Maris had been restless since leaving Mirathrend’s Mirror. The pond’s revelation felt ominous, and she feared for both realms. Would Adeline survive this unscathed? Was Feronia okay? Maris couldn’t stop worrying about her friend who was still missing. She had thought the activity around the pond the other day would have drawn Feronia out, but there was no sign of her. It was unlike Feronia to disappear without a trace. With the pond giving such an omen, Maris feared the Tribunal might have discovered Feronia’s mortal interference and was in the process of punishing her. “I should have warned her to be more careful,” Maris thought, feeling guilty for prioritizing the welfare of her mortal over their friendship.
Despite her concern for Feronia, Maris’s worry for Adeline’s future loomed larger. After the waters calmed in Mirathrend’s Mirror, she hurried back to her cliffside abode. On her expansive balcony, she sank into her coral throne and summoned her mirror, pondering the pond’s sudding interest in Adeline. Even Aelius showed up for the pond’s revelations. What was he up to? He seemed to have gotten Adeline’s maternal grandfather to reach out to her. Though it seemed like the De Kure Patriarch’s reconnection with Adeline was well-intentioned, Maris couldn’t help but wonder why now.
Though Feronia’s magic on Garrett had faded, it left Adeline confused, straining her relationship with Eric. Maris found solace in their eventual reconciliation, but Adeline’s persistent nightmares were troubling. What could be causing them? Unable to sense another deity’s enchantment, Maris began to question why Adeline was suddenly having doubts. “Is there something I’m missing?” she thought, pacing restlessly in front of her mirror.
So many unanswered questions had come to light since the omen. Maris was surprised to learn that Adeline’s mother was pregnant after so many years. How could this be when Feronia herself said she couldn’t help? When she first discovered the news, she went to Feronia’s home to ask her about it, but the plants and vines guarding her friend’s home did not open for her. “Why won’t they let me in?” Maris wondered. Feronia’s door had always been open to her, leaving Maris to assume her friend had not returned home. Where could Feronia have disappeared to for so long?
Then there was the news that Eric Landin uncovered about Adeline’s inheritance. Maris had spent so much time observing Adeline that she didn’t know her grandfather had separated his assets. “I failed in my guardianship. I should have seen this coming,” Maris murmured, her voice blending with the crashing waves that mirrored her inner turmoil. Adeline’s grandfather didn’t think highly of his son, especially since he married a woman who turned away from her family lineage. Adeline had proven herself smart, capable, and mature beyond her years, which was part of the reason Maris took her under her wing. However, learning that Adeline would be forced to become the matriarch at such a young age crushed Maris. “How could I help her through this?” Maris wondered, hoping her mirror would give her an idea.
Its magical waters shimmered as if in response to Maris’s question, revealing Adeline once again visiting Dr. De Kure’s office. The De Kure Patriarch had been seeing Adeline regularly, and their connection appeared to be growing stronger with each visit. Adeline was quite comfortable calling her maternal grandfather, visiting his office, and finding it easier to speak with him. The comfort and familial support from Dr. De Kure warmed Maris’s heart, although she held lingering concern since he was Aelius’s blessed mortal.
This time, Adeline visit was of great interest to Maris, who felt she had failed in understanding Adeline. She leaned closer to her magical mirror to make sure she didn’t miss a word.
Adeline sat in her usual seat across from the desk, facing her grandfather, whose eyes showed extreme happiness in seeing her. Taking a deep breath, Adeline began to tell her story about Eric’s last conversation with her and what he revealed about the O’Cean legacy and Nathaniel Descott. Her grandfather listened patiently, careful to let Adeline speak without interruptions. As she spoke, she would choke up a few times, and Dr. De Kure comforted her by reaching across his desk to hold her hand or nudging a glass of water toward her. Adeline told him about her thoughts, her fears, her nightmares, and the pressure she now felt with this new revelation. Her eyes filled with unshed tears, making Dr. De Kure worry. He moved swiftly from his seat to the chair next to her, offering her a box of tissues.
“Adeline,” Dr. De Kure said gently, his voice a calming balm. “That a heavy burden, especially when you’ve been dreaming of finding yourself. It must feel like your dreams are shattering. But let’s consider another perspective…”
“What other perspective?” Adeline interjected, her voice cracking. “My future has been determined by my O’Cean grandfather! He didn’t even ask me. He gave me most of his non-liquid assets so that I could run the O’Cean family in place of my father! Do you know what position that puts me in? What strain it would put on our relationship? He already dislikes Eric, and we’ve been fighting regularly because of my newfound voice. Now, what will he think when he’s given up so much for the O’Cean family just to have me take it all away?”
Her questions and concerns echoed on the walls of Dr. De Kure’s office, mirroring the uncertainty she felt within. The weight of this secret was so heavy that Adeline thought she would be crushed by it. She hadn’t been able to sleep or think about anything else. The worst part was since Eric revealed it to her, she didn’t feel like she could trust or talk to anyone. She had been putting on a façade and avoiding any serious discussion, even with Kaylynn and Eric. She felt so alone, yet true to his word, Eric kept a respectable distance. He kept watching her from afar.
Dr. De Kure watched as emotions flashed through Adeline’s eyes, so similar to his own. He took a deep breath, his gaze meeting hers with understanding and compassion. “Adeline, I know this is overwhelming. Your grandfather’s decision was made to secure the O’Cean family’s future, but it doesn’t mean you have to shoulder this burden alone. From what you’ve said, this isn’t happening until you turn twenty-one. You have time to figure this out.”
He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing, “This legacy is a part of you, but it doesn’t have to define you. Just like being a De Kure is a part of you, you have a right to voice your concerns and set boundaries. From what I’ve seen, you are strong, capable, and have the support of those who care about you, including myself, your mother, your friends, and Eric. Don’t rush into a decision just because you found out something new. Take a step back, one step at a time, and you’ll find a way to balance your dreams with these new responsibilities.”
Adeline met her grandfather’s gaze, his eyes a reflection of her own. She needed his support as her family but also as her trusted confidant. As she reached out for his hand, he quickly reciprocated, holding her hand firmly. “Thank you, grandfather,” she said, her lips curling into a small smile. “I can’t express how much you mean to me right now, how much your support and words mean. I’ve been feeling so alone, unable to share my thoughts with anyone. Since Eric told me this, I feel like I can’t trust anyone around me. I can’t look father in the eye, knowing that I’ll be taking away his life and family role in a few years.”
Dr. De Kure offered an empathetic pat on the back of Adeline’s hand. “I know it seems hard to face, hard to pretend like you don’t know when you’re taking on the world. This information is big enough to change your future, but also enough to change how people will treat you. But you aren’t alone. It’s okay to ask for help and to lean on those who love you. We’ll figure this out together.”
Adeline’s gaze looked hopeful as she leaned on her grandfather’s shoulder. “Do you really think so? Do you think we can figure this out? Can I really trust Eric?”
Her grandfather nodded, stroking Adeline’s long hair. “Yes, I do,” he whispered, his tone soft yet confident. “Adeline, you are a brilliant, beautiful, and resourceful young lady. You’ve opened your heart to me after all these years, you gave me a chance to get to know you. Although Eric revealed to you something that can change the political dynamics of Golden Rivers, I believe he did it because he cared about you and hoped the information would allow you to make plans knowing the future. Knowledge is power. This knowledge changes so much for you. Instead of being surprised at twenty-one, you can plan ahead, shape how it will turn out.”
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
Lifting her head from her grandfather's shoulder, Adeline turned to meet his gaze, waiting for him to continue. Dr. De Kure smiled and squeezed Adeline’s hand as he spoke. “I believe Eric was well-intentioned when he shared this news with you. You’ve known him all your life, almost as long as you have known Kaylynn Deverell. Do you really believe that this news is what caused them to be close to you? It’s true Eric’s brothers and other families may approach you if they learned this about you, but that’s after the fact. Eric warned you so that you were prepared. If he didn’t tell you, you would have continued assuming everything was well without doubting him or anyone else around you. Now, my bright girl, do you think your friendship and relationship was built entirely on your family and your reputation? I think you know the truth…”
Dr. De Kure’s words faded into the hum of his office’s air conditioning as Adeline thought about what he said. She felt a mix of relief and confusion. Could she really trust Eric and her friends? The weight of the secret felt like a heavy cloak, slowly suffocating her and making it hard for her to see or think clearly.
“This doesn’t change anything for me,” Dr. De Kure assured her. “How I will treat you and how others act around you will become obvious. I think given time you will be able to see who really cares for you. Rather than finding faults, relax and take your time observing; the truth will show itself. It’s almost inconceivable that Eric or someone else discovered this information that long ago. Other than Eric confessing his feelings for you, has his behavior really changed so much that you doubt him? Same for your friends. You’ve known them for years. Do you think they are only by your side because you’re an O’Cean?”
Adeline shook her head, recognizing the truth in her grandfather's words. “You’re right. I’m not being fair. But I can’t help feeling this way, like I’m being used and a pawn in someone’s elaborate plan.” Her voice wavered, betraying the turmoil inside her.
“And that’s okay,” Dr. De Kure’s words were soothing. He could see the pain in her eyes, the struggle to reconcile her feelings. “If you aren’t ready to accept them, don’t. Just like I don’t expect my daughter Aria to forgive me, I hope that in time my actions can allow her to open her heart to me like you have.” He gave Adeline a genuine smile before continuing. “It’s wise when your emotions are high to sit back and wait. Those who truly care for you will not give up on you just because you push them away. The answer will come to you when you aren’t rushing forward, blinded by only the future while missing everything beside you.”
Taking a deep breath, Adeline thought about all the possibilities given her grandfather’s suggestion. She felt a flicker of hope, a small light in the darkness of her thoughts and nightmares. She knew she couldn’t make a decision immediately; her mind was racing with too many conflicting thoughts and emotions. Her grandfather’s words had provided her with a sense of clarity and hope. Grateful that she had taken the steps to reconcile her relationship with him, she realized that she no longer had to face this alone. As her grandfather reminded her, she had time to figure things out. Rather than stressing about the future, she needed to sort out her feelings right now and confront them.
“I think,” Adeline began slowly, “you’re right. I need to take things one step at a time. I can’t let this secret future consume me.”
Dr. De Kure smiled, his eyes filled with pride. He admired her strength even in moments of doubt. She’s so much like Aria, he thought. “That’s a wise decision, Adeline. Never forget you have the strength and support to navigate this. Take your time and don’t be afraid to lean on those around you. Even if you can’t express your thoughts to them right away, they care about you and will be happy to show their care for you in whatever way they can.”
With a smile that mirrored her mother’s, Adeline responded by squeezing her grandfather's hand. She felt a surge of warmth and comfort from his touch. “I should talk to Eric and Kaylynn when I’m ready. It’s important they know how I feel. And then I can start planning for the future, as you said, on my own terms.”
Her grandfather nodded, feeling satisfied knowing he had helped her find some peace. “Take your time. I’ll always be here for you. If you need to see me more often, just let me know. Maybe we can do dinner one evening?”
Adeline nodded, feeling some of the weight lifted from her shoulders. With this conversation, she felt a newfound courage and resolve to face her challenges head-on. Her grandfather was the first person she thought she could turn to since bringing this up to her mother could complicate things. Glad that she decided to reach out to him, she said, “Thank you, Grandfather. I’m grateful for your support and wisdom. Can I ask you something else?”
“Of course, my child,” Dr. De Kure replied immediately, his gaze focused on his granddaughter, a wave of pride and love washing over him. “Anything.”
Appreciatively, Adeline smiled and continued, ready to tackle her new problem. “Do you know Nathaniel Descott? Do you think I can approach him about my future inheritance?”
Dr. De Kure remained pensive for a moment before responding. He weighed his words carefully, knowing how important this was. “I haven’t worked with Nathaniel Descott, but I have met him before. All the founding families use Legacy Partners Realty. Nathaniel’s father, Reginald Descott, manages the De Kure estates and trusts. Your mother gave up her family name and, therefore, my father removed her from the family tree, thus removing her trust fund,” he revealed. “I don’t know if Nathaniel Descott has the authority to speak with you since you shouldn’t have known about this generation-skipping trust. I’m not sure how Eric got his permission, assuming he did, to reveal this information to you. It’s probably best to talk to Eric about it.”
Pondering her grandfather’s words, Adeline nodded, understanding how delicate this situation was. “Okay, once I’m ready, I’ll talk to Eric about it,” she replied with newfound determination, her emerald eyes sparkling with life again, hiding the apprehension she felt. “It would be nice to talk to Nathaniel. If he’s as competent as Eric says he is, it would be good to get his advice on how to best proceed. The cat’s already out of the bag, so I don’t see why we can’t talk earlier.”
Dr. De Kure laughed, relieved that Adeline’s spirit was returning. “You’re right, Adeline. If only life was that simple,” he responded, releasing Adeline’s hand to give her a hug. “I believe you will make the right decision when the time comes. I’m here for you every step of the way.”
Returning her grandfather’s hug, Adeline smiled into his embrace filled with gratitude and love. “Oh, on another note,” she said, remembering that there was happy news to share with Dr. De Kure. “I’ve been finding time to talk to my mother about you, and she seems interested in giving you a chance. We’ve been keeping our conversation between us so that father didn’t get upset, but if you are willing to, my mother would consider going out for a coffee to hear what you have to say.”
Pulling away from Adeline to meet her gaze, Dr. De Kure’s eyes revealed his surprise and joy at Adeline’s suggestion. His heart swelled with hope. “When could she meet me?” he asked, his tone revealing his eagerness. “I’ll make myself available.”
Adeline laughed and shook her head. It felt good to know that she could help her mother and grandfather mend their relationship. “Unfortunately, I think mother is still uncomfortable with how she left the family. She’ll only consider meeting you with me present,” she said, warmth and sincerity lacing her voice. “Seeing how you said you’d make yourself available, I’ll talk with her and see when we can meet you without arousing my father’s suspicion or questions. Once we figure it out, I’ll let you know.”
“That’s perfect,” Dr. De Kure said gratefully, his smile mirroring the happiness he felt. His granddaughter’s words gave him a renewed sense of purpose. “I’ll wait to hear from you.”
With her resolve restored, Adeline returned her grandfather’s smile. She felt ready to face whatever came next. As he stood, he gently patted Adeline’s head before returning to his chair on the other side of his desk. “I’ll leave you to your work tonight, but I’ll talk to you soon,” Adeline promised, rising from her seat. “Please don’t tell mother about our conversation today. I may not see you until we meet with her, and I don’t want to have to explain this to her yet.”
“Everything we discuss will always be kept between us,” Dr. De Kure said confidently. “Not just because you’re my granddaughter, but because I swore the Hippocratic Oath as a physician. You can trust me.”
“I know I do,” Adeline replied, a newfound determination hardening her voice. Ready to confront her fears and take control of her destiny, she felt a sense of calm wash over her – a stark contrast to the turmoil she felt when she arrived that afternoon.
As she left her grandfather’s office, she turned back for a moment, watching his supportive wave goodbye. It was a simple gesture, yet it reinforced the strength she drew from their bond. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out, one step at a time, mirroring her mindset.
Adeline knew the path ahead wouldn’t be easy, but with the support of her loved ones, she felt ready to face the challenges. Her grandfather was right; she had time to decide, and there was no need to rush. With her family and friends by her side, she would find a way to balance her dreams with her future responsibilities.
As she walked away, the weight on her shoulders felt a little lighter, and for the first time in days, a genuine smile touched her lips. The future was uncertain, but she no longer faced it alone. With her resolve restored and her heart fortified by the love and support surrounding her, Adeline felt ready to take on whatever came next.