The Only Son Amongst The Daughters Of Eros

Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!

The sound of an exquisite and expensive shoe hitting the steps of a staircase echoed in the Castle. Aeric tightened the last clasp on his cape, the star-shaped pin glinting under the light of the morning sun streaming through the high windows.

The crimson and gold ensemble clung to his tall, athletic frame like it was tailored by gods themselves, emphasizing on his even broader shoulders and tapering elegantly at his waist.

His red eyes, sharp and captivating, glowed faintly beneath his dark lashes, and the soft waves of his jet-black hair framed his angular face, a blend of regal authority and untamed charisma.

With Evelyn's — his maid — help, he had given himself a good pedicure and manicure, and even more than usual, he looked every bit the young prince ready to carve his name into legend.

Descending the grand ruby staircase, Aeric moved with the confidence of someone who belonged in the gilded halls of power. Some maidens passed by and greeted him with red cheeked faces, the polished banister gleamed beside him as the sound of his shoes against the stairs continued to echo through the castle.

Once he arrived at the base of the staircase, Ilyon, his personal courier and royal courier-in-training, was standing with the poise of someone born to serve but aiming to do it in style.

To be clear, Ilyon wasn't an oldie. He was a striking middle-aged man, dressed in a sharply tailored black and silver uniform adorned with subtle embroidery of the Starlight crest.

He had sandy blond hair which was slicked back, revealing a chiseled jawline and piercing red eyes that seemed to absorb every detail. As Aeric reached the final step, Ilyon bowed deeply, his movements fluid and precise.

"Ilyon!" Aeric greeted him enthusiastically, checking out his fine clothes. "I was searching for you yesterday. Jontel said you were on an errand, is that true?"

"Indeed, Master Aeric," Ilyon replied, straightening with a small smirk. "Familial errands, as you know. I am your loyal courier but the Tavert name still binds me to certain duties. But I do enjoy serving you."

Aeric smiled. "Happy to hear that, and it's great to see your face."

"Thank you, Young Master." The courier then leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Lady Julienne Dravencourt, Lord Howard Tavert, and Lord Mathis Kytherson have arrived at the Starlight Royal Township. They've taken shelter in the Azure Hearthstead and await the meeting on the sixth day of the week."

Aeric's smile stretched more. What a way to start the week!

Strong families were already bending to his will, granting him an audience when he demanded it. Would you look at that? His influence was growing faster than he'd anticipated, and he relished the thought of what was to come.

Mursbridge and Gulydurk will be saved!

"Excellent work, Ilyon," he said, his tone filled with genuine appreciation as he tapped the courier on his back. "You've done well. Keep me updated."

Ilyon bowed again, his polished boots clicking softly as he stepped back. "As you command, Master Aeric."

Aeric turned toward the grand doors of the castle, the golden light of morning spilling in from the arched windows.

"Morning, Master Aeric!"

"My Prince, good morning!"

"Have a great Declaration Day, Young Master!"

"Beautiful day, my Prince!"

Greetings showered on him as he walked through the field. His eyes moved to the wall of the building, where he saw his two older sisters, Rosette and Misty.

Rosette stood stiffly with her arms crossed, her cold red eyes fixed on some distant point. Her short black hair had a star clip on it and her silence was as sharp as her features.

Misty, on the other hand, had a smile on her face, a somewhat nervous smile as she watched Aeric walk past them. They were both waiting for a Beast healer to finish with their Beast Companions which had caught a virus that had been spreading.

"Aeric!" Misty called out, her voice bright as she waved. "Good luck today with your Declaration!"

That surprised Aeric. He simply nodded slightly and looked ahead, walking past them.

"Misty," Rosette hissed, elbowing her younger sister softly. "What the hell was that?"

Misty pouted and shrugged. "Today's an important day. Was just offering him some goodluck."

Rosette rolled her eyes.

The air was very crisp, the morning sky painted with streaks of blue, yellow and the green of the grass. Near the gates, Delva was mounted on her sleek ebony horse, her silver and red armor glinting in the sunlight. Discover hidden content at empire

Her scarlet hair was tied back in a high ponytail, and her sharp eyes tracked Aeric's every move as he approached.

"Ready for the big day, Master Aeric?" she asked, her tone teasing but edged with genuine curiosity.

Aeric smirked as he approached Sylver, who was waiting eagerly nearby. "I can't help but feel… extremely ready," he replied, running a hand along Sylver's shimmering fur. The beast's tail wagged, and its amber eyes sparkled with shared excitement.

Sylver growled softly in greeting, his massive form vibrating with energy.

"You remember how horrible our first day was, boy? Today... let's show them what we're made of, boy," Aeric said, leaping onto the wolf's back using Divinity to basically make himself float into it, and he did it with ease.

Delva watched with a raised brow, clearly impressed.

"We take the Silver Road today, Delva!" They both turned and sped up the Silver Road, the magical path gleaming beneath Sylver's swift paws. The journey was quick, the wind whipping through Aeric's hair as they approached the towering gates of the Royal Institution.

Not long after, the Silver Road began to descend. Then, Aeric caught sight of a figure waiting near the academy's entrance.

"Is that the Daughter of Moonlight?" Delva asked, surprised.

Indeed. It was Melina, standing with her fingers laced together, her expression anxious yet excited. She wore a soft silver dress, which slit open in the center showing tight black pants that stopped at her ankles.

Her silver curls framed her face as she shifted on her feet, eager and nervous. When her eyes connected with Aeric's, her face lit up with a smile.

Aeric's eyes narrowed slightly, surprised. She's… excited? He got closer to the Institution but his gaze never left her. She really seemed excited to be seeing him again.

Excited to be bonded to him by the Crest...

Delva snorted softly behind him. "Enemies to lovers, huh?" she teased, her voice low enough for only Aeric to hear.

"Shut up, Delva," Aeric muttered.