100 Days With A Beast

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

As the car approached the imposing mansion that belonged to Adrian's parents, Avery's heart raced wildly in her chest. She couldn't help but feel a mixture of curiosity and anxiety. The house stood tall and grand, a testament to the wealth and power of the royal family of Etheris.

Once they arrived, Adrian stepped out of the car first, followed by Avery. He offered his hand to her and she took it hesitantly. Since when did this beast become so courteous, Avery sneered internally. Together, they walked up the steps and through the grand entrance, the guards bowed down to them respectfully. Avery wasn't used to this life so she bowed them back which took Adrian by surprise. If it was any other woman or even any friend, he or she would have ignored it but she….she actually respected others and didn't think of them as inferior. As they made their way inside, she saw the interior was just as opulent as the exterior filled with luxurious furnishings and priceless artwork.

Avery noticed a portrait hanging on the wall, depicting a little dragon which looked like a mini version of Adrian's huge dragon form flying around a woman who bore a striking resemblance to his human form "Is that your mother?" Avery asked softly.

Adrian nodded, his expression cold and solemn "yes that's my mother, Former Queen Isabella. She passed away when I was very young."

A tinge of sadness covered Avery's heart, realizing how much he must have missed her presence in his life. As they continued down the corridor, they were met by a butler who bowed respectfully.

"Welcome Your Majesty and Young Lady Anderson,'' the butler greeted them. "Master and Madam are in the drawing room, they are eagerly awaiting your visit."

Avery couldn't shake the feeling of unease, she had never imagined herself in such a situation, about to meet Adrian's parents for the first time. She hoped that they would be understanding and kind but there was an underlying tension in the air.

They were ushered into a lavishly decorated drawing room where a middle aged couple sat on an ornate sofa. A stern looking man and a regal woman with a discerning gaze, rose to their feet as Adrian and Avery entered.

"Adrian" the elderly man spoke, excluding as much authority as his son, his voice firm "you have brought lady Avery. Finally, we get to meet her"

Avery curtsied, feeling the weight of their scrutiny. "Your majesties, it's an honor to meet you."

The room seemed to grow colder as the conversation unfolded. His parents' faces were polite but probing and Avery constantly felt as if she was being judged and observed.

After what felt like an eternity, Adrian's step mother spoke up "you must forgive us young lady. It's just that Adrian has kept so much from us over the years. We barely know what he's up to."

Adrian shifted uncomfortably, his heart was filled with mockery. Did his parents even care if he died? No they didn't but in front of this woman, they pretend to be so loving! What a waste only if they knew the reality. He just sat there and looked at them with no expressions on his face. "I understand, Your highness. I'm sure he has his reasons and he'll tell you about it soon" Avery smiled and defended politely. The atmosphere seemed to have eased up a bit. His parents' expressions softened but there was still a hint of suspicion in his father's eyes. He didn't believe everything was fine, he knew something was definitely not right but he just couldn't figure out what. The security was too tight in Adrian's place for his father's man to get any information "well, now you're here. Perhaps we can get to know each other better." Queen said calmly as Avery nodded her head with a small smile.

She was determined to make a good impression on them, but the tension in the room remained almost palpable.

As the evening wore on, Avery became clear that she had stepped into a web of something too complicated and she couldn't help but wonder what else Adrian had been keeping from her.