She watched as he settled into his chair and sifted through a pile of documents on his desk. He retrieved an envelope and gestured for her to come closer.

'Come here,' he said, and she obeyed. He opened the envelope and read its contents aloud, piquing Kamora's curiosity.

'The princess wants to host a party?' Kamora asked.

'That's what it says,' Lord Maroke replied, showing little emotion. 'What do you think about Jarosh attending?'

'It's a great idea!' Kamora said eagerly. 'My only concern is, will he agree to it?'

Lord Maroke appeared clueless about his son's preferences. 'Why? Don't children enjoy spending time with their peers?'

Kamora nervously smiled, realizing Lord Maroke was out of touch with his son's preferences.

'My lord,' she began, 'Young Lord Jarosh, for some reason, dislikes mingling with children his age. He calls them immature and not worth his time.'

Lord Maroke seemed puzzled. 'But he's a child.'

'That's exactly what I said!' Kamora exclaimed before quickly collecting herself. She coughed and glanced around the room, then returned her attention to him. 'While I believe it's an excellent idea, we can't force him if he's not interested.'

'Why not?'

'It defeats the purpose. If he agrees out of coercion, he might not make any genuine friends.'

'That makes sense. I'll give you time to persuade him then,' Lord Maroke decided. 'The party is still a few weeks away.'

Kamora nodded in agreement, and Lord Maroke continued, revealing an unexpected vulnerability.

'However, I believe we should engage in other activities before then.'

Confusion knitted Kamora's brow. 'What kind of activities?'

Lord Maroke leaned back in his chair, and his typically indifferent demeanor unsettled her.

'I fear I don't know my son very well,' he began, surprising her. 'And I wish to change that.' He sighed deeply, a stark contrast to the persona she had grown accustomed to.

'Ever since his mother...left, I haven't been myself. I've kept my distance from him, for reasons I can't comprehend. However, seeing how happy he's been these past few days has made me realize that I'll achieve nothing by doing so. He's the heir to my fortune. The least I can do is raise him properly, don't you think?'

Kamora cocked her head, puzzled. 'Do you want to spend time with him for his sake, or because you want to prepare him for his future role?'

'I plan on doing both. What? Do you find something wrong with that?'

Kamora forced a smile. 'My lord, please permit me to be honest with you.'

He nodded. 'Go on.'

'Jarosh—the young lord, has grown up much too fast. He is just an eight-year-old child. Preparing him for the role of the lord now, isn't it much too soon?'

'When do you think it is best for him?'

'In his teens, perhaps?' She answered. 'Maybe when he is sixteen. By then, he would have fully enjoyed his childhood and early teens, and his mind will be well prepared to face the role he was born for.'

'Don't you think you are spoiling him a tad too much?'

'My lord,' she forced a smile. 'These past few days I have been with the young lord, though he doesn't show it, it is actually quite pitiful how he has to act like an adult around everyone. The other day when we both went to the commoners' market, I had never seen him so happy, so free.' She placed her hands against her chest, reminiscing about the day.

Lord Maroke stared at her strangely. 'You know, you have actually done much more than Claudia had ever achieved with my son.'

Kamora laughed nervously, looking down. 'I am just trying my best, my lord.'

'And a lot too. If one didn't know your real status, they'd assume you were his mother.'

Her heart lodged in her throat, and she jerked up quickly. 'My lord—I didn't mean…I apologize if—'

He raised his hand, stopping her mid-sentence. 'There is no need. I know you don't have any ulterior motive.'

He looked at her, and then he did something totally unimaginable.

He smiled.

'Thank you for what you are doing for my son. It means a lot to me.'

A soft blush crept up Kamora's cheeks. 'I am grateful that you think of me so highly.' She gave him a courtesy. 'Thank you for putting him under my care. His presence always lightens my day.'

When she glanced up to look at him, she could have sworn that his face was etched with pain, but the emotion quickly disappeared before she was sure of it.

'I have an assignment for you,' he said. 'Before the end of the week, you and Jarosh should pick an activity that we all can do together. One that will help me get closer to my son.'

'I'd love to, my lord,' Kamora began. 'But do I have to follow you both?' She had a feeling that the journey will be very awkward, and her presence there might just make it worse.

'Of course,' he replied, sounding like the question was too absurd to even ask. 'You have gotten much closer to my son, and while it is something not to be proud of, I cannot say the same for myself. Having you there will help ease the tension that is sure to arise from both of us.'

Kamora nodded, understanding lacing her features. 'I understand, my lord. I'll do as you say.'

She gave him a final bow, then walked out of his study. Once she closed the door behind her, she released a silent sigh, placing a hand on her chest. So much had happened to her in a couple of days. She needed rest to gather her thoughts, else she was going to be a shambling mess in the coming days.