Zeph woke the next morning to the sound of shuffling feet and hurried whispers filling the room. It was much noisier than usual. His small, curious eyes blinked open, trying to make sense of the sudden rush of activity.
The servants were bustling about, cleaning every corner of the room with great urgency. They moved like a well-rehearsed team, dusting the furniture, arranging the drapes, and polishing every surface until it gleamed. There was an energy in the air that made Zeph wonder what was going on.
As he lay there observing, he felt Elara's gentle hands lift him from the cradle. She held him on her lap and began adorning him with luxurious clothing. The fabric was soft, much softer than the ones he was used to wearing, and it shimmered in the morning light.
Elara worked with care, adjusting each piece of the tiny outfit, making sure everything was perfect. After dressing him, she began powdering his skin with fragrant powder, a scent that filled the room with the sweet smell of flowers.
Zeph was curious about why such preparations were being made. He could sense that something important was about to happen.
Just as he was about to try and communicate with Lucian through their shared bond, the doors to the room creaked open.
A servant stepped in and announced with a voice filled with reverence, "The Emperor, Solon Eternis, has arrived."
Zeph's heart skipped a beat. The Emperor? His father? He had never seen his father before, not since he was born.
He had heard whispers about him through Elara and the occasional conversations between the servants, but today, he would see the man himself. What kind of man was the Emperor?
Elara quickly set Zeph down into his cradle and stood up, moving to the corner of the room to make way for the Emperor's entrance. She stood there, her posture straight and respectful, her face calm though her eyes were filled with anticipation.
The door opened wider, and there, stepping into the room, was the Emperor himself—Solon Eternis.
He was a sight to behold, nearly six feet tall with a commanding presence that filled the room the moment he entered. His golden hair shimmered in the light, catching the rays of the sun that streamed in through the windows.
His sharp blue eyes, cold and piercing, scanned the room as though nothing could escape his gaze. He wore an immaculate robe embroidered with the crest of the empire, each stitch a testament to his power and authority. His movements were measured, his posture perfect, radiating an air of superiority.
Behind him, quietly following, was Selena. She entered with a look of cautious excitement, clearly eager for this moment, though Zeph could sense a tinge of nervousness in her step.
Zeph stared up at his father for the first time, utterly captivated by his presence. Solon Eternis looked every bit the ruler of an empire. He was cold, distant, and seemingly indifferent to those around him.
The Emperor approached the cradle slowly, his blue eyes locking onto Zeph's black eyes. For a moment, father and son simply stared at each other, their gazes interlocked.
Zeph's baby side didn't recognize the man before him. There was no sense of warmth or connection. But Lucian, always the strategist, quickly formulated a plan. He knew that first impressions were everything, even in a situation like this.
In an attempt to impress his father, Zeph—guided by Lucian—reached out his small arms and gave his best baby smile. It was a simple gesture, one of innocence and charm, one designed to soften the heart of even the coldest of men.
But Solon's expression did not change. His cold, distant eyes remained fixed on Zeph, his face unmoving. He simply stood there, observing his son in silence, as if he were studying a distant object, not a child. The lack of warmth or recognition made the moment feel oddly hollow.
Selena, sensing the distance between father and son, tried to ease the tension. She stepped forward and smiled warmly at Solon, her voice light as she said, "Isn't he adorable, Solon? Our son... he has your smile."
Solon glanced at Selena briefly, his expression unchanged. "Cuteness alone is not enough to rule an empire," he replied, his voice calm but cold.
Selena's smile faltered, the warmth in her voice fading. She had hoped for a more tender response, but Solon was a man who rarely showed softness. Realizing she wasn't going to change his demeanor, she decided to shift the conversation.
"I wanted to speak to you about an incident that happened recently," Selena began, her voice more serious now. "There was an accident in the gardens. An arrow was fired toward Zeph by mistake. It was close—too close. I've been worried about his safety ever since."
Solon's expression remained unchanged, though he nodded slightly, acknowledging her words. "This world is full of dangers," he said, his tone almost dismissive. "Only those who overcome such obstacles are worthy of living in it."
Selena frowned. She had expected a more concerned reaction, especially when it came to the safety of their son. But Solon seemed unmoved by the idea of danger, as if it were an inevitable part of life, something Zeph would simply have to endure.
Despite his cold response, Solon did seem to notice the genuine concern in Selena's eyes. After a brief pause, he added, "I'll have more guards posted around your palace. I'll also sent Guard Commander Albert Tuspin. He will personally ensure that Zeph is protected."
Relief washed over Selena's face. It wasn't the warm, heartfelt response she had hoped for, but it was something. At least Solon was taking action, and that was enough for now.
"Thank you," Selena said softly, her voice filled with gratitude.
Without further conversation, Solon turned back to Zeph. Then he spoke in a firm voice.
"Everyone, leave. I wish to observe my son in peace."
Selena hesitated for a brief moment, unsure of whether to stay or go. But Solon's command was clear. She gave Zeph one last reassuring glance before quietly exiting the room, followed by the servants and Elara.
The door closed, leaving Solon and Zeph alone. The Emperor stood there, silent and still, his gaze fixed on the small child in the cradle.