Leon took a step back, stunned. "So, you don't believe in me?"
"I believe in potential, not entitlement," she replied. "Your behaviour has shown me that you're not ready."
He turned away, pacing. "This is about tradition, isn't it? About the matriarchal line. You'd rather see me sidelined than challenge custom."
"Challenge the custom? The norm? And for whom? You? No. You think you're important enough for us to abandon customs and challenge the norms?" She said harshly. She was hoping her son would learn, but it seems like that day will not come.
Leon stopped, facing her again. "Then why appoint Riven? He's an outsider."
"Because he brings a perspective you lack," she said. "That he sometimes mirrors you, and he treats you like how you treat everybody else."
Leon was seriously offended by his mother comparing him to that mutt. That fucking useless mutt!
Leon looked away, his jaw tight. "So, what now?"
