The morning sun rose, I dressed quickly, opting for my usual attire: plain, comfortable clothing that allowed for ease of movement. As I made my way through the castle, servants hurried to clear the path, their eyes a mix of fear and respect. Their reactions didn't bother me; they simply reminded me of the power I held. Today was supposed to be different. There would be no training. My mother was returning from her diplomatic talks with the dwarves.
The dwarves were an interesting lot, not considered part of demon-kind by the humans. They existed in a strange limbo, allies to the Demon Kingdom but not viewed as our kin. Mother had spent weeks negotiating with them, strengthening our ties as tensions simmered with Nefaria. But now, according to Father, Nefaria had backed off. Ever since the incident with their spy, things had quieted down. My father had "taken care of him." What exactly that meant was unclear, but I could guess.
I made my way to the grand hall, where Father was already seated, staring intently at a map spread out before him. His usually cheerful demeanor was masked by a stern focus. I knew he was just playing the part. As soon as Mother arrived and the doors closed, his usual bubbly personality would resurface.
He glanced up as I approached. "Morning, Aiden," he rumbled. His eyes, the same shade of red as mine, softened slightly. "Your mother's due to arrive shortly."
I nodded, taking a seat across from him. "How long until she gets here?"
"Not long," he replied. "She's traveling with an escort, but they made good time. Should be here within the hour."
We sat in silence, both watching the entrance. As the minutes dragged on, my mind wandered. Aurora, my sister, was away at a prestigious school. Father's letters from Aurora were always full of concern. She worried about me constantly, though in an almost obsessive way. I could practically feel her eyes on me even when she wasn't here—a strange mix of affection and protectiveness.
Father seemed to read my thoughts. "Your sister sends her regards," he said, a smirk tugging at his lips. "She's due to visit in a few weeks."
I glanced at him. "How is she?"
"Still the same," he replied with a chuckle. "You know how she is. Always thinking about her 'dear little brother.'"
I grimaced slightly. Aurora's obsession with me was...intense, to say the least. She'd always been a bit of a brocon, as some in my world would call it. Her letters were filled with instructions and advice on how I should take care of myself, eat properly, and avoid danger. She meant well, but her fixation could be overwhelming.
Father laughed at my expression. "Don't worry. She's just concerned. That's how she shows her love."
Before I could respond, the large doors of the grand hall swung open. The room filled with the clatter of hooves and the rustle of fabric as my mother entered, flanked by her escort. Her silver-white hair cascaded down her back, glowing like moonlight against her dark cloak. She moved with an elegance and authority that commanded the room's attention.
"Welcome back," Father greeted, standing up. His serious facade cracked, the corners of his mouth twitching into a small smile. I stood as well, watching as Mother approached.
She surveyed us both with her piercing red eyes, then gave a nod. "It's good to be home," she said, her voice soft yet commanding. "The talks went well. The dwarves are willing to lend their support if needed."
"That's good to hear," Father said, his demeanor relaxing.
Mother's gaze shifted to me, her expression softening. "Aiden," she greeted warmly. "I trust you've been well in our absence?"
"Yes, Mother," I replied, feeling an unexpected sense of calm. "Everything has been...quiet."
She nodded, satisfied with my answer. "That's good. Though," her eyes flickered to Father, "quiet may not last forever."
Father chuckled, a sound that seemed to light up the room. "Let's not dwell on that now. We're together, and that's what matters."
With the formalities out of the way, the atmosphere in the hall changed. Father's bubbly personality emerged fully, and Mother's sternness softened into a gentler warmth. It was like a breath of fresh air had swept through the castle. They were different when alone with me—almost carefree. The tension that usually gripped the castle eased, and the grand hall felt more like a family dining room.
"Now, come," Father said, motioning toward the smaller table set up at the side of the hall. "Let's have breakfast together. I've had the cooks prepare something special for your mother's return."
Mother's eyes twinkled with amusement as she glanced at the table. "You spoil me, as always."
Father grinned. "Only because you deserve it."
I watched as my father, the king, turned to my mother, the queen. His stern expression softened into a rare, affectionate smile. "My love," he said, his voice warmer and softer than usual, "I believe our son has outdone himself today."
My mother's eyes lit up, a rosy flush spreading across her cheeks as she reached for his hand.She placed her other hand on his chest, looking up at him with a love that seemed to erase the years between them.
I shifted uncomfortably, not sure where to look. This sudden display of affection between my parents was new to me and felt oddly out of place in the grandeur of the throne room. I cleared my throat, hoping to remind them I was still here. But they seemed lost in their own world, my father drawing my mother closer, his fingers brushing a stray strand of her hair away from her face.
It became too awkward for me and I decided to leave them to...I don't know.