Our son (part 1)

Egon appeared disappointed, almost as if he were the son instead of the father in this exchange. "At least it worked," he mumbled in a low tone.

"Never again," Adela warned, her nails digging into her trousers beneath the surface of her bureau, "using Sasha as bait is not an option."

"I can protect her," he uttered with a chilly edge.

"That duty is mine, My Lord." 

"...Right, Lanark is your domain. Your influence is evident," Egon remarked with a hint of admiration that Noctavian noticed and did not appreciate, finding the man's compliment lacking, even beyond the comprehension of women as intelligent as his mother.

Adela was so engrossed in their heated argument that she failed to notice her son's thoughtful expression as he worked on understanding the dynamics between his mother and Egon von Conradie.