The Only Son Amongst The Daughters Of Eros

Chapter 183 Perfect Excuse

Aeric's eyes were narrowed and silent as he watched all of them step out of the courtroom. Soon, the place was completely free of those olden and their Messenger lackies.

The grand chamber fell unusually quiet, and the thick tapestries did very little to muffle the heavy silence that hung between Aeric and his mother.

Mother Guinevere stood up, mind throbbing and tired. Rather than have the knightguard by her side do it, she walked to the table by the window and poured herself some wine from the large bottle.

She gulped it down quickly and without sips, then took another, before stepping away.

Aeric watched her as she made her way back to the center of the courtroom and stood near the hearth, her elegant gown shimmering in the firelight, her posture regal as always, but her expression betrayed unease.

The Prince himself was sat on the armrest of a high-backed chair, one leg dangling while the other rested against the floor.

His arms were crossed, his gaze still fixed on his worried mother even though at times they moved to the flickering flames placed in special candleholders.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke.

Ilyon who stood beside Aeric and Jontel who stood beside Guinevere kept sharing glances, knowing that the tension was too thick between both parties.

Finally, Guinevere broke the silence. "You're still thinking about what they said."

Aeric exhaled sharply through his nose, his lips pressing into a thin line. "You could say that."

He lifted his gaze to his mother, jaw resting on his palm. "Why didn't you tell me about this? That something like this could happen?"

Mother Guinevere chuckled tiredly. "How was I supposed to know that my son would be the Awakened with the highest Affinity ever recorded in our history."

She looked at Aeric and smiled at him lovingly. "I mean, I always knew you were special. I always said it. But even I didn't expect this."

Aeric gave her a shy smile, then sighed, his thoughts wandering off once again. "So this Divine City? That's where I'm destined to go?"

Guinevere's expression dulled down as her eyes searched his face. "I've been to that place. The Divine City is not what you imagine, Aeric. It's a place of unparalleled power and knowledge, yes, but also of unrelenting expectations. The Disciples' interest in you is not entirely selfless."

Aeric raised an eyebrow, looking at his mother like he was questioning why she couldn't tell that he already knew that. "I figured that out, right away, Mother. But this 'interest?' It felt more like a demand if I was asked."

"I'm sorry, Mother. It's just that I don't trust him, or any of them. And I really don't want to be separated from you, or my sisters. Even though we don't get along."

Guinevere's face softened with a mother's empathy. "I understand your doubts, Aeric. Eros has always been... distant. But that does not mean his intentions are malicious. But... we have time to think about this."

A sigh left Aeric alongside a stroke of realization. "You're absolutely right, Mother. I do not have to think about this now. Neither do I wish to. I have many things on my plate and I would rather get them done first. The Divine City can wait."

He stood up, leaned into his mom and made sure to carefully peck her on the forehead, before turning around and leaving.

The tension in the room was palpable, and Guinevere watched as her son walked away to the staircase.

In the front door, there were footsteps, firm yet hesitant, the sound of a knightguard hurriedly walking to the courtroom in confusion.

"Can I get your audience, sir?" the knightguard said to Ilyon, knowing it was best not to disturb Mother Guinevere.

The queen mindlessly watched as Ilyon walked to the knightguard. He leaned over and listened to what the guard whispered into his ear. His eyes widened in confused surprise.

He hurriedly followed the knightguard to the door and once he affirmed what the man was saying, he walked back to the courtroom, face showing shock.

Aeric frowned as he saw Ilyon walking towards him just as he was about to reach the staircase.

"Ilyon," Aeric said, noticing the courier's odd expression. "What is it?"

Ilyon shifted nervously, his usual composure replaced by something Aeric couldn't quite place. "Your Highness," he said, his voice low. "There's someone here to see you. She... insisted."

Aeric's frown deepened. "Who?"

Ilyon hesitated, glancing over his shoulder. "I think it's best if you saw for yourself."

Letting out a sigh, Aeric followed Ilyon to the door, which was then opened to reveal the person who had come looking for him.

Aeric's face dropped to a shocked frown.

"Melina?"