Tamed By The Lycan Prince

LADY GRAVEMAW

CHAPTER SEVEN- 6

-KINNSION-

With Eris and Zenesha as our guides, we were able to explore every inch of the estate, from the grand manor house to the sprawling garden that encircled it. The garden was absolutely breathtaking and, in comparison to our palace's surrounding gardens back home, it was undoubtedly equal in its beauty.

We traversed through the enigmatic forest of exotic trees and pollinating flowers, whose rich colors created a canvas on nature's palette. We watched as translucent butterflies danced around like sprightly nymphs, their wings shimmering in the golden light of the afternoon sun.

Eris led us through the garden. "My father loves this garden, its his sanctuary," she shared while leading us around a bed of radiant azaleas. Her fingers gently traced over the delicate petals. "He'd used to spend hours here, tending to paperwork and making calls."

Eris continued, her eyes scanning around the garden. "He says that this place gave him peace, that the serenity here helped him to think clearly." She picked up a fallen petal, letting it catch the light before letting it fall softly to the ground.

"Where is your father, if you don't mind me asking?" Alina asked.

Eris sighed softly, her gaze falling on a grand oak tree that towered towards the sky. "He's been away on vacation for quite a while now," she said simply. "My mother thought it would be a great opportunity for him to relieve some stress since he's retired now."

Zenesha gave Eris a knowing look before she stepped in to lighten the mood. "Speaking of traveling." she said, transitioning smoothly, "Shouldn't your father and brother be returning from their vacation today?"

Eris nodded, her eyes sparkling with apparent enthusiasm. "Yes, my mother went to meet them at the airport." she smiled. "They should be back soon."

As if on cue, a sleek black car slowly rounded the corner of the estate, crunching over the gravel driveway. Eris's eyes lit up with anticipation as she watched the car approach. We all turned to watch as the car pulled up to a stop in front of the house, and the driver stepped out, opening the back door.

A man with distinguished salt and pepper hair and a tan complexion, probably from his vacation, disembarked first. He had a charismatic presence that immediately demanded attention. Following him was a young man who bore a striking resemblance to Eris, likely her younger brother.

"Father!" Eris called as she dashed forward.

Her father, whose attention had been fixed on the grandeur of his home after a long absence, turned towards the sound of his daughter's voice. His eyes crinkled at the corners as he broke into a wide smile.

The elder man enveloped his daughter in a warm hug, holding her as if he hadn't seen her in years rather than weeks. The younger brother stood slightly to the side with an unreadable expression.

A woman stepped out of the car, her tall and thin frame drawing attention. Despite being in the presence of her family, her features remained stern and sharp. The moment she exited the vehicle, Eris's previously cheerful demeanor shifted drastically.

Her posture stiffened, a small frown replacing the joyous smile on her face. It was as though the temperature had dropped, a sudden chill settling over the previously warm atmosphere. "Mother," Eris greeted, her voice holding a note of caution.

Her mother did not return the greeting, but instead scanned the area. Her gaze fell upon Alina and I, and she looked surprised. It was almost like she hadn't expected us to be here. She didn't even glance at her family as she walked over to Alina and me, moving smoothly across the pavement.

"Good evening, your highness," her voice was smooth and polished, like marble. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Trisha Gravemaw, the Luna Mother."

She executed a shallow yet elegant curtsy, her mesmerizing golden eyes never leaving Alina and I.

"My pleasure, Lady Gravemaw," I replied with a regal gesture of my head, maintaining a composed façade despite the tension in the air.

"Likewise, Mrs. Gravemaw," Alina replied with a curt nod of her head.

There was a brief pause. Trisha's eyes flickered between Alina and me. For all the politeness of her words, there was something about her gaze that screamed of hidden agendas.

"I was under the impression that my son, or rather, the Alpha, would be accompanying you on a tour of the estate." She said, a marble smile fixed on her face. I could see Eris stiffen further at her words and I chose my next ones carefully.

"Unfortunately, Alpha Boris couldn't join us, Lady Gravemaw," I explained smoothly. "He had other obligations to attend to. However, Lady Eris and Lady Zenesha graciously offered to give us a personal tour."

A flicker of annoyance passed across Trish's stern countenance before she hid it behind an inscrutable mask. It was clear that the absence of her son was an unexpected wrinkle in her plans. She blinked slowly, her golden eyes never wavering from my face.

"I see," she replied, her tone even but the edge unmistakable. She turned her gaze to Eris, who barely hid a flinch. "I trust you are showing our esteemed guests every courtesy?"

"Of course, mother," Eris answered, her voice steady but the underlying tension present as she forced herself to meet her mother's piercing gaze.

"Lady Eris has been a most gracious guide, Lady Gravemaw," Alina added in support of Eris, her tone firm and clear. "Contrarily, your son displayed a great deal of impoliteness towards my brother and me during our brief encounter."

Trisha's golden eyes flickered momentarily at Alina's words, the surprise etched on her face quickly replaced by the familiar placid mask. "Is that so, Princess Alina? Alpha Boris still has much to learn about diplomacy. Please accept my humble apology."

"There's no need for an apology, Lady Gravemaw," I interjected before Alina could reply, my tone firm and respectful. "We are well aware of the challenges a young leader must face. We did not intend to cause any trouble with our visit." I gave her a respectful nod, hoping to soothe the tense atmosphere.

Trisha seemed to consider this for a moment, though her eyes were as sharp and unreadable as ever. She nodded in return, her gaze never wavering from mine as if she were searching for some hidden meaning in my words.

"Very well," she said, her voice hardening slightly. "However, as an apology, I will hold a feast tonight."

"A feast," she continued, the hardened edges of her voice now laced with a warm hospitality that belied the calculating gleam in her eyes. "To honor your presence here, and to provide my son with an opportunity to make amends for any perceived slight."