Chapter 49 - Bumpy Carriage Ride

The son, the Heir, the youngest of Roderick, the most handsome and astounding young man of Zariya, for once, wanted to do something as childish as throwing rocks at his favorite uncle. 

No. 

Throwing a boulder sounded much better. 

But he would surely just resort to pebbles in the end since he didn't want to hurt his lovely guardian. The one that had changed his diapers and patted his buŧŧ when his dad was being useless right after his mother's passing--

"..."

Wait.

Hold the fuċk up. 

He shouldn't be wearing diapers at the age of 5… Right? 

Dignity. What was that? He had none left. If only the earth would open up and swallow and accept him as one of her kin… 

What had happened throughout his childhood?! Was this what happened when being raised by Alphas who knew nothing about raising a kid at all?! Those who had zero understanding on how to care for children?!

Fuuuu-- 

'Calm down, calm down, now's not the time to think about that,' Zeke's shoulder dropped. 

Here he was, being manipulated by the one he least expected. 

Lynn giggled, 'yes, he giggled, this overly benevolent and sweet and benign and thoughtful pretentious hypocritical angel-- Don't be fooled by that appearance, Zeke!' at the younger Alpha's expression. "Don't look so glum, Young Master. You may not notice it yourself but you look absolutely stunning right now." 

Derek snickered from his seat across from his son before turning away to look at the scenery outside, ignoring the deathly glare sent by Zeke. 

Feeling like his deathly glare wasn't quite lethal enough to pierce his dad, Zeke rolled his eyes and gave Lynn a disgruntled look. 

Bump. Bump.

Zeke almost lurched forward from his seat, if not for Lynn's arm that shot across his ċhėst to prevent any accident. It couldn't be said the same for the oldest Alpha. The bump had caused him to hit his head on the ceiling of the ride, making him clutch his head in pain. 

The insubordinate son was on verge of mocking his pitiful dad before another bump occurred and made him experience what his father had just gone through before. 

Now, the both of them ġrȯȧnėd in pain. The gray-haired Alpha could only shake his head at their ridiculousness. 

Zeke huffed and leaned back on his seat, crossing his arms across his ċhėst after nursing his throbbing head. He was dressed in expensive sophisticated suits. Lynn had decided to doll him up extra for the 'important event'. 

The ruffles and laces were itchy against his skin, the suit was tightly hugging his figure that he had a hard time breathing no matter how often he wore suits like this. And the worst of all was… 

The pants. 

In conclusion, he was uncomfortable. 

God, he would rather wear his training suit instead of these. At least his training suits were all really comfortable where he didn't need to calculate and restrict his movements in order to prevent unexpected stripping show from happening. 

Bump, bump. 

Thankfully, they were small bumps, only enough to make him bounce on his seat but his tailbone was in need of rescue. Those violent movements were going to break his spine sooner or later! 

Another fact to make, the trip was rather uneventful. 

Not just due to his wardrobe issue, but also the ride. 

Why? Why in the world did they let his father talk through them and insist on a carriage ride? They had cars, for goodness sake! 

'Some aristocats just love the traditional way~' Zeke could hear the teasing tone lacing the well-constructed serious tone his dad tried to maintain. 

'Scratched that,' Zeke sneered. 'His dad actually cackled like a madman.'

This time, nothing was spared. His head and tailbone knocked against every hard surface of the carriage and he hissed in pain. 

The rest of the trip was gonna suck even more. 

XXX

The Zero estate appeared at the horizon quickly enough that Zeke was finally able to breathe out a sigh of relief. There was too much swaying and exhaustion was creeping on him, and he had yet to meet with the Zeros! 

His dad looked like he was ready to puke from all the motion sickness based on his pale-looking lips. 

Though, he gotta hand it to Lynn. Man looked unfazed at all as he clambered out of the carriage to thank the coachman and pulled the door of the carriage open wider for them. 

Stepping down, Zeke took in the place. Huge, it was enormous, yet incomparable to their estate, of course. Unlike Roderick's, The Zero Estate was built more to intimidate than inspire awe. It was blocky and square and that includes the structure of the garden. 

Pretty flowers were a plus point, Zeke decided. 

Another thing that the young Alpha noticed since passing through the gate was how heavily guarded the place was. There were guards everywhere, standing by the gates and every corner of this place. 

'Are the ȧssassinations still around?' Zeke wondered. He hadn't heard any gossip about it though.

He scratched his neatly brushed head carelessly, only to have his hand swatted away by a certain mother hen Alpha and a reprimanded look was sent his way. 

They were greeted by Lord Zero's personal butler. A tall Alpha with thick brown locks that were brushed neatly. Zeke studied the man as he bowed politely at them. 

It was such a pity that Zeke had pulled his gaze away too fast to miss the subtle action, a eye contact that was held a little bit too long, by Lord Zero's personal butler and his dad's. 

Where the estate's outside had resembled a blockhouse, he knew he was being mean for criticizing some Lord's taste, the inside actually surprised Zeke. 

It was… 

Quite elegant. 

Tall windows and red curtains. It made him feel like he was walking down a wedding aisle. 

The brown-haired Alpha led them through hallways, a few servants stopping here and there to give them deep bows. The group finally stopped in front of a set of large doors. 

"Lord Zero is already waiting for your arrival on the other side. There will be me and other servants to aid you in any way you wish. If you require my services, just say the word.." Zion said with a half-bow before pushing the doors open.