After hearing all that, Caspian thought he would be bothered by what happened, but considering he didn't know his father, it didn't affect him too much.
But, on the other hand, the way it made his mother feel and the kind of treatment she had endured?
Now that pissed him off. His draconic emotions flared, and it took him squeezing his hands until he drew blood to calm himself.
He growled, "How dare they treat you like that?! The fact that they drove you out of the household and then the way they treated you when you returned? Pieces of shit."
She held my large hand; her softness and warmth made me feel a connection I never felt before.
It came so effortlessly, too, as she said softly.
"It's fine, really. I am just glad you are better and that I have been able to tell you the truth about your father finally."
Her eyes conveyed her sincerity as she continued.
"I was also able to express something that made me feel so guilty, your mana, which is so special, made you bed-bound and potentially could have killed you, all because of me..."
I shook my head and said seriously.
"Mother, you couldn't have known, it isn't your fault and look, I am better now, it all worked out in the end. It seems we are more similar than I thought, both carrying useless guilt."
We both laughed lightly as my mother said.
"Right, let's get you fed!"
_________
Walking down the halls, everyone, at least within our suite, seemed to know of my recovery, and expecting a frail young man to stumble out of the room, the shock on their faces when they saw me was understandable.
If I were in their shoes, I would have the same reaction.
Some recovered from the shock quicker than others, and a couple of maids off to the side thought I couldn't hear when they said.
"Oh my goodness, the prince is fully healed!"
One other giggled and replied.
"Yes, and he is so handsome! He will be a lady killer for sure!"
The giggling and words made my eyes twitch.
I am not some man whore, I'm not going to have 20 wives.
The one thing that annoyed me in those novels I read was when the author would make the protagonist pick up women left, right, and centre.
Who wants so many wives anyway?! The one I was with back on earth was enough of a headache.
But I guess if the right woman came along...
"Don't let their gossip get to you, Cas."
My mother's whisper awoke me from my reverie as we arrived at the doors to the dining room.
"I know, mother, I'm not. I have more important things to worry about than what people think, especially ones so insignificant."
My words may have seemed cold, but from the memories of the previous Caspian, I knew that, from now on, if I was going to survive, let alone rise to the top and become the Dragon King, I was going to have to become someone else.
The memories from Caspian helped in that transition.
Maybe he has influenced me more than I would like to admit, and I was already turning into someone else, someone new.
But the rule in this world is simple: Survival of the fittest.
And I don't mind that at all. More than that, I welcome it!
A world where, as long as you have enough strength, you can rise to the top.
If the story my mother conveyed is anything to go by, this world is ruthless, and I need to be ready to ensure nothing bad happens to my loved ones.
Especially not my mother.
I do not want anything or anyone else hurting her, and if they try, I will ensure they all suffer for it.
Taking our seats at the table, a lavish feast was put on.
Once the servants left, my mother started the conversation with the question I was most dreading.
"So, what happened? And tell me the truth, I don't expect my son to lie to me."
Her words cut deep, but I couldn't exactly say 'oh, I am an imposter in your son's body and have a magical alien thing called a system from some sort of godly figure who granted me wishes like some dodgy car salesman.'
I need a half-truth enough for people to buy, especially my mother, who knows me better than anyone after all.