Gregoria observed Alden with a raised brow and remarked, “The war certainly took an unexpected turn, didn’t it?”
Alden nodded, replying, “Yes, Mother, in ways we could never have seen.”
Just then, Regina stepped forward and hugged Julian in a warm embrace. “You’ve returned safely,” she whispered, relief evident in her voice.
Julian feeling the comfort of his mother’s embrace, allowed himself a moment of calm amidst the whirlwind of recent events.
Eva chuckled and nudged Julian playfully. “Look at you, all heroic and mysterious now,” she teased with a grin.
Eleanor who was standing nearby, couldn’t meet his eyes. Her cheeks were flushed pink as memories of their previous encounter ran through her mind.
Julian’s gaze shifted to Eva’s husband, William. The man was a son of a Count and had striking black hair and dark eyes.
“Good to see you, William,” Julian said.
William bowed in respect and replied, “You too, Your Grace,” but Julian waved it off with a smirk. “Forget the honorifics.”
His eyes then moved to the couple’s daughter, Eliot. She had inherited the best of both her parents; her father’s dark hair and her mother’s striking blue eyes.
Her beauty was undeniable, curvy and graceful, and Julian couldn’t help but notice how she carried herself with the same elegance her mother had.
Julian flashed a playful grin at Eliot, his voice teasing as he said, “You’re as pretty as ever, my niece.”
Eliot rolled her eyes, unimpressed by his comment. “I’m older than you. Stop teasing me,” she retorted.
Julian chuckled as he leaned closer with a hurt expression. “Is that how you talk to your uncle?” he asked, his laughter light and carefree.
The playful exchange between them only added to the light-hearted atmosphere, as Julian enjoyed pushing his niece’s buttons in the best way possible.
“Uncle my ass,” Eliot muttered as she crossed her arms with a defiant look.
Eva who had been watching the exchange, immediately scolded her daughter. “Eliot mind your tongue! You may be older, but he is still your uncle.”
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Julian chuckled at the scene, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “It’s alright, Eva. Eliot is just showing off her maturity,” he teased.
Regina couldn’t help but laugh at the playful exchange between Julian and Eliot. With a warm smile, she turned to her granddaughter and gently said, “Remember, Eliot, respect doesn’t see age.”
Eliot rolled her eyes but eventually gave in with a dramatic sigh. “Fine, Grandma. I will respect him,” she said though the playful defiance in her tone remained.
Regina noticed the shift in Alden’s demeanor. His usual stoic expression was now replaced with something more contemplative.
Sensing his unease, she stepped closer to him, her voice gentle as she asked, “What happened, dear?”
He glanced at her, clearly holding back his thoughts. After a brief pause, he sighed and said, “I’ll tell you later.”
His tone was heavy and Regina didn’t press further, but her eyes remained fixed on him, sensing that something had changed.
Augustus’ booming laugh echoed through the courtyard as he gestured to the arriving family.
“Now now, let my sons and grandson rest! They’ve just arrived after such a long journey,” he said.
Regina smiled warmly at her father-in-law, her expression softening as the weight of the earlier conversation lifted. Even Alden, who had been deep in thought couldn’t help but relax slightly under Augustus’ cheerful nature.
Eleanor, Eva, and Eliot moved aside, letting the family regroup as they made their way into the castle. Their laughter and casual banter filled the air and the tension of recent events faded into the background. Julian retreated to his room after teasing Eliot.
Meanwhile, Regina and Alden made their way to their own room. Regina’s gaze was soft, though a hint of concern flickered in her eyes as she glanced at Alden.
His quiet demeanor had not gone unnoticed, and she could feel the weight of his thoughts pressing on him. She knew her husband well enough to sense that something was bothering him.
As they entered their room, Regina closed the door behind them and turned to Alden with a concerned expression.
“What happened, dear? Why are you so quiet?” she asked.
Alden sighed as he sat down on the edge of the bed. “Our son has changed,” he replied, his tone heavy with uncertainty. “And I don’t know if it’s for better or for worse.”
Regina’s heart raced as she stepped closer to Alden. “What do you mean?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Alden’s expression hardened, the weight of what he had witnessed still weighing heavily on him. “You know, Regina,” he said, “he killed Marcus.” He then recalled all the events to Regina.
Regina’s face went pale as Alden recounted the events. “What…what happened to our son?” she whispered, her voice shaky. “He killed Marcus?” Her breath hitched in her chest as she struggled to process the weight of it all.
Alden nodded solemnly, his own heart heavy with the burden. “He wasn’t just defending himself, Regina. He was… ruthless. He didn’t hesitate. The way he killed Marcus, it was like he had no remorse.”
He paused, “The power he wields now, it’s… it’s terrifying. I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a bad thing. I don’t know where he is heading.”
Regina clutched her chest, her mind racing. “But Julian… he’s our son. We raised him better than this. What could have changed him so much?”
Alden sighed deeply. “I don’t know, but there is something different about him now, Regina. It’s like he isn’t the same boy we raised anymore. He’s powerful, yes, but there’s something darker in him now. And I fear what it might mean for us… for the family.”
Regina gently held his shoulder, “Don’t worry dear, I will talk with him.”
Alden turned to face her, worry etched across his features. “Are you sure, Regina? I… I don’t know if he will listen”
Regina gave him a reassuring smile, though it was tinged with uncertainty. “I am his mother, Alden. I raised him. I know him better than anyone else. I will talk to him, and I’ll make him understand.”
Alden hesitated for a moment, but then nodded. “Just… be careful, Regina.”
“I will,” she replied softly. “But I believe that somewhere deep inside, Julian is still the son we know. I just need to remind him of that.”
She squeezed his shoulder gently, then turned toward the door. “I’ll talk to him now.”
Alden watched her leave, his heart heavy with worry as he silently hoped that she was right.