The Only Son Amongst The Daughters Of Eros

"Aeoowww!" He pulled himself out of the softness of his breath, panting, panting and panting even harder.

His breath was so uneven, it was as if he'd just resurfaced from drowning. His eyes were looking straight ahead but they weren't exactly seeing anything, they just kept swirling with images of what happened in the Soul River.

His chest heaved, and a drop of sweat slicked his brow. Slowly finding some vision, he moved his weak eyes to the right side of the room, adjusting to the bright morning light filtering through the gauzy curtains.

His heart, still racing from the encounter with his father inside the Soul River, slowly began to settle.

He was angry at that bastard man. Did he really just tell him that this war the people of Erothyria have been suffering for many years is a romantic game? A romantic game between him and an old lover?

Was this common knowledge? Did everyone know about this or was it just the Mothers? Do all the Mothers even know about it?

He tried to calm down, until he turned his head and froze.

Speaking of Mothers...
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"Mother?" he blurted, startled to see her seated gracefully on the left side of his bed.

Mother Guinevere of Starlight, resplendent even in the early hours, smiled gently. Her thick dark hair seemed like it had just been neatly braided, her scarlet eyes warm.

But Aeric could very well see the itsy bitsy tinge of worry within them.

"Good morning, my son," she said, her voice as soothing as a lullaby. "You were restless in your sleep, and you woke up so violently. What happened? Did you have a bad dream?"

Aeric blinked, still trying to process her presence. "Uh… no, no bad dreams," he lied, his tone too casual to be convincing. Though, it technically wasn't a lie either. Travelling to the Soul River wasn't the same as a dream.

Her brow furrowed as she leaned forward. "Are you sure? You looked troubled. You were murmuring something… Tell me how to stop her, was it?" She smiled lovingly. "Who are you trying to stop?"

Aeric looked at her with a raised brow. "In the dream or in real life? Because now I'm trying to stop you from showing up in my room unannounced."

Guinevere giggled. "I'm sorry, my special boy. But first, I'm not going to let you wriggle out of that question. Come on now, tell me."

Seeing that it wouldn't be easy to escape a worried mother, Aeric decided to be more direct. He sat up quickly, shaking his head. "It was nothing. Just… a strange dream. Forget about it."

The queen frowned. "That would be quite difficult. It's not easy seeing my son in such pain and fear while asleep."

Aeric said nothing to that, then his gaze narrowed suspiciously. "Wait a second. Mother, do not tell me that you have been the one sneaking into my room every morning to watch me sleep?"

Guinevere's eyes widened in surprise, then softened with a laugh. "What? Of course not! Why would I do such a thing? That would be... odd."

"Yeah, really odd," Aeric muttered, scratching the back of his head, but he wasn't entirely convinced.

She then placed a finger on her chin. "Hmm. But I have seen Misty running down from here one of the mornings. She appeared quite flustered."

Aeric's brows raised. "Misty?"

Mother Guinevere straightened, waving her hand as though chasing that conversation away. "Well, let's not dwell on strange dreams or silly accusations. Today is a special day! You must be excited."

"Excited?" Aeric echoed, confused.

Her smile brightened. "Yes. Have you forgotten? Today is your Day of Declaration! Finally, your Class and Affinity will finally be revealed to the world."

Aeric blinked, his mind catching up. 'Day of Declaration. Of course.' He frowned thoughtfully. 'The Divine Priest's seven days are over.'

Amidst the chaos of Wave Wars and trainings, Daughters of Eros, and Divine Games, he'd nearly forgotten one of the most pivotal days of his life.

"I… almost forgot," he admitted.

Guinevere's expression turned serious, her maternal concern showing in every line of her face. "Aeric, is something troubling you? Ever since this week. Even though it was just your first week in the Institution, it seems there's been a lot going on with you. Your Class and Affinity refused to be Declared the last time. Tell me truly, Aeric. Will there be any issues this time?"

'Mhm?' Aeric watched her, the affection and worry in her eyes. 'Damn. She's really worried a lot.' He then gave her a reassuring smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "There will be no issues, Mother. It'll be fine. I promise."

Her eyes searched his, her worry evident, but she nodded slowly. "Very well. I trust you." Then her tone brightened again, her regal composure returning. "Now, I've made sure everything is perfect for your big day. I ordered something special for you."

Aeric raised a brow. "Special?"

She gestured toward the door, and moments later, two maidens entered. They carried an ensemble of clothing draped over their arms, and the sight of it made Aeric's breath catch.

"Frozen hells, Mother. The Royal Tailor has not had a moment's rest, I'm sure."

The attire was stunning. It was regal yet battle-ready, fit for a prince destined for greatness.

The tunic was crimson, embroidered with fine golden patterns in the shape of stars. These patterns also decorated the sleeves and bore faintly along the cuffs, symbols of protection and strength.

The trousers were black and tailored perfectly, with golden seams running down the sides. Over it all was a grand red cape, lined with velvet and clasped at the shoulder with a phoenix-shaped pin.

The material was so shiny, and there was a golden watch hanging from the shirt's pocket with a star-like sign.

"You didn't have to go this far," Aeric muttered, though his fingers couldn't resist brushing against the fine fabric.

"Nonsense," Guinevere replied. "Nothing is too much for my son." She smiled warmly.

The maidens then left.

Seeing her son looking at the clothing in awe, Mother Guinevere felt so satisfied and happy. "Do you like it?"

He looked at her with an eyebrow raised. "Are you kidding? I love it."

Mother Guinevere smiled. Then she sat closer and leaned toward her son, aiming to give him a soft peck on the chin.

Aeric thought she wanted to tell him something and he turned to face her. "Mhm—?"

Smack!

Their lips connected.

Aeric froze. Eyes wide.

Mother Guinevere pulled back, frozen as well, both staring at each other.

'What the fuck?!' Aeric's mind yelled. 'What the fuck! What the fuck! Did we just kiss!'

Mother Guinevere blushed. 'My son has quite succulent lips.' Then she burst out in laughter. "Don't look so terrified, Aeric. It was only an error."

He managed to force a smile and said, "Yeah. An error." Then he looked at the red cloth, and at her. "Thanks, Mother."

Guinevere tilted her head and smiled. "I love you, Aeric."

Her words, though simple, carried a weight that made Aeric's throat tighten. "I love you too, Mother," he said after making her wait.

With a nod of satisfaction, Guinevere left the room, the train of her gown trailing elegantly behind her.

Aeric stood in silence, staring down at the lavish outfit draped across his bed, trying not to think about how he'd just kissed his mother.

He took deep breaths and then sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It all begins today, I guess."

Aeric stood from the bed and turned toward the adjoining washroom.