Questionable

Aldren looked at them with a solemn expression. “I understand your concern for Kael,” he began, his voice calm yet tinged with regret. “And I share it. It pains me as well that she is being forced to obey her mother’s orders. But there may be a way to change her mother’s mind—at least partially.”

Lian and Mira exchanged a glance, hope sparking in their eyes. “What do you mean?” Mira asked carefully.

“I can arrange a meeting with Lady Mael herself,” Aldren explained. “You, Kael’s mother, can meet and present your case. Perhaps, if you speak well, she might reconsider her decisions regarding Kael.”

Lian frowned. “Reconsider? Are you saying she’s flexible?”

Aldren shook his head slightly. “Not easily. Lady Mael is extremely intelligent, sharp, and discerning. She does not make decisions lightly. But curiosity can sometimes soften the most rigid minds. That is the angle we must rely on.”

Aldren went inside the mansion, and came back a few minutes later.

“She wishes to see you immediately." Aldren said. "There is little time to prepare a formal argument, so you will need to improvise. Speak from your hearts, show your intentions clearly, and hope she values honesty over status and pride.”

Lian let out a deep breath, running a hand through his hair. “Improvisation is my middle name… well, not literally. But yeah… sure, let’s do this.”

Aldren led them along a garden path, the gravel crunching beneath their feet. Two tall guards appeared and gestured for them to follow. Lian’s eyes were drawn around him. Gleaming fountains, sculpted statues, and lavish ornaments filled the garden. The shine of gold and marble dazzled him, and he had never seen anything like it before—not even in the richest neighborhoods of his previous life. Mira nudged him gently, sensing his awe.

“Focus,” she whispered.

The guards escorted them through a series of corridors, walls lined with priceless paintings and shelves full of ornate artifacts. Each object seemed to radiate wealth, but Lian kept reminding himself not to stare too long; he didn’t want to look like a thief in someone else’s home.

Finally, they reached the grand salotto. The double doors opened, revealing Lady Mael. She was a woman of a certain age, but she maintained an impeccable elegance. Her hair was perfectly styled, and her posture was rigid yet graceful. Her sharp eyes scanned Lian and Mira with a mixture of curiosity and mild intimidation.

“Good day,” she said smoothly, her voice calm but commanding. “I understand you have concerns regarding my daughter.”

Lian hesitated for only a moment before giving in to his instinct. He quietly focused, activating his mind-reading power, and a wave of thoughts washed over him. I’m curious to know more about these two young people. The girl is beautiful, while the boy’s style of dressing is highly questionable, he sensed clearly in Lady Mael’s mind. He clenched his fists slightly, reminding himself to stay composed—he couldn’t afford to let his irritation show, not here, not now. He decided to not use his power, at least in this mission.

He stood still, forcing himself to remain calm. Mira mirrored his composure, her hands folded neatly in front of her.

Unseen, Kael watched from a slightly ajar door. She had managed to slip quietly into the hall and now peeked in, observing the scene without being noticed. Her sharp eyes followed every subtle gesture.

Lian glanced at Mael, catching a flicker of amusement in her gaze. He could almost imagine what she might be thinking. Perhaps she was sizing them up, questioning their competence, or judging their appearance.

Lady Mael’s eyes flicked briefly to Lian. “The young man seems… oddly dressed,” she remarked, almost to herself. Lian’s cheeks flushed slightly, but he forced a polite bow.

“And you are,” she continued, “accompanied by someone you call… Mira, I believe. You have the courage to stand here, in my home, and speak on behalf of someone who has made a choice I expect her to follow.”

Mira stepped forward, voice firm but respectful. “Lady Mael, we care about Kael. She is not acting recklessly. She has a sense of duty, bravery, and loyalty that is rare. Please… allow her to choose her own path.”

Mael’s sharp eyes lingered on her, and for a brief moment, Lian thought he saw a spark of intrigue, a crack in the carefully constructed wall she presented to the world.

Kael, from her hiding place, bit her lip. She felt the weight of the situation pressing on her. She wanted to rush in, to argue, but she also knew that staying hidden allowed them to have their chance at negotiation.

Aldren’s voice broke the silence. “Lady Mael, they wish no disrespect. They simply care for Kael’s well-being and wish to ensure her choices do not lead to unnecessary hardship.”

Lian shifted slightly, trying to appear confident while keeping his mind focused. He could feel the tension in the room, the weight of centuries of family power and expectation pressing down like a physical force.

Lady Mael’s gaze swept over them both again, thoughtful and appraising. She did not smile, but her curiosity seemed genuine now. The faintest lift at the corners of her lips suggested amusement—or perhaps intrigue. 

Kael’s eyes softened as she observed them. For the first time, she felt a sense of trust—silent, fragile, but present. These two companions of hers were willing to face her family’s formidable presence without hesitation, risking the unknown, to try and bring her back.

The moment hung in the room, heavy with expectation. Lian exhaled slowly, reminding himself that this was just the beginning.

Mira gave him a small, almost imperceptible nod. “We can do this,” she whispered. Lian nodded back, drawing strength from her confidence.

And so, the three—though Kael still unseen—stood on the edge of an uncertain confrontation, ready to speak for Kael, and hoping that courage, sincerity, and careful observation would be enough to sway Lady Mael, even for a moment.