The next day, after Cian finished his morning meal, he did not immediately head to his own study but rather decided to pay a visit to his mother, Queen Niobe, in her residence. He had returned a few days before in the palace, but he had been too busy with his affairs regarding the war and most importantly regarding his sister; he had not even once gone to offer his greeting to his mother, and nor did he meet with his other sibling.
Although Queen Niobe and Cian did see each other during the royal court session, he was there in his capacity as a crown prince. The two of them had not yet been able to share a word with each other.
In Queen Niobe's chamber, her lady-in-waiting informed, "Your Majesty, Crown Prince Cian seeks for an audience."
Queen Niobe, who was sitting in front of her dresser to get ready, stood up and said with a smile, "Send him in."
Though she was not his birth mother, she had raised him and cared for him like her own blood and flesh. Her son was finally there to meet her, so how can a mother not feel happy.
The lady-in-waiting headed out while Queen Niobe sat back in her chair as she waited for her son.
Cian entered the chamber and stood in front of the Queen as he bowed slightly to greet her. "Mother!"
Queen Niobe looked at her handsome son, who she had raised with all her heart, and felt proud to see how well he had grown up to be able to sit on Abetha's Royal Throne. He was the next king of Abetha.
It had been several months since he last stayed in the palace, and it was obvious that staying in the Northern Fortress and dealing with military affairs had matured him in many ways. His striking appearance and his elegant yet proud temperament would surely cause all the young ladies of high nobility to pine for him.
Even before Queen Niobe could say a word, someone barged inside her chamber unannounced.
"Brother Cian!" a sweet feminine voice called out for him, and a young woman tried to catch her breath while standing in front of him, looking like she almost ran the whole way to see her brother.
"Meira, did you miss Brother?" Cian said as he looked at his sister with affection and offered her a smile.
"Of course! When I got to know Brother is visiting Mother today, I ran here as soon as I could," she said with a breathless chuckle.
"You shouldn't have. After seeing Mother, I would have gone to visit you," said Cian.
"Really?" She pouted like a spoiled little kid. "I thought Brother forgot me and only cared for that witch."
The smile on Cian's lips disappeared, but he was not angry with his little sister. He was used to hearing it from others in the palace, his own sister, and even their cousins. When he was young, he used to argue and fight with them when someone called Seren a witch, but as he grew up, he understood he alone couldn't change their thinking. Even their father, the King, could do nothing about popular opinion. He could only helplessly sigh at such a high hurdle.
Ever since he had that realization, he chose to ignore their bias and care for Seren quietly in his own way. He believed that the day would come when he would free her from that tower and show the people that the bad rumors about her were false.
Queen Niobe didn't miss Cian's smile disappearing. As the one who raised him, she knew how much he cared for Seren. Though she didn't like it, she couldn't change his way of thinking. 'Like father, like son!'
"Don't mind her words, Cian. She is still young and doesn't understand what to say," Queen Niobe said.
Meira's expression turned sad. "We all know she is a witch and—"
"Enough, Meira," Queen Niobe interrupted her. "Your brother is here after so long, so why are we talking about this? You should say something nice to him."
Meira lowered her head apologetically, and Cian patted her head. "You are turning prettier every time I see you."
It brightened Meira's mood, and she looked at her tall brother. "For real? Are you not simply saying that?"
"Hmm!" Cian nodded slightly, offering her a pleasant smile. From his gentle eyes, she could see her brother's words were genuine, and this made her even happier.
"Brother is the best!"
Cian pulled out a tiny velvet pouch from his pocket and offered it to his sister. "This is for you."
Meira had a wide smile on her lips as she accepted the gift. She opened it, and inside was precious jewelry that Meira liked the moment she laid her eyes on it. It was a delicate rose gold pendant with a deep amber-colored gemstone in the middle, matching the color of her eyes.
"Have a seat, you two." Queen Niobe gestured for her children to sit.
Cian and Meira did not remain standing and leisurely sat on the chairs.
"Mother, apologies for not being able to pay a visit earlier," he said politely.
"I can understand. It's more than enough that you are back safely," Queen Niobe said.
Her words were never sugarcoated like how most mothers talked to their sons who were visiting them after a long time. She always talked the same way she talked with others, but Cian knew her words were genuine, and she really cared for him.
They had a pleasant morning chat, catching up with their experiences for the past several months they haven't seen each other. As they spend family time together, maids brought them morning tea and some light snacks. However, Cian was soon informed by his aide of his busy schedule ahead; thus, he had to excuse himself reluctantly.
His next destination made his cheerful mood disappear because he would have to attend the royal court session where King Armen would officially declare the wedding between his lovely sister and that overbearing king.