The Only Son Amongst The Daughters Of Eros

"Good morning, Master Aeric," Delva greeted, waving her hand at him with her voice light and cheerful.

Aeric raised a brow, momentarily surprised. He walked to Sylver, whose ears perked up as he approached, and the wolf let out a low growl of recognition.

Aeric's hand instinctively reached out to stroke Sylver's fur, and the wolf nuzzled against his palm affectionately. "Your name was Delva, wasn't it?" he looked at the girl and asked.

She smiled warmly. "Yes it is."

Aeric looked at Sylver, then turned to her. "How in Starlight's name did you manage to bring him here without a fuss?"

Delva tilted her head, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "I found it really simple, actually," she said. "I'm good with animals and beast companions. For beast companions especially, it's not about taking control. You let them know you're only there to help, to be their aid, and you respect their loyalty to their true leader. Their trust follows naturally."

Aeric paused, his hand still resting on Sylver's head. Her explanation was insightful, and it piqued his curiosity. 'Never seen Sylver be so receptive to someone else before.'

He studied her for a moment before nodding. "Good job," he said simply, climbing onto Sylver's broad back.

Winds blew from the east, the sun brightened the castle grounds which were alive now, workers were carrying crates, tending to the gardens, and going about their tasks with practiced efficiency.

Aeric adjusted his gloves as his sharp eyes took in the activity with faint interest. "Good morning, Prince Aeric!"

"Morning Morrick!" Aeric nodded at the friendly gardener.

The sound of heels clicking on stones drew his attention. Rosette and Misty emerged from the castle, well dressed in their feminine royal clothes as they stepped onto the cobblestone and grass of the castle grounds.

Rosette's eyes found him almost instantly and her glare was a dagger, sharp and unwavering as she looked at him. Misty's gaze was softer but still guarded, her hand brushing the folds of her skirt nervously.

Aeric looked at them as well as they walked past him, though his gaze was more inexpressive and indifferent.

Delva watched it all with intrigue before speaking in a low tone. "Your sisters," she said. "I noticed yesterday that they seemed… hostile toward you."

Aeric glanced at her, his expression unchanging. "What you noticed," he said dryly, "is the story of my entire childhood." His lips curved after a faint, sardonic sight. "Come now, friend. Let's go."

Saying that, he turned Sylver around and began to exit the castle grounds. Delva followed on her mare, the sound of hooves blending with the ambient hum of life on the green and gold surroundings.

Aeric held tight to the reins and was just about to command Sylver to activate the Silver Road when Delva spoke again.

"Master Aeric," she began hesitantly, "perhaps instead of taking the Silver Road, as I'm not even sure my mare could up, could we ride through the streets of the Region instead?"

Aeric pulled Sylver to a halt, glancing at her with a raised brow. "Wouldn't that take too long?" he asked.

Delva shrugged, her expression serene. "Perhaps. But I think there's an opportunity here."

"An opportunity to do what?"

She took a deep breath and leaned toward him. "Think about it. Isn't it more important to show your people who you are? You're the Prince of this Region, and yet they know so little about you. Yes, some have already branded you as an abomination, and you perhaps already care hell about them. But how else will you prove them wrong if not by walking — or riding — among them? Be witness to their everyday lives, their struggles, be part of the kingdom. A first impression is a powerful thing."

Aeric studied her for a moment, her words settling over him like a heavy cloak. 'She has a point, but... why do I feel like there's something else behind all of it.'

Then he spoke, his tone measured. "I suspect now that you offered to be my friend for personal reasons, Delva."

Delva smiled, unabashed. "I can't lie. That is true," she admitted. "My father is very optimistic about there being a first Son. He believes a male ruler could offer a perspective the Daughters and Mothers cannot see — a way to guide this region and its people to something greater. And maybe I share his optimism."

Her smile softened, and her voice took on a quiet conviction. "Yes, some may still call you an abomination, but you could be the abomination that saves us all."

Aeric was silent for a long moment, looking at her, thinking. There was a certain soothing feeling this gave him. Ever since he reincarnated into this fantasy game world, he has never actually had someone present to offer him invaluable advice as he had just received from Delva.

She was right about him never even setting foot in the main towns and villages, the streets and lands of the Region that his family was ruling over, and that he intended to rule in the future.

It was only fair. Only right.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Finally, he spoke, his voice quieter now. "I think accepting your friendship was the wisest decision I've ever made."

Delva's smile widened. "I'm flattered, Master Aeric."

"And if I ever become Father of Starlight, King of this Region," he continued, his tone gaining strength, "you will be my special advisor."

Her cheeks flushed with warmth, and she dipped her head. "I would be honored."

"Very well," Aeric said, tugging on Sylver's reins. "We'll ride the streets of Starlight."

As they passed through the gates, the castle grounds receded behind them. High above, in one of the castle's grand windows, Mother Guinevere stood watching. A faint smile graced her lips as she observed her son riding out into the world, a beacon of promise and change to the world of Erothyria.

A/N:

Feeling much better now. Thank you all. Story continues, hopefully a massive release before the month is over.