The Only Son Amongst The Daughters Of Eros

The setting sun of Starlight Castle hung below as Aeric of Starlight dismounted Sylver at the base of the grand gates.

He didn't want to think about it, but the journey back from the Dawn Region had left him weary.

In honesty, was that really the way the Dawn women acted or were they all teasing him? Anyway, he was back at home and muttered a "Finally" to himself, shaking his head at the memory of their cloying smiles and relentless pursuit.

As his boots hit the cobblestone path, his eyes were drawn to an unusual sight, one he had first noticed from high above:

There was a long line of people stretching from the Castle entrance and snaking toward the central fountain of the courtyard. Some of these individuals appeared haggard, others impatient, their faces etched with the grime and struggle of everyday life.

Outside the gates in fact, there were children clung to their mothers' skirts, and others roaming about freely, perhaps they were waiting for the men who had lined up here.

A lot of these men were old, leaning on walking sticks, and merchants in tattered tunics clutched satchels of parchment and coin.

Aeric frowned. "What in the stars is going on?" he asked no one in particular, his gaze sweeping over the scene.

His royal beast handler took Sylver inside the stables while Aeric noticed someone on the fountain.

One leg crossed over the other and munching casually on a red apple, it was Delva. She had not changed, she still wore her brown corset like leather gear, red hair falling over shoulders and looking entirely unbothered by the commotion around her.

Aeric made his way to her.

"Delva," he called out. She looked up, a bit glad to see him in one whole. "What's all this about? Why is the castle overrun?"

Delva took another bite of her apple before replying. "Today's the Solace Day, Master Aeric. It's when citizens meet with the queen to air their grievances or ask for her help. Surely you remember?"

Aeric rubbed the back of his neck, still puzzled. "That was this morning. It's nearly dark now. Why are they still here? And why is Mother allowing this to drag on so late?"

Delva shrugged, tossing the apple core into a nearby bush. "Well, Master Aeric, she is your Mother, the great Queen Guinevere. This is what she does. She listens to everyone. Won't turn a soul away, even if it means losing sleep."

Aeric sighed, glancing toward the imposing castle gates. "Stars above, she's going to overwork herself at this rate."

Delva looked up at him, watching the concern in his face. She turned red cheeked for a moment, then asked. "So how'd it go with Daughter Celestia?"

Aeric lowered his gaze at her and smirked. "Look at you, fishing for gossip. It went fine, thank you for asking."

"Fine?" Delva teased. "Is that all, Master Aeric? There wasn't any..."

"Business must be minded, Delva."

She giggled. "Indeed. Business must be minded."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Aeric chuckled. "You really shouldn't have stayed for so long, though I'm greatly touched. Now, thank you for waiting for me, but it's late. You should head home."

Delva stood, brushing crumbs from her cloak. "As you wish, dear Master Aeric."

He watched her start to head to her horse, but then stopped her. "Which of the towns is it that you live in, Delva?"

Delva turned back, half surprised. "The... Rainbow Shores, Master Aeric."

Aeric tilted his head. "The Rainbow Shores, huh? I'll keep that in mind. Perhaps I'll pay you a visit soon."

Delva found herself grinning. "I'd like that, Master Aeric." With a quick nod, she mounted her horse and disappeared into the growing night.

Aeric turned his attention back to the line of citizens. As he approached, the crowd shifted, some stepping aside to give him room. The Knightguards in polished black-and-red armor stood by, maintaining order with quiet authority.

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The citizens were saw raw in the way they looked: weary farmers with dirt-stained hands, merchants clutching ledgers, and cloaked figures whose wary eyes suggested lives spent in shadows.

Some bowed their heads respectfully as Aeric passed, murmuring blessings under their breath. Others averted their gaze entirely, their lips tightening in resentment.

There were a few braver souls whispering thanks, while others glared openly, murmuring curses that Aeric ignored. He took it all in stride, his expression neutral as always.

Once he got inside the castle, he hurried to the courtroom where he found his mother seated on her throne at the far end of the hall.

'Pregnant Hells, mom. You look so tired,' Aeric thought.

Even though she was dressed in a beautiful silver and red gown, her face showed her weariness even though she was resolute. She leaned forward slightly, her gaze fixed on the man before her — a farmer who wrung his hat nervously in his hands.

"Your Majesty," the man stammered, "the lands my family has tilled for generations have been encroached upon by the merchants from the Lowlands. I beg of you, grant us protection or reclaim the land for us."

Guinevere's voice was firm but kind. "The Lowlands merchants are under our jurisdiction, but they must not overstep their bounds. I will send an envoy to mediate the dispute. Until then, your family's claim will be honored. The land is yours."

The farmer fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face. "Thank you, my queen. Thank you."

Guinevere smiled gently. "Go in peace. The Starlight Region protects its own."

As the man was led away, Aeric approached the throne and bowed. Guinevere's eyes lit up as she saw him, and she reached out to pinch his cheek. "My darling son, you've returned."

Aeric stepped back, a faint blush creeping up his neck. "Mother, please. What are you doing? People are watching and I'm trying to look cool here. Be formal."

Guinevere laughed, the sound warm and rich. "Oh, my son. I am the queen. I can do as I please."

Aeric shook his head but smiled despite himself. "Well if that's the case, you can also end this meeting, and continue tomorrow."

Guinevere raised an eyebrow. "Aeric, many of these people came very far towns and villages to speak to me. Some of them even used their feet. I can not send them back without hearing what they have to say."

Aeric smiled. "I know you wouldn't. Which is why I'll set up a tent outside and speak to the remaining citizens myself. Let those at the back of the line come to me. We can finish this faster together."

For a moment, Guinevere simply stared at him, her eyes glinting with disbelief and pride. None of her daughters had thought to suggest such a thing and they both just left her and went to their rooms.

"What do you think, Jontel?" she asked her courier standing beside her. "Can it be done?"

"The Knightguards will begin straightaway, my queen." Jontel went into action.

Guinevere looked at her son and smiled with love and pride. "That's a wonderful idea, my son," she said, her voice soft. "Very well. Let us work together as we were supposed to. Mother and son."

Aeric held her palm and said to her. "Mother and Son."

Then, he lowered from the dais and left the courtroom. Guinevere watched him, the smile still on her lips. For all his recklessness and wit, her son had just shown her a glimpse of the leader he seemed destined to become.