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Adeline and Alexander's Argument

"Alexander, do you truly believe it wise to educate Cecelia's son as we do Andrew?"

"We must be prepared for any possibility.”

"We will watch both boys closely and guide their progress."

I sighed, my apprehension weighing on me.

"I urge you to reconsider.”

“I do not believe this is the best path."

His eyes narrowed, a glint of irritation flickering in their depths.

"Adeline, are you questioning my judgment?"

"No," I replied quickly, lowering my gaze.

"I would never dare to challenge your wisdom.”

“I worry for Andrew"

Alexander’s expression softened, but his resolve remained unshaken.

"I am determined to secure our son's place as the future ruler of this kingdom, ensuring a prosperous future for our realm.”

“Nothing will stand in the way of that."

I swallowed hard, choosing my words carefully.

"My concern is not just for the kingdom, Alexander.”

“Cecelia is clever and deceitful.”

“Her influence over her son could be dangerous."

He scoffed, dismissing my fear with a wave of his hand.

"My devotion is to you, Adeline.”

“Cecelia is no threat.”

“I have already arranged a suitable marriage for her."

His declaration did little to ease the knot in my stomach.

"I hope you are right," I whispered, but the doubt lingered.

"Can we trust Matthew?"

"Matthew handles Cecelia under my command.”

“I have given him the authority to deal with her as he sees fit."

Alexander’s voice was cold, but I caught a fleeting shadow of concern crossed his face.

"You told me you have never known Matthew to be harsh with a woman.”

"He has always shown a certain tenderness.”

“A trait Cecelia does not recognize."

He glanced at me, his brow furrowed. An uneasy silence settled between us, the weight of unspoken fears and lingering tensions pressing in from all sides. I softened my tone, stepping closer to him.

"I am sorry if I caused you distress.”

“I only want to protect our family."

"You have not," Alexander said quietly, taking my hand.

"I only wish to do what is best for our children.”

“For our future."

The intensity of his gaze drew me in, and for a moment, I felt a crack in the wall that had grown between us. My fingers brushed his cheek, a silent apology for the disagreement.

"We both want the same thing.”

"For our children to grow up strong and wise."

He nodded, his hand covering mine.

"They will.”

“Together, we will ensure they inherit more than just power.”

A soft smile touched my lips, and we stood there, our foreheads resting gently against one another in a wordless vow of unity.

"Hand in hand, we will forge a destiny where love and empathy reign supreme."

The night air was cool as we stepped onto the balcony, our fingers intertwined. The stars above shimmered like scattered diamonds, their light casting a soft glow over the distant village. The world felt peaceful, even if only for this moment.

"This view is breathtaking?"

"It is.”

"Nothing compares to being here with you."

A smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He reached for my hand, his touch gentle yet strong.

"With you, everything else fades away.”

“It is just us, and the world stops."

I leaned into him, savoring the warmth of his presence.

"You always make things feel magical, Alexander.”

“I have never felt more alive than when I am with you."

Our gazes locked, the tension between us dissolving as he slowly leaned in. His lips brushed mine in a tender kiss, and for a moment, time stood still. My heartbeat in sync with his, the world fading around us as we melted into each other.

The peace was fleeting. My eyes wandered over the garden. I caught sight of Cecelia, seated alone on a bench. Her hands clenched tightly in her lap. She looked uncharacteristically fragile, her usual composure shattered. Alexander’s gaze followed mine, landing briefly on Cecelia before returning to me.

"I need to speak with Matthew."

I nodded in understanding, though a sense of unease crept in. His lips brushed mine once more, and then he was gone, leaving me alone in the cold night air. I quickly shut the balcony door and retreated to the solace of my chambers.

Despite my exhaustion, sleep refused to come. My mind raced with thoughts of the future. Of Cecelia, of our children, of the kingdom. I could not shake the lingering tension of our argument, nor the worry that clung to me like a shadow. A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts.

"Enter," I called, my voice betraying none of the anxiety that churned within me.

The door creaked open, and Andrew's nursemaid stepped inside.

"How is Andrew?"

"He is well, my lady," she replied, though something in her tone gave me pause.

"Is there something else?"

She hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"It would benefit Andrew greatly if you and Lord Alexander were present more often, my lady."

Her suggestion caught me off guard. I furrowed my brow, considering her words carefully.

"I will take that into account."

She bowed respectfully and left me to my thoughts once more. Alone in the quiet of the room, I could not ignore the growing sense that our presence was needed more than ever. The kingdom’s future, and our children's, depended on the choices we made now. Hours passed before Alexander returned, his steps heavy with exhaustion. The scent of alcohol lingered on him, and my heart ached as I saw the toll the day had taken.

"You are still awake?"

"I could not sleep.”

"I did not mean to worry you."

"You did not," I reassured him, though the tension between us still lingered.

In the dim glow of the candlelight, we stood in silence, side by side, the weight of our responsibilities pressing down on us. I led him to bed, where he quickly succumbed to sleep, leaving me alone with my thoughts once again.

Dawn broke, and I rose slowly, feeling the weight of the day ahead. I made my way to the nursery and found Andrew still asleep. I gently rocked him in my arms. The peaceful rhythm of his breathing soothed my restless mind. That peace was short-lived.

"Adeline," a familiar voice called from the doorway.

I turned, startled to see Nyx standing there, his eyes fixed on me.

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