Duke Nalzor sees Myriam hastily chug of glass of wine and raises an eyebrow. His daughter looked frustrated. Duke Nalzor lets out a frown and looks around. Where's my wife? He wonders. Unable to find her, he lets out a sigh and approaches the table.

“What is it?” He asks in a gruff voice.

Myriam turns to see her father. Noticing that he noticed her distress, she lets out a smirk. “Are you worried?” She asks, hoping to see some emotion expressed on her father.

Duke Nalzor ignores the question and takes a sip of his wine. “This is just maintenance, Myriam; relax. Now tell me what’s wrong.” He says, trying to be cold.

Myriam lets out a frown. “Is it so wrong to be worried?” She asks, displeased.

“It’s wrong to express emotion when surrounded by snakes, yes.” The duke says.

Myriam shakes her head. “And weirdly enough, I doubt you would approach this issue in private as well.” She says with disapproval.

The duke lets out a sigh. “Just say it.” He says, hoping to be done with it. “Your mother isn’t here at the moment, so do me this favor, Myriam.” He says, almost pleading.

Myriam simply smiles. “Fine. I caught my son drinking and smoking. And now I’m wondering what else he’s been doing when I’m not watching.” She says, explaining the matter.

The duke takes another sip of wine and lets his silence sink in, allowing the hum and buzz of the crowd around them to seep into their conversation.

Stolen novel; please report.

Myriam frowns again. “What? What is it?” She asks, somewhat worried.

The duke shakes his head. “I’ve been watching the boy.” He says simply.

Myriam furrows her brows and a smoldering fire begins to grow in strength. “You’ve been watching? My son? Why?” She asks, preparing herself to strike.

“It’s just business, Myriam; my due diligence. And from what I’ve seen, your son isn’t who you perceive him to be. You said armed men came looking for the boy the day you found him; that they said he was dangerous. I suspect that’s closer to the truth than you’d like to believe.” The duke says, looking into the crowd to avoid Myriam’s gaze. He was just stating facts at the moment and had no real plan for the issue; but currently, he was already on guard against the boy.

Myriam takes a deep breath before staring at her father and exploding. “Where do you get off!? That’s my son! If I say he’s my son then he’s my son! He doesn’t owe you an explanation, and I sure as hell won’t give you one! If we’re not wanted here we’ll just leave! Would that make you happy!?” She yells, letting out her frustrations.

Immediately, the space around them became much quieter as the crowd focused on the outburst of emotion.

The dukes eyes widen and he grabs Myriam’s arm to lead her away. “Can you relax, child! No one’s asking you to leave! My god, you’re just like your mother!” He exclaims as walks to a quieter part of the palace.

Myriam shakes off her father’s hand and stands her ground once more, ready for battle. “Then what!? Will you just continue to watch him like a hawk!? Will he ever gain the trust of the family!?” She asks, her anger going strong.

The duke covers his head with a hand in frustration. Why are all my daughters like this? Why couldn’t I have birthed a son? He asks himself, mourning his fate. “Yes, Myriam, I’m going to continue to watch him. At the moment, no, I don’t trust him and until I have that faith, I’ll continue to watch him. He’s been teaching your niece and nephew things that a child his age shouldn’t know. A foreign sort of magic and swordsmanship. He’s also been seen leaving your house at odd times during the night, and when my men tried to track him, he simply disappears. That level of skill is enough for me to consider him dangerous.” The duke tries to explain sternly. Unfortunately, he couldn’t change his stance on this matter.

Myriam’s eyes widen before a weird sort of realization dawns on her. “You’ve been watching my house!?” She exclaims, missing the focus of the issue.

The duke lets out a groan. “Why am I surprised?” He asks no one in particular. He puts a hand on Myriam’s shoulder. “Relax, Myriam. If I’m going to make a move, I’d ask first. You’re my daughter.” He says.

Myriam continues to boil with anger. “I’d turn my back in an instant. That is my son. I’m telling you this now, mark my words, father; that is my son.” She says before shrugging off his father’s hand and turning to leave.

The duke watches her go and lets out a sigh. God, I hope it doesn’t come to that… He says, praying to the heavens.