Chapter 12
Mallory tugged at my hand.
"Mom, are you coming too?" he asked.
"Of course," I replied with a smile. "You're my son. How could I possibly miss your apprenticeship ceremony?
"I want everyone in the Capital to see just how outstanding my son really is.
"And I want some folks to know even if you become his student, you'll always be my son before anything else."
My attitude and determination were laid out for everyone to see.
Andy, you think you can use the King's authority to intimidate me?
Well, I'll go toe-to-toe with you as a mother.
This battle was only just beginning.
Early the next morning, I dressed Mallory in a fresh student's uniform.
The azure robe made him look even more like a doll, and there was a quiet maturity in his gaze that seemed well beyond his age.
I took his hand and led him into the carriage.
Behind us, a dozen servants followed, carrying the gifts for his apprenticeship ceremony.
From elegant paintings to emerald artifacts and rare antiques, every item was exquisite and worth a small fortune.
I wanted everyone to see loud and clear—when it came to money, I was second to none.
My son wasn't there to suck up to the powerful; he was there for a fair exchange of knowledge, plain and simple.
By the time we reached the King's Tutor's estate, Darell had already been waiting for us.
When he saw our impressive entourage, his expression grew complicated.
He clearly hadn't expected me to arrive with such fanfare.
"Ms. Chasey, the King's Tutor is waiting for you in the study," Darell said.
"Thank you." I gave a slight nod, took Mallory's hand, and walked with my head held high into the estate I had left behind five years ago.
Everything seemed just as I remembered.
The pavilions, the gardens, the streams—everything was just like in my memories.
Only the red family crest hanging around the estate had long since faded, giving the place an air of old desolation.
It looked like after Andy and Grace split up, he never remarried.
We walked through the long corridor and finally arrived at the study—a place so familiar it still made my heart ache.
Andy was standing right at the doorway.
He was dressed today in a moon-white robe, standing tall with sharp, refined features.
He looked much better than he had a few days ago, though the dark circles under his eyes still gave away his exhaustion.
His gaze immediately locked onto Mallory as soon as we entered.
His eyes brimmed with the joy of reunion, a cautious, reverent tenderness, and a father's love so deep it was impossible to hide.
Then, finally, he looked at me.
His gaze was complicated—full of guilt, regret, and a trace of helplessness.
I pretended not to notice any of it.
With a flawless, polite smile, I gave a graceful curtsy.
"Greetings, Your Highness," I said, my tone cool and distant.
That formal, distant address made his face go a shade paler.
Mallory followed my lead, greeting and bowing.
When Mallory called him "Mr. Saunders" instead of "Father," it stabbed Andy right in the heart.
His lips moved, like he wanted to say something.
But in the end, he just let out a barely audible sigh.
"Come in," Andy said, stepping aside to let us in.
Inside the study, everything was already arranged for the master-disciple ceremony.
Everything proceeded in order, just like the ritual demanded.
Finally was the offering of wine to the mentor.
Mallory held the cup with both hands and walked up to Andy, lifting it respectfully.
"Mr. Saunders, please," he said.
Andy reached out to take the cup.
His hand was trembling slightly.
It had been five years.
He'd been waiting for this day for five long years.
Finally, he could stand before his son in an official capacity, with nothing to hide.
He took the cup and drank it all in one go.
"Alright," he said. "Whatever you say, Boss Lady."
Then Andy brought out the ceremonial pen and paper he'd prepared for Mallory.
The pen symbolized guidance and discipline, while the paper stood for diligence and hard work.
He placed the items in Mallory's hands, then lowered himself so they were eye to eye.
"Mallory, from this day forward, you are officially my student," Andy said.
"I will teach you everything I know, Mallory. My hope is that one day, you'll become someone this country can truly rely on."
His voice was so gentle, it practically dripped with tenderness.
Mallory looked at him and nodded. "I will follow your guidance, sir."
With that, the ceremony was complete.