The Only Son Amongst The Daughters Of Eros

Finally arriving at the Castle of Starlight, Aeric dismounted Sylver with practiced ease as the beast touched down on the darkening grounds of the royal estate.

He guarded the Beast to the stables, patting him gently before leaving with the promise of more snacks tomorrow. He gave Sylver one final playful nudge before striding forward towards the grand doors of the castle.

With the magic of the giant building, the doors dragged open on their own as he stepped in. Aeric saw the royal courier approach him swiftly, and bowed low.

"My Prince, Son Aeric," said the courier.

"Jontel," Aeric nodded his head, about to move along when the royal courier stopped him with his voice clipped and urgent.

"Her Majesty requests your presence in the courtroom at once. She bids me to stress the urgency."

Aeric raised a brow but kept his composure, brushing some dust from his sleeve. "Very well, Jontel. I will see her presently."

He ascended the marble steps, his boots clicking rhythmically against the polished floor. Guards opened the great oak doors leading to the courtroom, and he entered, exuding the poise that was completely different to the character of Dagwood he had played in the Dungeon.

Before him, there was the long dining table stretching. On top of it were a lavish spread of roasted meats, golden bread, and glittering chalices set with gemstones. At the head of the table sat Queen Guinevere, her regal presence commanding the room.

"Mother," Aeric greeted, his tone formal. There were many possible reasons as to why Mother Guinevere would ask for Aeric just moments before nightfall. He hoped it was simply because she missed his face.

Aeric inclined his head slightly and a happy smile graced his cherry lips.

"Aeric, my lovely son," Mother Guinevere replied warmly, gesturing to the seat beside her. "Come take a seat. Come on."

A servant stepped forward, pulling the chair back. Aeric approached, tugging off his gloves and handing them to the waiting servant.

"You look radiant this evening, Mother," he said, his gaze briefly scanning the table. "I didn't expect such a feast… but it is most welcome!"

'Especially after such a day I just had.'

Guinevere smiled knowingly, her eyes lingering on him. "I knew you would be famished. Go ahead, eat."

As Aeric settled, the clinking of silverware and soft murmur of servants filled the air. He reached for a goblet, taking a sip of the fine wine, savoring the flavor with a satisfying sigh.

Guinevere watched him place the cup on the table and smiled. Then she asked casually, "How was your day, my dear? Was it better than yesterday? The institution I mean?"

Aeric paused mid-bite, steeling himself. Not this again. He didn't like lying to her. Lying to his mother always carried a weight he loathed, yet he knew he had tp. "It was… enlightening," he said smoothly. "The lessons were rigorous, but I learned much."

Guinevere's gaze lingered, her smile faint. "Good," she said, though there was a knowing edge to her tone.

More clinging of forks on plates, and more quiet chewing.

The conversation had lulled now, but eventually, Mother Guinevere picked it up. She gestured to the young woman seated across the table. "Aeric, I wish to introduce you to Delva."

Aeric's eyes shifted to the girl, who for some reason he has not even noticed. She was fair-skinned, with crimson hair cascading in soft waves. Her green eyes sparkled with curiosity, framed by long lashes. Her attire, while elegant, lacked the opulence of royalty, hinting at her origins.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

It covered very little of her chest region and there was a lot to be covered there. Her shoulders were broad like a soldier's, yet she had a clear feminine aura about her. Maybe it was that excited look in her eyes.

"Delva," Aeric repeated, studying her. 'I haven't heard of any Daughter named Delva. She's not royalty?'

"I am unfamiliar with the name," he said to his mother, looking away from the vibrant girl.

Guinevere's smile deepened. "Of course you are not. You were only freed from the walls of this castle a few months ago. Delva here is the daughter of a renowned tradesman in our Region. I have brought her here to be a companion to you."

Aeric leaned back, his brow arching. 'A companion to me? What is she talking about?'

His lips downturned as soon as he understood. "Mother, you purchased me a friend?"

Guinevere's expression hardened slightly. "I did not purchase her, Aeric. She is a person, not a thing."

"I know that, Mother, which is why I find the notion… egregious."

Delva shifted somewhat uncomfortably, glancing between them as they spoke like people who were being extremely careful not to anger or offend the other.

"I just saw that you were having a really difficult time and I wanted to help you, son. I worry about you."

"y purchasing me a friend?" Aeric repeated to his mother. He looked at Delva. "I mean no offence, I'm sure you're a wonderful person." Then he turned to his mother. "But come on, Mother. I'm fine"

Guinevere's face lowered. "If that is what you say."

She stayed quiet for a while, eating her meal before she finally spoke up once again; "A Messenger came today."

Aeric's brows furrowed. 'Damn it! Father has already started initiating his plan.' He looked at his mother, acting calm and unknowing. "Uh. Why?"

Guinevere looked at him. "Why else do you think? The Messenger said you had been absent from the Institution today. It is just your second day and you are already being absent."

Aeric frowned and looked down on his plate. 'Smart move, father. Trying to drive a wedge between my mother and I.'

"Very suspicious isn't it? Why would a Messenger be giving that information and not an Institution Official?" he told his mom.

"But it is true, Aeric. Isn't it?"

Aeric sighed, he didn't want to lie to his mother as she was the only one who truly loved him. "Yes, mother. It's true."

Guinevere dropped her fork and sighed. "I know it is strange for a Messenger to be giving me that message rather than an official of the royal institution. I fear that your father has something to do with it. But that's not what I care about, all I care about is you."

"I don't even want to know where you went as long as you return safely. But, Aeric, my son. You are special. Too special for this world and it could confuse you. Making you do things like abandon the institution because everyone else hates you for being different."