Entitled

Chapter 130*

Content Warnings; This will be difficult to read, SA.

A few days have passed since that intense night, and life has settled back into a comfortable routine. You and Severus have found a rhythm, balancing the complexities of your relationship with the everyday demands of parenthood. The twins, Esmond and Iris, have been your focus, their innocent smiles and curious eyes bringing light to your days.

But this morning, something shifts. You feel the familiar, almost intrusive touch of your father's mental presence, his voice echoing in your mind with a command that leaves no room for negotiation. Come to the estate. The words are direct, carrying the weight of expectation and authority that you've known your entire life.

A sense of unease settles in your chest, but you know there's no avoiding it. You take a deep breath, steeling yourself for the visit, and gather the twins. Their stroller is soon ready, and you carefully place Esmond and Iris inside, making sure they're comfortable and secure. The sight of their innocent faces calms you slightly, reminding you of the strength you've gained since becoming a mother.

The walk to the estate feels longer than usual, the air heavy with the tension of what's to come. When you finally arrive, the grandeur of the estate looms before you, a stark contrast to the simpler, more peaceful life you've built with Severus. You push the stroller up the stone path, each step echoing in the quiet, until you reach the grand entrance.

The door swings open as if anticipating your arrival, and you step inside, the familiar opulence of the estate surrounding you. Your father is already there, waiting in the drawing room, his presence commanding as always. He turns at the sound of the stroller's wheels, his sharp eyes immediately locking onto the twins.

For a moment, his stern expression softens, a rare flicker of warmth crossing his features. "Violet," he acknowledges, his voice measured, but there's a hint of approval as his gaze moves from you to the babies. "So, you brought the twins. It's been some time since I've seen them."

You nod, your heart beating a little faster as you try to gauge his mood. "Yes, Father," you reply, keeping your tone respectful. "I thought it would be good for you to see them again."

He steps closer to the stroller, his eyes narrowing as he studies the twins more intently. A slight smile tugs at the corners of his mouth as he takes in their features. "They've grown so much," he notes, his voice almost contemplative. "Esmond really favors Severus, doesn't he? And Iris... she's the spitting image of you."

You feel a swell of pride at his words, even as a part of you remains wary. It's not often that your father shows such open approval, especially when it comes to something so personal. "They have," you agree, glancing down at the babies, who are both wide-eyed and curious about their surroundings.

Your father's gaze lingers on Esmond for a moment longer, the resemblance to Severus clearly not lost on him. He straightens, his eyes meeting yours with a serious expression. "They're strong, healthy children," he says, his tone shifting slightly. "You've done well, Violet."

The unexpected praise takes you by surprise, and you feel a mix of relief and unease. "Thank you," you say softly, wondering where this conversation is leading.

Your father's eyes narrow slightly, as if considering something. "I have been thinking about the future," he continues, his tone measured. "About the legacy of our family. The twins... they are a part of that legacy now."

His words hang in the air, heavy with implication. You know your father well enough to recognize that he's not just making idle conversation. There's a deeper purpose to this visit, something he's working his way toward.