18. A mother and Son dinner

As the evening settled in, Seraphina decided to treat Aurel to dinner at the same luxurious hotel she had first stayed at when she arrived in the city. It was not only because she wanted to savor the fine cuisine prepared by renowned chefs, but also because she wanted Aurel to experience the very best.

Seraphina believed in treating her son to the finest things life had to offer, and this dinner would be his first experience of exquisite food made by a professional.

Dressing for the occasion, Seraphina chose her finest attire. She slipped into a midnight blue gown that shimmered under the dim light. The dress was sleeveless, elegantly draped to accentuate her figure, and sparkled with subtle embroidery woven into the fabric.

Her signature curls were styled with precision; she braided the sides and pinned them back with a stunning diamond accessory, leaving the rest of her curls to cascade down her back. Every detail of her appearance was flawless, from her jewelry to her high heels that clicked gently as she walked.

For Aurel, she personally designed a miniature tuxedo. He looked dashing in his little suit, and although he was curious about the grand outing, he stayed quiet, trusting his mother and holding onto her as she carried him.

Seraphina hired a carriage, and when they arrived at the hotel, Aurel clung to her, his wide eyes taking in the grand surroundings. The hotel was just as magnificent as she remembered, with its golden chandeliers casting a warm glow and the soft murmur of conversations filling the air.

As they entered, every eye turned to them. Seraphina, with her son in her arms and her graceful presence, immediately caught the attention of the guests.

Whispers fluttered through the crowd. People admired her beauty, her elegance, and the way she carried herself. She wasn't a noble, yet her reputation had grown immensely. Everyone knew her name now, and her association with the empress made her a figure of great interest.

Seraphina wasn't just a simple merchant anymore; she was a force to be reckoned with, a woman who defied expectations.

As she walked through the corridor, her heels clicking on the polished floor, a group of young noblewomen and gentlemen quickly surrounded her. Their eyes gleamed with curiosity and admiration, eager to converse with her.

"Lady Seraphina, who designed your dress?" one of the ladies asked, eyes wide with wonder. "It's breathtaking."

Seraphina smiled politely, her voice smooth as she responded, "I designed it myself, of course. It's one of my passions."

Another noblewoman stepped forward, her eyes drifting to Seraphina's hair. "How did you achieve such beautiful curls? They're so perfect!"

"Oh," Seraphina laughed lightly, "I was born with them. They're natural."

The ladies around her exchanged impressed looks, and more questions followed. "What's your skincare secret?" "How do you keep your skin looking so flawless?" "How did you get invited to the empress's palace?"

As the crowd grew, so did their questions, but through it all, Seraphina remained composed. Aurel, still in her arms, was starting to grow restless, his small hand tugging on her dress as a quiet signal that he was getting hungry.

Not wanting to keep her son waiting, Seraphina gracefully addressed the group, "Thank you for all your kind words, but my son and I are here for dinner, and he's getting quite hungry. I do hope you'll all come to my store's grand opening tomorrow. I'll be giving out samples of some of my finest products. It would be wonderful to see you there!"

The ladies murmured excitedly, making promises to attend. Seraphina gave them a final warm smile before gently excusing herself, "Now, if you'll allow us, we have a dinner to enjoy."

With that, she slipped through the crowd, holding Aurel close as they were led by a waiter to their reserved table. The restaurant was just as lavish as she remembered, with plush seating, soft candlelight, and the soft clinking of fine tableware. The waiter seated them at a private corner table, perfect for the quiet dinner she had in mind.

As they sat down, Seraphina gently placed Aurel in his seat. His curious eyes took in everything, though he still remained quiet, behaving as the well-mannered child. Once settled, she reached across the table and stroked his hair, smiling softly at him. "You'll get to try some delicious food tonight, Aurel. Something special, just for you."

Aurel looked up at her with wide eyes, finally breaking his silence with a soft voice, "Mama, eat now?"

Seraphina chuckled, "Yes, darling, very soon. The food here is the best."

The waiter approached to take their order, and Seraphina made sure to pick dishes she knew Aurel would enjoy—a creamy soup to start, followed by a tender roasted Vaelcore Fillet with vegetables.

As they waited, she observed the luxurious surroundings, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Tomorrow would mark the start of a new chapter for her store, and tonight was a chance to celebrate with her son.

Seraphina and Aurel were seated at a cozy table in the luxurious hotel's grand dining hall, their plates filled with carefully arranged, fine cuisine. The candlelight flickered warmly, casting a soft glow around them, while the quiet murmur of conversations filled the air. Aurel, in his little tuxedo, was carefully chewing on a small piece of meat his mother cut for him, his wide eyes darting around, taking in the elegant surroundings.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a man appeared beside their table. Dressed well enough, though his coat was slightly wrinkled, he looked like someone of reasonable standing. With a broad grin plastered across his face, he leaned in, intruding on their peaceful moment without invitation.

"Ah, good evening!" he started, his voice just a bit too loud for the setting. "Are we celebrating something tonight? A birthday, perhaps? You and your niece, I presume?"

Seraphina, in the middle of a bite, looked up briefly but returned her attention to Aurel, who was still focused on his meal. The man continued without hesitation, not noticing, or perhaps not caring, that she hadn't responded.

"You both look wonderful! That dress—it's magnificent. You must have had it tailored in the finest shop in the city. And this little one!" He motioned to Aurel. "So well-behaved! It's rare to see such a young lady like yourself with a child like him. Is he...?"

Seraphina finally set down her fork, letting out a quiet sigh. She could already sense where this conversation was heading. "We're enjoying a peaceful dinner at the moment," she said, her tone polite but firm. "Perhaps we can talk after the meal?"

She smiled softly, hoping her subtle dismissal would be enough to push him away. But, either the man didn't understand or chose to ignore her entirely.

"Ah, no worries! I won't keep you long. Just curious—how old are you, if I may ask? You look far too young to have a child, I mean, no offense. You must be, what...seventeen? Eighteen?"

Aurel, visibly uncomfortable now, shifted in his seat, watching the man with a concerned look. His mother's expression had tightened, and the young boy, sensitive to her moods, could tell she wasn't happy.

"I must say," the man continued, apparently oblivious to the growing tension, "I wouldn't have guessed you to be a mother. It's not often you see someone as young as you in a place like this."

Seraphina's fingers tightened around her fork. She turned her head slightly, giving the man a sideways glance, but said nothing. She'd already given him her polite hint, and if he chose to ignore it, there was no point in continuing to engage.

The man prattled on, still standing awkwardly beside their table. His voice, though cheerful, had a grating persistence to it. "So, where did you get that dress? Is it from the capital? Or perhaps imported? I know a few seamstresses myself, you see. Maybe I could introduce you to—"

He was cut off by the sharp scrape of Seraphina's fork on her plate as she resumed eating, completely ignoring him. The message was clear now, even if she didn't say another word: We're done here.

Still, the man didn't seem to get it. "Oh, come now. Surely, you can tell me where you're from? And the boy—who's his father? I don't see a ring—are you married, or…?"

Seraphina's face hardened. The boy, now visibly uncomfortable, was growing anxious. Seraphina turned to him, her features softening just for a moment. She placed a gentle hand on his head, soothing him.

The man, now realizing he wasn't getting the conversation he had hoped for, frowned slightly. He shifted his weight, as though debating whether to stay or leave. But instead of leaving, he leaned closer, resting his hand on the edge of their table, his presence looming.

"Well, you're certainly not very talkative," he said with a forced chuckle. "But I guess that adds to the mystery, doesn't it? Women like you always have a story."

Seraphina, her patience now worn thin, finally stopped eating. She set her knife down with deliberate slowness, then turned to him with an icy stare.

"We are eating," she said coldly, "and I believe I've asked you once already to give us some peace. If you wish to talk, I'll be around after dinner. But for now, you're interrupting a private moment."

Her words, though calm, carried an unmistakable sharpness. Still, the man didn't seem to know when to quit. His smile faltered, and for the first time, his expression darkened just a little.

"You don't have to be so rude," he muttered, his tone shifting slightly. "I was just trying to be friendly. No harm in that, is there?"

But before Seraphina could respond, he slammed his hand down on the table, causing the dishes to rattle. The loud thud sent a jolt through both her and Aurel. The boy, startled, stared wide-eyed at the man as tears welled up in his eyes. His small body trembled in fear, and within seconds, he was crying softly, the sudden noise having frightened him.

Seraphina's eyes flared with fury as she gently picked Aurel up, holding him close to soothe him. His little arms wrapped tightly around her neck as his tears soaked into her dress. She stroked his back, trying to calm him down, but her eyes never left the man.

That was the last straw.

In one swift motion, Seraphina stood up from her chair, still holding Aurel in her arms. Her voice was low but steady, every word laced with quiet venom. "You've done enough," she hissed. "I will Leave."

The man, caught off guard by her sudden shift, blinked, but still stood his ground. He grab her hand tightly, and said "How dare you treat me like this! I was merely trying to befriend a widow who is also a commoner like you!"

Seraphina was shock, he seems to know a lot about her but he keep asking her everything. He is obviously a Stalker. She glare at him with a sharp gaze.

When he hesitated for just a moment too long, Seraphina made her move. With Aurel still in her arms, she delivered a swift, sharp kick to the man's balls with her high-heeled shoe. He yelped in pain, stumbling backward and clutching his leg as he cursed under his breath.

Around them, other diners had turned to watch the scene unfold, whispers spreading quickly through the room. The man, embarrassed and nursing his injury, scowled but finally staggered away, muttering angrily under his breath.

Seraphina, still furious, adjusted Aurel in her arms, holding him protectively as she turned away from the scene. She signaled the waiter with a sharp nod. "We're leaving."

And without another word, she swept out of the dining hall, her heels clicking against the marble floor as she carried her son away from the chaos.

As the carriage clattered to a stop in front of Seraphina's shop, the comforting sight of home quickly evaporated into dread. A group of knights stood rigid in front of her door, their imposing figures casting long shadows under the dim streetlights. Their armor gleamed coldly in the night, and their faces were expressionless, hardened by years of duty.

Seraphina stepped out of the carriage cautiously, still holding Aurel close to her chest. Her heart began to race as one of the knights, the one clearly in charge, stepped forward. Without hesitation, he grabbed her arm, his grip rough and unyielding.

"You're under arrest for assaulting a noble," he declared, his voice cold and devoid of any empathy.

Seraphina's eyes widened, her stomach sinking. She had expected there would be consequences for what happened at dinner, but not this fast. Aurel, sensing her fear, tightened his grip on her, burying his face into her neck. He was trembling.

"Wait—please," Seraphina stammered, pulling back slightly, her mind racing. "I need to make arrangements for my son. He's just a child. Let me call a friend to take care of him."

The knight hesitated for a moment, his eyes narrowing. "You have five minutes. No more."

Seraphina nodded quickly, not wasting a second. She fumbled in her pocket, pulling out her phone with shaky hands. Her fingers flew across the screen as she dialed Marina's number, her heart pounding in her chest. It felt like every second was slipping away too fast.

Marina picked up on the second ring.

"Seraphina? What's going on?" Marina's voice was concerned, but calm, steady. It was a lifeline in the chaos swirling around her.

"Marina, I don't have time to explain everything, but I need your help," Seraphina whispered, trying to keep her voice steady as she glanced nervously at the knights surrounding her. "I've been arrested. It's—complicated. But I need you to take care of Aurel for the night. Please, can you come to the shop and take him? If I don't come back by tomorrow just open the store as we plan.... don't worry."

There was a brief pause on the other end, and Seraphina could almost feel Marina's shock. But when Marina spoke again, her voice was firm. "Of course, I'm running over right now. I'll be there in ten minutes."

"Thank you, Marina," Seraphina whispered, a weight lifting off her chest knowing her son would be in safe hands.

After ending the call, she dialed again, this time for the Duchess. The knights shifted impatiently, their eyes narrowing as they grew more irritated with every second that ticked by.

"Duchess Vaelhert," Seraphina said urgently when the call connected. "I'm in trouble. I—"

"Seraphina?" The Duchess's voice was sharp with concern. "What happened? Are you alright?"

"I was arrested," Seraphina said hurriedly, her words spilling out. "I...I kicked a man tonight at dinner—he wouldn't leave me and Aurel alone. I didn't know he was a noble, and now the knights are arresting me for assault. I—"

Before Seraphina could finish, the knight in charge stepped forward again, this time yanking the phone from her hand. "Enough," he barked, snapping the phone shut "You've taken too long."

Seraphina's pulse quickened, her body tense with both fear and fury. But she swallowed back her anger, knowing she had no choice but to comply. She turned to Aurel, who was now clinging to her leg, his small face streaked with tears.

"Aurel, sweetheart," Seraphina knelt down to his level, her voice soft but trembling. She gently brushed his hair out of his face, trying to keep her own tears at bay. "Marina is coming. She'll be here very soon. I need you to be brave, okay? Stay inside the shop and wait for her."

Aurel's eyes were wide with fear, his tiny hands gripping her tightly. "Mama... going where?" he cried, his voice breaking.

Seraphina's heart ached. She didn't have the words to comfort him, not when she herself didn't know what was going to happen. She hugged him tightly, whispering, "I'll be back soon. I promise. Marina will take care of you, and I'll come home as soon as I can."

The knights, clearly growing impatient, pulled Seraphina away, her hand slipping from Aurel's as they dragged her toward their carriage. Aurel screamed after her, his little arms reaching out as tears streamed down his cheeks. "Mama! Don't go! Mama!"

Seraphina struggled in the knights' grip, her heart shattering at the sight of her son crying for her. She fought against the men holding her, but their grip was ironclad. "Aurel! Stay inside! I love you, baby, I'll be back!" she called out, her voice breaking.

The knights shoved her into the back of the carriage, slamming the door behind her. She could still hear Aurel's cries, muffled by the thick walls of the carriage as they began to move, taking her away from him.

Her chest heaved with a mix of anger and helplessness as the city passed by in a blur outside the small window. How had everything spiraled so out of control? She pressed her fists into her lap, her body trembling with rage. The image of Aurel's terrified face was burned into her mind, and she cursed the nobleman who had started all of this.

But for now, she could do nothing but wait as the carriage carried her toward the city's prison.