Own Time

Chapter 37

Aditya's POV

We entered the grand ballroom as if nothing had happened, my son is resting in my arms. The room fell silent, eyes following our every step, but I met their gazes with a sharp glare. I was in no mood for pleasantries after what had just occurred, but I refused to let it taint his celebration or disrupt his plans, so I kept my composure for now.

Rowan approached us, his expression were full curiosity.

"Glad you found him. What happened—"

"We'll discuss this later. Don't ruin the moment," I interrupted, my voice were firm.

"Understood. Well then, young master, there are still many kwaris here. Why not greet them?" Rowan suggested, glancing down at Aidan, who looked up at me, seeking permission.

"Go on, but be careful," I said softly, lowering him to the ground. My gaze shifted to Crade, Griza, and Vel. "The three of you, stay with him. If anything goes wrong again, I will burn this ballroom to the ground. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Master," they bowed in unison before moving to my son's side.

"Mother, I'm sorry about what happened earlier—"

"There's no need for that," I said gently, kneeling down to his level and placing a hand on his shoulder. "Enjoy your day, don't let what happened spoil it. If you're worried that I'm angry or disappointed in you, the answer is no. You just need to be more careful." My voice was as calm and measured as I could manage.

"Thank you, Mother." He wrapped his arms around me, and I embraced him in return. When we finally parted, I stood and ruffled his hair lightly.

"Go on, now," I said, watching as he and the others made their way through the ballroom.

My eyes lingered on Aidan as he began to converse with the other kwaris, but soon I felt a gaze on me from the side. Without turning, I spoke coldly.

"I'll gouge that eye out if you don't stop staring at me with that ridiculous expression," I muttered to Rowan, not even bothering to glance his way.

"You've really changed since that boy came into your life," Rowan remarked with a smug grin. "It's quite something, seeing you this gentle for once, instead of that usual 'I don't care' expression you always give us."

"Yeah, yeah, just be grateful," I replied, brushing off his comment, not in the mood for idle banter.

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

The celebration had been a success. My son had managed to speak with all the kwaris present, and while some offered favorable responses, the rest were nothing more than pawns still loyal to the Supreme Family. Nevertheless, progress was made.

As we walked down the quiet hallway, my son rested in my arms, the last of the kwaris having departed.

"Is everyone there already?" I asked Vel, who walked behind me with Rowan beside him.

"Are we (yawn) going to discuss (yawn) what happened earlier?" Aidan mumbled sleepily, his head resting on my shoulder.

"We are," I replied, glancing at him. "But since you're yawning and clearly exhausted, I think it's best you rest for now."

He quickly lifted his head, his eyes wide with protest.

"But—"

"No buts—you're still a kid, and you can't push yourself like this just because you want to," I said firmly but gently. "I'll tell you everything we discuss tomorrow. For now, you need to rest." He didn't argue further, simply falling silent and resting his head against my shoulder again.