My Unchosen Ex Chases Reborn Me (Soren and Fiona) novel Chapter 235

Chapter 235 Reluctant Mandate

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Of course, Emperor Aldric’s partial warmth never blurred his iron logic. Even if Marcus suddenly craved the throne, the emperor would never consider a lame heir–Duflana’s court would sooner laugh at a crown propped on a crippled leg than respect it.

“The pain in my leg returned, so I walked slower than usual,” Marcus answered, his tone smooth as water left too long in a jug.

Aldric waved to the attendant beside him. “Bring a chair for Marcus—quickly.”

Marcus settled into the carved seat, cane resting across his knees, posture straight yet unhurried, as if mastered to make his weakness vanish from the eye.

Only after a contemplative pause did Aldric outline his true purpose: a difficult investigation that needed an unentangled prince–one immune to the factions presently clawing each other raw in the court.

“Father, court intrigue is hardly my arena, and travel outside Jexburgh would strain this leg. Might I suggest you choose someone better suited?”

Aldric exhaled a dry laugh. “You simply see too clearly. Whether Cornelius or Zephyr secures the title, neither will trouble you. At worst, you become a carefree duke with nothing but leisure games to fill your days.”

Marcus gave no objection–silence doing the work of consent.

Emperor Aldric’s shoulders slumped, weary with a sovereign’s invisible weight. “I envy those chessboards you linger over each morning. Since ascending the throne, I have not enjoyed one idle day. Help me, Marcus–help your father.”

The word father, spoken plainly, tightened the air between them. Refusal now would feel like striking that fragile, momentary intimacy.

Yet Marcus understood the man before him would never regret rivers of blood spilled for power. If history rewound, Emperor Aldric would wade through the same crimson current without blinking.

“Since that is your wish, Father, I will obey.”

Aldric nodded once. “You are here already; visit your mother. She has been thinking of you.”

“Yes, Father.”

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Chapter 235 Reluctant Mandate

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Claudia, glittering in peony–colored silk, greeted Marcus with unusual enthusiasm. He was not the son she had raised–four years older than Zephyr, shunted to a wet nurse once his lame leg made him a poor contender for succession–but guilt often ages into sudden tenderness.

When Zephyr arrived, Claudia devoted every waking breath to grooming the younger boy for glory, leaving Marcus to Lady Viola’s quieter care. Only after Lady Viola died did mother and eldest truly converse, awkward bridges built of duty rather than familiarity.

Your father sent you to investigate the case, did he?” Claudia asked, the question floating as casually as incense smoke yet weighted with intent.

Marcus heard the echo of Zephyr behind her words and simply confirmed with a mild, “Mm.”

Remember, Zephyr is still your brother, she said, voice dropping to a lower register. “My future, all of it, is tied to his star. I trust you understand what I am asking of you.”

Marcus offered neither promise nor refusal. After a polite interval, he rose, leaned onto his cane, and departed, footsteps unhurried but irrevocable.

In another wing, Rowena remained untroubled. Though Marcus bore Claudia’s blood, that same mother had once abandoned him. Rowena trusted the ledger of attachment had long since balanced in her favor.

Rowena did send a discreet attendant to look in on Lady Viola, yet the gesture was hardly born of kindness.

The crown demanded a performance, and Rowena played her role faultlessly–checking on her rival, reassuring the court, all the while certain that Marcus, though devoted to Claudia, would never let harm come to Cornelius.

When the matter finally landed on Marcus‘ shoulders, Fiona was the least surprised.

She suspected the prince had planned it that way from the beginning, engineering Cornelius and Zephyr’s recommendations so the task would fall to him and no one else.

Days later, when Fiona returned to the modest teahouse, she found Cecilia utterly at ease in her borrowed life. Baskets of fresh leaves lined the counter, already sorted into delicate piles that smelled of rain–washed mountains and early spring.

“Fiona,” Cecilia said with a bright laugh, “I have been here alone for days. The boredom could

drown a fish.”

Alone? Hardly. Thomas is within earshot, and half a dozen hidden guards circle this place like shadows, Fiona thought, allowing only a small smile to surface.

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Chapter 235 Reluctant Mandate

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