Chapter 220: Releasing The Lanterns
The next day, everything went fine within the royal Palace, and although Agathe’s absence was felt, so was their disappointment regarding her atrocious behavior last night. The guests within the Palace had secretly gossiped about it, even the Courtiers did not keep quiet about the matter– she was labeled a ’two-faced’ slum, and most of them were happy to know that her children did not turn out like her, and eventually, when they were done spouting out their inner thoughts, everyone had to move on with their own businesses.
Madeline had aided Samantha with the threading of the vines in the courtyard, because for some reason, she was unable to control the size of her vines, and each time they slithered her way, they hoisted her up in the air, but not threateningly. Madeline chuckled at the amicable bond between Samantha and her playful vines, but what shocked her was the current size.
The once thin vines could be compared to the size of a man’s arm, and that was something Madeline never experienced, even as a Fae who can bend nature as she pleased.
Alain, who had been adorable enough to lend a helping hand to his Mother, returned to the spacious courtyard. He handed his Mother the book and feathered pen she had requested he go bring for her.
"Do you know what you’re going to do for mama?" She crouched down to her son’s level and placed a kiss at the top of his head. "You are going to go and sit at that bench like a good little boy till I call for you. When I’m done, we’ll have your favorite afternoon snacks, and then, you must study, but only if you behave. Shall we cross it?" Madeline let out her pinky for Alain, and the boy didn’t hesitate to join their pinky fingers together.
"But I don’t want to study." Alain murmured his disagreement on that particular option. He pouted his small mouth and let his eyes droop to the floor, and Madeline had guessed much that her son was being helpful for a reason. After Cassian returned from Fernwood, he had gotten his hands on some books that were fit for Alain to use and study. Since they weren’t in Carmarthen, Cassian didn’t see it as an excuse for his son not to study while they were here, and that was something her mischievous son disliked.
Studying.
Cassian would tutor him before bed and give him assignments in the day, another reason why his mischievous galavanting around the Palace had reduced. In Carmarthen, her son did not have this free time to run about since being the Duke’s son had given him much attention, they had a reputation to maintain, but here, where no one knows them, he could be his free wild self, and that was stress to both parents.
"How about this," not liking how her son’s mood had dampened, she placed her palms on his chubby cheeks so he could meet her eyes. "Finish your assignments first, and I will talk to your Father to spare you for tonight. Hmm? But you must behave till then, or I won’t speak to him for you."