His new stepsister His biggest threat (Claire and Elijah) novel Chapter 52

**Chapter 52**

**Claire’s POV**

As I stirred from my slumber, the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, bathing my room in a warm, golden glow. It felt as though the morning itself was reaching out to me, inviting me to embrace a new beginning. A sense of lightness fluttered in my chest, a feeling I had longed for but hadn’t felt in what seemed like ages. It was a refreshing change from the heaviness that usually clung to me like a shadow, urging me to take a moment to steady my breath and appreciate this fleeting tranquility.

With a soft smile blooming on my lips, I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, allowing my feet to touch the cool floor. I glanced around my room, which, despite its undeniable charm, was a testament to my recent neglect. Clothes lay strewn about, remnants of my hasty mornings, and belongings cluttered every available surface.

Ugh.

But then, a tantalizing aroma wafted through the air, a delightful blend of rich coffee and freshly baked bread that stirred my senses and drew me toward the kitchen below. I hurriedly brushed my hair, excitement bubbling within me as I anticipated breakfast with my family.

Descending the stairs, I found Ethan already seated at the dining table, his eyes glued to the screen of his tablet, completely absorbed in whatever was capturing his attention. Mom was beside him, stirring her tea with a thoughtful expression, lost in the labyrinth of her own thoughts. Meanwhile, Elijah stood near the counter, casually sipping water from a glass, his shirt slightly rumpled, a clear indication of his lingering sleepiness.

“Good morning, everyone,” I greeted, my voice infused with warmth, hoping to bridge the distance that had grown between Elijah and me.

Mom looked up, her face lighting up with a radiant smile. “Good morning, sweetheart! Did you sleep well?”

“Yes,” I replied, settling into my seat while sneaking a glance at Elijah. He acknowledged me with a curt nod, his expression inscrutable, as if my presence didn’t quite register with him.

Ethan glanced between us, sensing the tension in the air. “Elijah, the etiquette session starts in an hour, right? How have the previous ones gone? Good, I hope?”

“Yeah,” Elijah replied, his tone calm, though the tightness in his jaw hinted at something unspoken.

Mom chuckled softly, breaking the tension. “You two will be spending a lot of time together in the coming days. Claire, remember to listen to him. He knows how to navigate any event with grace.”

“I’ll try,” I muttered under my breath, a hint of uncertainty coloring my words.

A flicker of amusement danced in Elijah’s eyes, almost transforming his stoic demeanor. “She’ll be fine. I’ll make sure she learns.”

Time slipped away faster than I anticipated, and soon enough, Mom and Ethan were preparing to leave for their royal duties. I excused myself from the table, a mix of relief and apprehension swirling within me as I headed to the shower. In my heart, I silently beseeched the goddess for the courage to face Elijah again.

When I stepped into the sitting room, Elijah was already there, the remnants of our breakfast cleared away, leaving behind only a few items that hinted at the day’s agenda. Books on formal conduct and posture guides lay open, alongside a tray adorned with a teapot and delicate cups.

He stood tall, his demeanor calm yet watchful, as if he were assessing my readiness. “Today, we’ll continue with posture, but I’ll also introduce table manners. It’s not overly complicated, but you need to focus.”

“Alright,” I replied, trying to mask the anxiety bubbling within me.

He gestured for me to take a seat, and I complied, making a conscious effort to keep my shoulders back as he had demonstrated earlier. Initially, I felt awkward, struggling to find my balance, as if I were a marionette with tangled strings.

With a gentle touch, he pressed two fingers against my shoulder, his voice steady and reassuring. “Relax here. You’re too tense.”

I let out a slow breath, trying to ignore the light tingle that spread from where he touched me. “Sorry.”

He shook his head, a hint of impatience creeping into his tone. “No need to apologize. Just adjust.”

We moved forward, and he poured tea into a cup, guiding me on how to lift it properly and how to hold my spoon. When I mistakenly reached for the wrong utensil, he stopped me with a gentle correction.

“No, that’s the dessert fork. You’ll need the salad one first,” he explained, his tone firm yet patient.

“Oh,” I replied, picking up the correct fork. “I think I’m starting to get the hang of this.”

He settled across from me, resting his arms on the table, his gaze steady and unwavering. “Not bad. You’re doing better than yesterday.”

His unexpected compliment caught me off guard. “Really?”

“Really,” he affirmed, his voice softening for a fleeting moment before he cleared his throat, returning to his usual demeanor. “Now, try again.”

As we continued, I made fewer mistakes, and each time his hand brushed against mine while he adjusted my grip, a strange awareness stirred within me, leaving me questioning whether my body was betraying me on purpose.

When our session drew to a close, I stood up, stretching my stiff back. “So, that’s it for today?”

He nodded, folding the tablecloths with precision. “For now. Next time, we’ll tackle speech and introductions.”

I hesitated for a moment, then offered a small smile. “Thanks, Elijah.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify