The sky blushed a soft reddish hue as the sun timidly peeked over the horizon. In the courtyard, grand carriages drawn by four horses stood in orderly rows, the imperial pennants atop them fluttered gently in the breeze.
Despite the early hours, the courtyard was bustling with activity. Maids and butlers scurried about, packing provisions under Sanchez's command, while the knights inspected their weapons and some tended to their horses.
Cassian took a deep breath, letting the crisp morning dew fill his lungs. Exhaling slowly, his warm breath condensed into a faint mist before dissipating into the air. Today marked the departure of the Imperial family—excluding him. He still had three months of training to complete before returning to the capital for his coming-of-age.
When the sound of approaching footsteps echoed across the courtyard, he and Ezio turned and saw Roseanne, escorted by Gideon, with Julius by his side, followed by several ladies-in-waiting and a group of escort knights, all making their way toward them.
Upon reaching them, they bowed reverently and greeted in chorus, "Good morning, Your Majesties, Your Highness."
Before Cassian could fully straighten from his bow, a pair of arms enveloped him in a tight embrace. The familiar powdery floral scent stung his nostrils, telling him it was the Empress.
"I will miss you," she whispered, her voice tinged with melancholy as she stroked his head gently.
He hesitated before finally returning the embrace. "I will miss you too."
Despite the overwhelming guilt he felt toward her kindness, she was the only one he could trust without question in this unfamiliar world. And thanks to her, he now knew what it felt like to have a mother's care—something he never experienced in his past.
Releasing him from her grasp, Roseanne cupped his face, her cerulean eyes shimmering with concern. "Promise me you'll take care of yourself. Take your medication, eat properly, don't overexert yourself, get enough rest, and please, don't—"
Cassian was baffled, dumbfounded by the torrent of reminders. He knew she was worried—perhaps excessively so—but it beginning to weigh on him.
"—And if you ever need anything, call for Sanchez immediately. Do you understand?"
Snapping out of his reverie, he nodded quickly, "I understand, Your Majesty. Please, don't worry about me."
However, she shook her head firmly. "No. Call me 'Mother.'"
Her words caught him off guard, "I… How could I—"
"Mother." She interrupted, her unwavering gaze leaving no room for refusal.
Exhaling softly, he eventually relented. "Mother…" His voice was barely audible, yet the single word seemed to light her face with pride.
"That's my son," she spoke proudly and pressed a kiss to his forehead. With a final look of brimming affection, she stepped aside, allowing Gideon to take her place.
Placing a steady hand on his shoulder, Gideon smiled at him. "Take care of your health, and always keep Ezio by your side, no matter where you go."
He inclined his head, "I will keep that in mind. Thank you, Your—"
"Father." Gideon corrected him.
He paused, his gaze flicking to Gideon's expectant expression before reluctantly complying. "…Father." The word felt foreign in his tongue.
Regardless, Gideon chuckled, clearly pleased. "That's more like it." With a satisfying nod, he ruffled Cassian's hair, his warmth lingering even as he stepped aside.
Julius bounded forward, his grin stretching wide and his eyes gleaming with unrestrained glee. He could almost see an imaginary field of flowers blooming around him. Dare he say it, Julius currently looked like an overexcited dog. Of course, it would be a lie if he didn't know why Julius was so animated.
"Go on, say it, little brother." Julius urged, his voice laced with untamed excitement.
As he was too tired to deal with his antics, Cassian decided to follow along. "Brother."
However, the ungrateful creature before him shook his head, "Wrong. It's BIG BROTHER."
Cassian stared at him, unamused. "Does it really matter?"
Julius gasped, clutching his chest theatrically. "Of course, it matters! Now, try again."
"...Big brother," Cassian mumbled begrudgingly, his tone flat. The audacity of him truly knew no bounds.
Julius's grin widened impossibly. "See? That wasn't so hard, was it?"
"Now, now, Jules, don't tease your brother too much," Gideon interceded, his hand resting on Julius' head.
With a huff, Julius complied. "Fine." Returning his eyes to him, he offered a rare, benign smile; his mischievousness was replaced with an uncommon seriousness as he clasped his shoulder. "Take care of yourself, and don't forget to write to me."
He stared at the two men before him before nodding. "I will."
There was something strange about the situation. In the novel, it was implied that Julius and Gideon's relationship was strained, yet the way they interacted now seemed surprisingly cordial to him.
Julius reached out and gently patted his head. With the growing discrepancies between the novel and his reality, Cassian couldn't help but feel reluctant to continue relying on the book.
"Pardon me, Your Majesty." Their attention shifted toward Sanchez, who was bowing respectfully before them. He straightened slightly and continued, "The preparations are complete."
The Emperor nodded in acknowledgment. "I understand."
Gideon's crimson eyes flickered between Roseanne and Julius. Their gazes met briefly, and in silent agreement, they shifted their focus to Cassian.
"It seems it's time for us to part ways," Gideon said.
Cassian offered them a final bow. "I wish you safe travels."
Roseanne gave him one final warm hug before turning her attention to Ezio, who stood behind him. "I entrust my son to you."
Ezio bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, I will ensure His Highness' safety with my life."
She smiled in relief. "Thank you. It brings me great comfort to know he is in such capable hands."
Without further ado, the group proceeded to their respective carriages. As Roseanne took Gideon's hand to step inside, she paused, glancing back at him. A tender smile graced her lips as she waved. Cassian held her gaze and returned the gesture, a faint smile tugging at his own. It was clear how much she adored her son.
Once the imperial family boarded the carriages, the knights and drivers prompted their horses forward. The rhythmic cadence of hooves echoed through the air as the carriage, flanked by cavalry, began its procession toward the palace entrance. Cassian stood in silence, watching until they vanished behind the castle's portcullis.
"Family, huh?" he mumbled, his thoughts straying to his past life. The image of standing alone in the rain, facing four graves, resurfaced in his mind.
"Your Highness, your class will begin shortly." Sanchez's voice from behind him pulled him back to the present.
Cassian spun around to find the elderly butler bowing slightly. "Lead the way."
The elderly man inclined his head further. "As you wish."