Ceremus walked down the long corridors that led to his father's chambers. As he made his way there, his eyes briefly glanced at the wall of paintings displayed on the edifices.
The paintings showcased images of his father and mother, standing side by side as equals. The image always caught Ceremus' eyes because its beauty would always captivate him.
His father stood tall and regal, his striking grey eyes shimmering with happiness as he held his wife—Ceremus' mother's hand. They created the perfect pair, sharing the same gentle smile. He stared at the painting longingly.
He hadn't seen his mother in three months now, and his father had been away on a subjugation for the past three weeks. Being away from their company, the young man felt alone, but his smile returned when he heard news of his return.
"Prince Ceremus," an attendant called, breaking him out of his reverie.
He turned around and saw a familiar face he hadn't seen in a while. "Zazel."
The attendant bowed. "Has my father returned at last?" He asked him.
Zazel nodded. "He should enter the gates now." And just as he spoke those words, the sound of a trumpet resounded in the distance, showing the safe return of the king.
The young man's face lit up as he hurried down the steps, eager to see his father.
"Prince Ceremus! Please refrain from running. You could injure yourself!" Zazel called behind him. "Not to mention how undignified it is for a Prince your age to be acting in such a manner." He muttered under his breath.
"I heard that Zazel!" the boy yelled back, causing the attendant to pause in his steps.
"So he can hear my criticism but not my instructions?" He scoffed. I cannot wait for the day I get promoted as an official, he thought to himself.
Meanwhile, Ceremus had already reached outside where he saw the palace gates opening and his father's chariot pulled in alongside his procession.
The minute Peleus exited the chariot, he stumbled back as a powerful force jumped into his arms. "Father! You have returned!" Ceremus hurled himself forward, crashing into Peleus' chest.
The impact nearly knocked the wind out of the king, who stumbled back, gripping his son's shoulders to steady himself.
Peleus blinked, momentarily stunned, but his lips curled into a smile, as he returned the embrace. He was glad to see that even at his age; he was still happy to see his father.
"I am home, my son," He greeted.
He cast the attendant a curious look, to which Zazel shrugged. When it came to Ceremus, there was no taming him. He was a brilliant child blessed with many talents, yet his self discipline was lacking.
His father didn't mind his free spirit, and the two entered their home, hand in hand.
Ceremus didn't waste any time as he asked his father about his journey and what kind of beasts he had to fight. The boy listened intently to his tales, his eyes filled with admiration.
"…It took us a few days to eliminate them all, but we were able to clear the borders in the end." He finished.
"I see. It's amazing how you could fight them off and return so quickly." Ceremus said, his tone tinged with awe and reverence.
Peleus let out a soft chuckle as he patted his son on the head. "Of course, we finished quickly. I wanted to rush home and see my beautiful son, after all." He smiled.
Ceremus' cheeks heated. "Father," he said as he gently pushed his hand away. "I told you not to call me beautiful," he grumbled. "I am a grown man now. Don't call me that."
Peleus raised an eyebrow when he heard this. "Oh? Since you're almost eighteen, you think you're a grown man now?" He teased.
The young man puffed out his chest and lifted his chin proudly. "Of course! I'm almost of age now."
"Hm? So since you are of age now, you no longer need to attend your divine lessons?"
Ceremus paused, as a guilty smile took over his face. "I-I've been attending my lessons properly father, you can even ask Zazel. Today was the sole exception.
"I see. That's good to hear then. Make sure you're working hard. You know how much your mother is counting on you to develop your powers. You shall be the next heir to the kingdom in my stead. I hope that even after I'm gone, you'll be kind and just." He said as he patted him once more on the head.
"Yes, father." Ceremus replied.
"Good. Now let us go pay your mother a visit. I'm sure she should be done with her duties by now." Peleus said, as his eyes glinted with delight.
The young Prince nodded, and the two travelled to Aria's temple.
A few weeks had gone by since then, and as promised, Ceremus attended his lessons properly, and invested his time reading books and scrolls—further educating himself as his time to ascend the throne came near.
One day, as he was coming back from his lessons, Zazel stopped in his tracks and let him know that his mother wished to see him.
The young Prince nodded in response and journeyed to the temple.
The air shimmered as the scent of burning incense curled into the sky. Ceremus knelt, pressing his palm to the cold marble floor, as he called out to his mother. She answered his call and was transported to the celestial planes, where an endless sky greeted him—a sea of soft gold and violet. Wisps of cloud curled beneath him, weightless, as his mother's presence filled the air like warm sunlight.
"My son," she said with a warm smile, "how are you doing?"
Ceremus returned the smile. "I'm doing well. I could advance to the tenth level in my studies." He said proudly.
Aria's eyes softened as she looked at her son. "That's good to hear. Soon you'll be able to heal people in no time."
Ceremus nodded his head enthusiastically. I sincerely hope so."
The goddess stared at him for a moment, the words she wished to say failing her. Seeing the cheerful look on her child's face made the devastating news she needed to tell him made it harder for her to do.
But since it was Peleus' wish for the news to come from her, she had no choice but to oblige.
She pursed her lips, hesitating for a moment before grabbing Ceremus' hands—holding them tightly as they laid on top of her lap.
The young Prince looked up at her in confusion, wondering why she looked so sad. "Mother?" He called.
She let out a sigh. "Ceremus…my sweet child, there is something your mother needs to tell you. It's important, and I need you to listen carefully." She said.
Ceremus raised a brow when he heard this.
"Mother," he chuckled softly, "I am now eighteen years of age." You don't need to thread around me so carefully as if I were a child. Please share whatever is on your mind; I will listen carefully.
Aria gave him a solemn smile. "…Your father…"
Concern flashed before his eyes. "What about father?"
"He has fallen ill, child." She said.
A look of relief took over his face. "Oh, he is ill? Mother, you gave me a moment of fright. A simple cold is nothing you can't heal." He laughed. "Even I could heal him with enough practice."
Aria shook her head. "No Ceremus. This isn't a simple cold. A rare, incurable disease afflicts him. Your father only has a few months to live."
Ceremus' smile faltered, and he gazed at his mother as if she had said something odd.
"What?"