Flower

Chapter - 29

(ICARUS'S POV)

What does Caius desire? Is it money, power or something entirely different? The House of Atticus has been the Empire's greatest ally so far, putting them on the pedestal second to only the royal family.

Does he wish to seize the throne? I summon Damien to discuss this further. He appears in a matter of minutes and asks, “How may I assist you?”

I look up at him with a serious look and extend the paper to him, “Try to find out about the Atticus Family’s movements 10 years ago. More specifically, look into the past of…Caius Von Atticus…”

“Very well, but may I know how you got this information?” He looks at me cautiously and I sigh, “There's no point lying to you. Lady Atticus saw the letters and recognized the seal. She wishes to protect herself and her child if he really committed treason.”

Listening to my words, he nods and speaks up, “I understand. If this comes to light, people might demand the execution of the Atticus family. But by assisting the investigation, she's creating a scope out for herself,” he takes a deep breath, “I admire her strength and determination. I shall go and investigate the suspect,” he bows respectfully and leaves through the backdoor.

I take care of my other duties till the sun starts setting and decide to go visit mother. I find her sipping tea in the gazebo and sit down beside her. She looks up at me and smiles, “You finally made some time for your Mother.”

“I always try to make time for you. But there have been some things I'm having to take care of by myself,” I look at her sadly, “I'll spend more time with you once I catch the one who separated me from you for 10 years.”

“My sweet child, are you overworking yourself?” She caresses my cheek adoringly, just like she used to when I was a small child. “After all this, I want to see you get married and give me beautiful grandchildren,” she giggles, teasing me.

I shrug my shoulders, my gaze flickering to the dawning sun, “Perhaps I will…” I mumble smiling.

“Oh my, do you have a lady you adore?” She asks, noticing my smile. “I see the shine in your eyes. You look like your Father when we were newlyweds,” she says in a nostalgic tone.

“Mother,” I grumble, feeling embarrassed. She giggles seeing my ears turning red. “So who's the lucky lady?” Her eyes are gleaming with joy.

“You'll find out soon enough,” I turned away from her. I need to respect Lily's wishes and wait for her.

“Very well, I hope it's someone who'll be a good fit to be the next Empress,” she pats my shoulder.

We share some more pleasantries afterwards and eventually head to our respective quarters.

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(RAYA'S POV)

The night keeps getting darker, yet I cannot sleep. The fear of what I might have to go through if he ever finds out disturbs me to no avail.

I take a deep breath and get up, heading to the balcony for some fresh air. But as I was sitting in a chair, my eyes fell on the scene below. I notice two people talking.

After squinting my eyes enough, I recognize one to be the Lord. But the other man's physique is not recognizable. I bend down to the height of the railing so as to not get spotted.

They seem to be talking in a low voice. The man turns away to leave after about ten minutes. Just when he was going through the gate, the lamp illuminated him for a brief moment. I notice him wearing a fur coat.

Fur coats are not worn around here. I've only ever seen foreigners wearing them. Could that man be a foreigner?

As I was lost in my thoughts, Eryx stirs awake and starts crying. I approach his crib and pick him up. He settles down once I give him milk, suckling on my nipple as his head rests in my arms.

I look down at his sleeping face. Am I doing the right thing? My choices might lead to him losing his father. I might be acting selfish, but this is the only way I can ensure Eryx's safety.

The empire doesn't treat traitors with sympathy. More often than not, they'd execute each and every one of the traitor's immediate family. Eryx and I would be considered immediate family. His crimes are against the Royal Family, which might result in him receiving the highest grade capital punishment.

My thoughts roam back to the Crown Prince's words. He said he'd accept Eryx, but will it be fine? How will the Emperor and Empress react?

I shake my head to get out of the thought bubble. My heart flutters whenever I'm near him. His soft touch makes me feel so secure, I feel like melting in his arms.

I once heard something,

“Love is the gentle hand that lifts us up when we can't stand on our own.”

Could he be my hope? My helping hand?

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