The Academy - Book One (Published)

Chapter Forty One

Chapter Forty One

Ah'Taria Same Time

Lucas stared blankly as he listened to Madam Octavos talk about the plight of the people on Dayum; he'd given up listening at these events all they really wanted were his royals and to say he'd come.  After giving her the customary 15 minutes he nodded politely and left her circle not caring that she was still talking.

"Lucas, your wife is positively glowing."

Lucas turned to stare at Maxim Maddox and pulled his lips back, "I'm sure she'd like to hear that herself."  Looking around he scanned the room for her, when he saw her strawberry blonde hair bobbing up and down he walked toward her ignoring the man.

Maxim Maddox heard a chuckle and turned to see Jacob staring at him with sympathy. "Did I say something wrong," he asked as he sipped his champagne.

Cocking an eyebrow at him, Jacob waved the server on with the champagne. "Have you been living under a rock for the past 5 or 6 months Maxim?"  When Maxim frowned puzzled by the question Jacob sighed, "So you're just a moron with a death wish?"

Maxim coughed on his wine, "I had heard he was past looking for his paramour and ass-"

Jacob smirked, "You assume too much."  Bumping his shoulder as he walked pass him warning him coldly, "Don't ever make assumptions they could cost you dearly."

Maxim paled as he quickly scurried away to tell anyone who would listen that Lucas wasn't over his paramour.  That night Maxim committed suicide.

Jacob ran his eyes over Patricia's 21 week pregnant body and frowned.  She definitely didn't glow, pregnancy didn't suit her at all.   He thought Lucas was going to join her but he walked past her toward their mother's.  Frowning he hurried to join him, hoping his mother wouldn't make matters any worse.

Nodding as he approached Lucas kissed Acadia's cheek, when his mother position her cheek for a kiss he just stared at her blankly. Turning to Acadia he fixed a smiled onto his face, "You look wonderful, auntie!" he said warmly.  Turning to his mother his voice chilled, "Mother, you look dressed this evening." 

Celeste flinched visibly as she stared at her handsome son, two months ago when she'd told him to place his name and status above all else, he'd never been the same.  He'd never been a normal child and fulfilled his duties but his cold and distant personality toward everyone, but Jacob, had started to be whispered about.  He'd crushed an uprising on Rax by scorching the ground killing everyone and the counsel were now loath to send him to deal with small issues.

"Lucas, I'm happy you were able to come this evening."  She waited for him to acknowledge her before she continued, "Your father and the council wish you would make more of an effort though to seem like you want to be here."

"No," the ice in his voice sent shivers up Celeste spine as she stared into his midnight blue eyes with the ring of silver ice.

"You have to think of your position-"

"Celeste, please shut up before this whole house and all its occupants come up missing."  Acadia was staring at her with a smile but her eyes flashed with annoyance.

"I think I will take my leave now," Lucas continued icily, nodding to his mother, he kissed Acadia on the cheek again.  Walking toward his wife he whispered a few words into her ear that caused her to pout.  Staring toward Jacob he gave him the cue that it was time to go.  

Jacob nodded to his mother, "I'll see you at home." Gazing at Celeste he smiled before drawling, "If you even remotely value your life I'd stop reminding him that you are the one that pissed him off."   When he saw Celeste was going to argue he continued, "I think you and his wife have a lot in common, Celeste.  Neither of you know how to read the situation," smiling wider he added, "But at least you have some intelligence."  With that he walked away leaving Celeste chewing on her button lip.