The Seraphim felt exonerated.
Valerian returned his gaze to Inanis. "Kneel."
The boy did not hesitate and bent the knee.
Valerian approached the young boy.
He picked up the sword and cut the palm of his hand. He crouched down and shot his wounded hand into the boy's chest and wrapped his hand around the boy's heart.
Inanis winced but did not waver. He endured.
"You are not what I expected. Since the day I met you, you have continued to change and present new questions to my thinking. For a son of my House, you are still weak but I look forward to your improvements and changes.
"I do not approve of your human way of thinking, the human morals you cling to, the naive methodology you hold on to but getting rid of that was not part of the agreement we made so for now I will stomach it.
"But know this, a child of mine is not exempt from death and if you think of committing patricide be sure to have the power to back it. Keep all this in mind.
"Because as of now, you and I bound, blood of my blood, child of my House and son of mine, you are nameless no longer, wherever you go in this life, you are to be known and let be known out loud, Navin Perses Jata, first born son of Valerian Erebus Jata, Second Star behind the Celestial, Dynast under the Throne, Prince of Princes and heir apparent."
Valerian let go of his grip on Navin's heart. The chest wound began to heal.
THUD!
Navin felt tired and sleepy but the thud sound drew his gaze. A metre away, Gabriel, Uriel, Asura and Lilith knelt down.
Valerian stood up and walked back but the four stayed kneeling.
"We, the Princes of Abandon, knights of the Seraphim Order of Valeris, Lords of Ordered Chaos, and supreme beings under the absolute One true Celestial Star, see and greet the Second star behind the Celestial and Dynast under the Throne. We welcome the Prince Navin." their voices were like a choir of celestial beings.
"Y-you...may rise." Navin said but he was surprised by the sudden change in behaviour. The four rose and bowed their heads.
"Hahaha!" Valerian laughed. "You are still his first teachers. Until his strength exceeds yours, you may treat him the same in private."
Being given the go ahead, Asura did not waste a moment. He leapt on Navin and put his hand around the new prince.
"That was amazing!" He roared. "I did not except that from you, 'Your Imperial Highness'" he added the title mockingly.
"That was truly a great move." Gabriel kept his composure but still acknowledged the boy's efforts.
"It was...acceptable." Lilith said with a tone of indifference.
Uriel was more direct. She walked up to Navin and flicked his forehead.
Valerian raised his eyebrow at this scene. He had never seen the Seraphs so relaxed.
"You did something unexpected. Who told you to mash up our teachings?" She asked.
"I am sorry!"
FLICK!
"You are the Dynast under the Throne, show some pride. You should not be so ready to apologise and definitely not so meekly. More lessons are necessary."
"Father help me!" Navin whined.
FLICK!
"Imperial Father, you stand behind the Celestial Star not beside the Celestial." Uriel continued.
Valerian feigned a cough.
"I did mention that it was to be in 'private'. I am still here." Valerian stated.
The generals fell in line.
"We apologise." the four said in unison.
"Navin, stand behind me." Valerian said.
Navin walked to Valerian and stood behind him. The Seraphs stood behind Navin and in that moment, the four Seraphs were struck by the same thought. Both the Celestial and the Dynast under the Throne looked like figures beyond their reach.
Valerian opened the portal out and the little dimension began to collapse.
The six walked out of that dimension, each one changed forever, some did not even know it yet.