Chapter 5: Mum’s Past and a Flower

Cedric, engrossed in another book, glanced at Seraphina. It was insanely hot inside.

His Mother took off her green travel cloak, revealing a simple shirt with a graceful neckline. Sweat dripped down her neck and chest, making the snug shirt damp and outlining her sexy figure and boobs.

It was hard to concentrate on the books she was sitting like that right next to him, but he tried.

He saw a sentence that stood out: “The 18th descendant must marry the descendants of Laurence and Eldoran’s only son.”

“Only son of who again?” he was too tired to figure out the details and who he was supposed to marry.

He looked at her, watching her boobs jiggle, as she moved some books.

“Is there anything you want to tell me about what happened between you and this place, Mum? You’ve seemed uneasy since we got to the valley.”

“There’s nothing to talk about.”

“Are you sure? You never mentioned how you met dad either. So it happened here?”

“I said it doesn’t matter now. And my past is not your concern,” she said, burying herself in her books.

“You sound so much like Elowen now.”

He sighed and stood up. Thoughts were bulring in his mind. “Maybe a flower will help loosen her tongue.”

Seraphina kept silent.

Cedric went to the door and left, passing through the halls and women, and making his way back to the vestibule. The Supreme Exarchy remained seated in the same spot, making notes in the book.

He approached closer, standing right in front of her. Her chest was at the level of his eyes. “Ahem.”

“What do you want, child?” she continued writing, undistracted and with eyes as black as the night.

“Just looking for something. I need information about Black Briars. Where’s the hall with the continent’s herbs here?”

She finally looked at him, and from that look, shivers ran down Cedric’s spine. “How interesting,” she said, smiling. “What a surprising turn of events.”

She was almost laughing, ready to jot down a note in her book, but her hand suddenly stopped. Pausing, she leaned back in her chair, enjoying the moment.

“What?” he swallowed.

“Go right, the fourth hall. Botany,” she returned her gaze to her book, dipping the quill into the ink, still wide smiling.

“Okay. That was weird.” He looked to the right but stayed put. “Can I ask why only women?”

She glanced at him again, this time with a mocking look, as if she found him amusing like he was a funny little creature. “Why only women?”

Cedric nodded.

“Because men are easy to figure out. They’re easily influenced. Their minds revolve around mating ... Sometimes they care so little about who they mate with that they even start showing interest in their own mothers.”

Cedric composed himself, concealing any surprise. The Exarchy kept speaking.

“Don’t fret; you’re probably not the first intrigued by this forbidden idea. I’ve been around a long time, child. I’ve known your mother since she was a baby. I might seem blind, but I’m not. I’ve noticed how you look at her.”

“I don’t get what you’re saying. My mother is just my Mum,” his throat went dry suddenly. “This is gross!”

“No need to explain, child. I don’t feel emotions like disgust, contempt, or judgment. I’ll just say this: you have a shot at what your male heart desires. If you push hard enough, she might be into it. But it’s your call to decide how far you’re willing to go. Are kisses enough for you? Maybe some affectionate touches from your mother will satisfy your lust? Or do you want to go all the way and explore more?”

“You’re crazy!”

“Maybe. But I understand people well, like my ancestors who made prophecies.” She dipped her quill again. “If you want to impress her, you don’t have to possess the most stunning and rare flower or be the greatest warrior ever. You just have to be the best version of yourself, —the best you can be.”

“I think we’re done talking,” Cedric turned back.

“You’ll get why I laughed if she tells you the whole story of what happened 25 years ago.”