Coldsnap: The Billionaire Alpha's Fated Pregnant Princess (GL)-Chapter 234 - The Trouble With Family Is That You Expect More Of Them

Both of them looked at me... and I realized I’d stepped into a mediator role without explicitly meaning to. However, I do not think that I am really the right person to get family talking to each other.

So I grow quiet and look down like I am in some deep thought and not just running away. The kettle clicked off and Ember turned away to pour water over tea bags with the movements of someone who’d turned the preparation into ritual.

"You seemed to enjoy the camera work today without too many issues. Whatever the problem is, most family things are much less complicated than we make them."

"She means well. But she’s always trying to... improve things. "

Jessica admitted quietly, before her voice gained more power. The power of rebellion that I know quite well, never having been happy with being told what was acceptable for me to do or not.

"My clothes, my hair, my apartment. She often buys jewelry sets for my birthday, and when I tried to explain that it wasn’t my style and that she should return it... she got this hurt look like I was rejecting her personally."

"Well, you sent everything back, not just the most recent pieces."

The designer spoke while setting cups on a service tray. One with a small carton of what smells like milk and a bowl of sugar cubes. When I turned back to the photographer, she was looking miserable.

So I looked away from that and began agitating the tea bag so that it would more quickly infuse the strong smelling leaves. Then I can decide if I want any of those additives.

"Yes. Everything she’d ever given me. I thought... I thought it would make a point about letting me be myself."

I blew on and sipped my tea to judge it, thinking about my own complicated relationships with family members who’d tried to mold me into what they thought I should be. In that respect, I understand the decision.

Would I have been able to get away with returning every piece of clothing that I did not enjoy wearing to royal functions, I would have done it in a heartbeat. I also would have been confined to my room for weeks at minimum.

And still would have ended up wearing the same clothes by the end. Even though the Queen Mother knew I did not like them. Because while I had only tried absolutely refusing in public once... I was never quiet about that, in private.

"Have you considered that maybe she was trying to show a bit of love the only way she knew how?"

Mr. Laurent came to her defense while removing his tea bag and placing it on a saucer. That certainly wasn’t a line I could say. Even if I considered her wanting me to be respected a form of love.

> Because the way I was respected was not what I wanted to be respected for. Yes, I did want to be seen and be looked at - you know I’m vain, why would you even ask that? But people do not like what they do not like to wear. <

"She never asked what I actually wanted. She just... decided what would be best for me and went with that."

"Which is frustrating. I understand that very well."

Both of them turned to me again as I raise my chin up and look at her. We may have some similar complaints, but we are not really the same people. She has more optimism in some regards than I do.

Likely born by having more freedom in her life than she knew what to do with. Which is why she is seeking the edges of her own cage.

"But did you ever tell her what you did want - a middle ground that she could connect with? Or did you just reject what she offered?"

"I guess... I mostly just said no to things."

> I’m not sure why I expected he would drink it plain. Perhaps I am just the strange one. <

Ember Beau Laurent took a sip of his tea, after lacing it with milk and sugar both. Then he smiles and nods before he speaks.

"Communication tends to be a two-way street. We forget that it is necessary in families. We assume that we’re traveling the same path at the same speed. And we become frustrated when we start to feel that is not the case - usually when we are speaking and don’t think they are listening."

His wisdom, like most good kinds, seems experiential. The most frustrated I have ever been is when I was sure that the woman who birthed me was not taking my words to heart. Or when my brother refused to speak to me.

"I don’t want to get in the middle of things I may not be wanted in, but she kept looking over at you when you were taking photos of me."

"...Really?"

The sound of raised voices drifted from the conference room - not angry, but definitely passionate. I think I heard the term ’star power’ and ’rising to the top’. Ember chuckled while I frowned.

"Those two are just getting started. We’ll be here a while. Whether you want to talk to your aunt or keep avoiding her, thank you for coming in today."

"You’re both very meddlesome, you know that?"

Jessica sighed and looked up toward the ceiling - but she was smiling. I wonder if that’s how I look when I’ve said similar phrases to Anise. Exasperated, but pleased.

Stirring some more heat out of my drink, I take a long sip. A nice, strong, malty flavor is the most prominent in this particular black tea. I’ll have to remember the name of it.

"The tea is quite good. Thank you."

"But of course. You’re welcome to more water and another bag if you’d like."

"I appreciate it."

In the silence with nothing but our sips, the other woman finally clears her throat.

"Both of you are just going to change your pace so quickly? It’s too quiet."

"What do you mean? It’s loud enough out there that this peace is perfect."

With a smirk at her from Mr. Laurent, she gives up on him and turns to me. She stares like I’m supposed to say something, so I just raise an eyebrow and take a drink.

"Aren’t you like, a year younger than me? Is sitting quietly with tea your idea of a good time?"

"No, but I was told ruffling your hair was off limits. I’m not sure that included mentioning it, but if you really dislike it then you have you aunt to thank for stopping me. You should go tell her you are grateful."

Her jaw slackens as she blinks at me before shaking her head and turning away from us both.

"Okay. Silence is better. Sorry."