Chapter 13: Watch and Learn
**Thelma Zane’s POV**
He didn’t respond immediately, nor did he refuse
My father remained silent, his gaze fixed on him with an intensity that made me shift uncomfortably. I glanced between the two, unsure of what was happening. The tension between them was palpable, like the quiet before a storm.
Sir Aldrich, the playful man who had just moments ago been trying to charm me, now seemed like a completely different person. His once lighthearted demeanor had vanished, replaced by a calm, unyielding presence. His lips were pressed into a firm line, his silver–gray eyes meeting my father’s unwaveringly. For the first time, he struck me as a true warrior–one
unafraid of confrontation.
My father, on the other hand, was nearly unrecognizable. Gone was the warm, joking man I knew. In his place stood someone regal and authoritative. His noble bearing was undeniable, and his gaze carried a weight that demanded respect. Though he often made me laugh, in that
moment, I couldn’t meet his eyes.
Just as I thought the silence would stretch into eternity, Sir Aldrich stepped back and bowed slightly.
“This is my honor, Your Majesty,” he said, his tone respectful yet detached.
His words were accompanied by a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. It was a polished, hollow expression that gave nothing away. I couldn’t tell what had caused such a drastic change in him, but it was enough to leave me wondering which side of him was real–the lively flirt or the composed soldier.
Though he had been appointed as my teacher, Sir Aldrich didn’t spare me even a glance. It was as if our earlier interaction had never happened. The indifference stung more than I expected, especially since he had just been attempting to charm me moments earlier.
Bowing deeply to my father, he said, “Please allow me to take my leave.”
My father nodded in silent approval, and the tension in the air began to dissipate.
Just as he turned to go, Sir Aldrich finally looked at me. His gaze was sharp, as though he were evaluating me. I straightened instinctively, determined not to appear uneasy under his scrutiny.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sir,” I said, masking my frustration with a polite smile. If they could maintain their composure so effortlessly, then so could I.
A flicker of surprise crossed his face, but he quickly recovered. “The pleasure is mine, Lady Thelma,” he replied. “I look forward to working with you tomorrow.”
Chopp 13 Watch und team
His words were formal, but the glimmer of amusement in his eyes irritated me. And when he winked at me just before leaving, I had to resist the urge to roll my eyes.
“Father, do you think I could request a different teacher?” I asked, my voice laced with exasperation.
My father turned to me slowly, a bemused expression on his face.
“Why, my darling?”
Before I could answer, my mother stepped in with her characteristic gentleness. “Do you think he’s unsuitable, my dear?”
I hesitated for a moment, then blurted out, “He’s too… frivolous.”
My mother smiled knowingly, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. “You must learn to look beyond the surface. Sir Aldrich is the finest warrior you could possibly learn from. His guidance will give you a strong foundation, and starting at the top matters greatly.”
Beyond the surface? If I looked deeper, I still saw a man capable of casually flirting with
anyone.
What I L
“I’m serious,” I insisted. spends all his time trying to charm me instead of teaching?”
This time, my father couldn’t contain his laughter. It was a deep, hearty sound, as if I’d said the most ridiculous thing in the world.
“My darling, you’re grown now. If he wants to charm you, it’s your choice whether or not to allow it. And don’t forget–you’re as beautiful as your mother. Be confident in yourself.”
I groaned, covering my face with my hands. It was bad enough to have to deal with Sir Aldrich’s antics. Now my father was joining in. Why were men so infuriating, whether they were fathers or strangers?
“Oh, Victor,” my mother said, leaning against him affectionately. “You’re still as sweet as ever.”
Before I could retreat, they began exchanging loving glances and leaning closer to each other. I bolted, unwilling to witness yet another display of their boundless affection. “Really?” I muttered under my breath as I hurried away. “Must they be so shameless?”
Their laughter followed me down the corridor, and I could practically feel their amusement at my expense. They still treated me as though I were a child, incapable of understanding their world.
Back in my room, I flopped onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. I didn’t want to admit it, but a small part of me was nervous about the next day, Would I be able to handle Sir Aldrich’s training?
Chapter
Watch and Leadin
My mother entered quietly, her soft knock barely a warning.
“Hey, sweetheart,” she said, sitting on the edge of my bed. “Are you ready for tomorrow?”
I shrugged. “I suppose.”
She smiled, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “Promise me you’ll give him a chance. He’s an incredible teacher, and I know you’ll learn so much from him. You’ll grow quickly under his guidance.”
“Fine,” I relented, though my tone was less than enthusiastic. “But if he’s unbearable, can I change to someone else?”
My mother chuckled softly. “If you truly feel that you’re incompatible, we can talk about it. But first, you must be sure you’re not judging him unfairly.”
I frowned, recalling his earlier antics. “He’s so … detestable. All his smooth talk makes me think he has ulterior motives.”
Her laughter was warm and reassuring. “My darling, you’re a remarkable young lady. Of course, he would find you intriguing. Anyone would. Just remember, if anyone asks, tell them we’re relatives. It will explain the resemblance between us.”
15
The mention of secrecy made my heart ache slightly, but I understood why it was necessary.
“I know you’re protecting me,” I murmured, wrapping my arms around her. “It’s okay. I’ll do my best.”
She held me close, her embrace filled with love and reassurance. In that moment, I resolved to approach my training with an open mind. If I wanted to become stronger, I couldn’t let my initial impressions hold me back.
