?"

"Of course it is," I shake my head at him, shocked he'd even ask me that.

"Hmm," Dad nods. "You're a good leader. You'll be a great Pakhan."

"Dad..."

"But," he holds up a hand, "It's not everything. Your happiness, your well-being, it means more to me." He pauses, taking a deep breath. "I know about the panic attacks. And I know you hate talking about them. I also know you're putting way too much on yourself at all times. It's your nature. You're like your mother that way."

"I've been doing better," I admit.

"Promise me something," he says. I nod. "Promise me that if it's ever too much. If it ever becomes too loud...that you'll talk to me. Or mom. Or someone who loves you. I know you'll be an amazing leader, son. But I'd rather leave it all behind than see you hurt."

"I promise, and I promise this is what I want," I tell him. "I really do feel better lately."

Dad's face softens. "I wonder why..."

I run a nervous hand through my hair. "I do love her."

"I know," he nods.

"I want to give her the space she needs."

"And her flying to Moscow...seems to be her response to that." He stands up, straightens his jacket, then turns to me, putting a hand on my shoulder. "I love you, son. Please let yourself be happy. You're not alone. You've never been alone. It's okay to let people in. You're loveable just as you are."