Chapter III
Asteri woke up feeling rested and back to normal. He turned to see his father sleeping in the chair. He looked at his dad now that he was not quite weak. His father looked quite young in his sleep. He couldn't believe that he had such an amazing dad. In his past life....he quickly shook his head. He decided to forget his past family and live to the fullest in this life although, it was not going to be easy. That much he was sure of but he was not one to back down from a challenge. He shook his father's shoulder. The man opened his eyes and took in Asteri's face. He smiled and hugged the boy. Asteri smiled and hugged him back.
Asteri was feeling very pleased at the fact that his papa was not shying away from him. They hugged for a while. Adonis pulled away and snapped his fingers. This time, a butler showed up. He was tall with brown hair tied up and green eyes with an air of quiet fondness. This was his father's personal butler, Aryen Jenks. He was always nice to the prince and was like an uncle. Asteri looked at him with a soft fondness and love. The butler came forward. "Greetings, your royal highness. How may I of be service ?" he asked in a lithe voice that entranced Asteri. The man looked at him. "Summon the Imperial Doctor and also ensure that breakfast is served immediately." Aryen bowed and left the room when servants ushered in to assist them. "Go get ready. I will see you in a bit for breakfast." Adonis told smiling at Asteri. Asteri nodded in happiness.
He followed the servants to the bathroom where the tub was full with hot steaming water. He immediately stripped and stepped into the tub. He relaxed into the hot water and started to formulate his future plans. As Crown Prince, he had the duty to the throne which was to rule the kingdom and maintain peace. As he looked back through the memories, the original soul had been invested in building diplomatic ties with the Elven and Dwarf nations which were successful but the Werewolf Nation was on tether-hooks with them. This was because of the relationship between the previous kings. His grandfather and the current king of the Werewolf Nation. Despite all of that, memories of his social activities made him feel embarrassed as he did not attend any of the seasons. He resolved to get it done. Feeling the water grow chill, he scrubbed himself and got out of the tub to see his reflection in the mirror.
Tall with fair skin, he had waist length mahogany gold hair with mercury eyes. Asteri could instantly tell that the hair came from his mum while he had his father's eyes. He had a diamond shaped face with thin golden brown eyebrows, almond shaped eyes, a regal looking nose, pale lips and a lithe yet strong body. Peeking from his lips was his sharp fangs.
Asteri had to admit he looked like a vampire that was ethereal like the gods. He swiftly moved to the room where the servants began to dress him up. They put him a casual regal outfit consisting of a silver high collared shirt with embroidered with Celtic protection runes, black fitted trousers, knee high black velvet boots and a black cropped jacket. They tackled his hair into a braided bun and added an ornate golden circlet with a long ruby teardrop earring and a gilded bronze moon earcuff in his ears. Asteri had to admit that he looked quite beautiful in his outfit. He nodded his thanks to his dressers which made them look at him in shock, awe and gratitude. With that he made his way out to see Aryen waiting for him. Aryen scrutinised the outfit. Asteri began to feel like Aryen was looking at his very soul which was a little disconcerting. The man nodded and turned on his heel walking. Asteri instantly followed knowing that he passed the test and they made their way to the informal dining room.
As they walked, Asteri took in the subtle elegance of the hallways decorated with less ostentatious valuables decorating the place. As his eyes roved over the walls, it came to a stop when he saw a gilded portrait on the wall opposite to him. The portrait was oval in a burnished gold frame vintage style. It was a painting of a woman with mahogany hair, gleaming green eyes and fair skin with the same features as Asteri. He took a deep breath and stopped in front of it.
It was his mother, the Late Empress Calliope Esteria Drakos nee Makris.
She was beautiful and full of joy. It made him feel happy that he had a mum who loved him compared to the one in his last life. "Her Highness would be very happy to know that her boys are bonding again." Aryen's voice cut through the fog of Asteri's thoughts. He looked to see a wistful expression on Aryen's face. "Her Highness was the only one who ever made His Majesty happy. They had grown up together as children and fell in love. She would have bashed your father's head for keeping his distance but she would be raging at the fact that you being poisoned caused this. She would have raised hell." Aryen chuckled making me giggle. He suddenly turned to look at me. "Your Highness, thank you for not giving up on him. He is a great man but with flaws. Everyone was unhappy with the way he was behaving around you. If he does it again, please don't hesitate to let me know." Aryen said with such a solemn face that made Asteri unsure but nodded.
It definitely made him wonder what would have happened and why he got the feeling that it would have resulted in a brawl.
They made their way to hall in time to see the King getting ready to go look for them. He was dressed in a white high necked blouse with beige pants, jewelry of gold, rubies and silver on him with an embroidered red cape and knee high black boots. Asteri could feel the formidable aura even just a few feet away. He noticed that his father had put his hair in a messy bun that looked quite in place and artful. The King speed walked up to him and pulled Asteri into a hug. Asteri hugged him and nuzzled his face into the crook of his neck. The King pulled back and looked over him. "Hello Asteri. Come and sit. We shall eat and then see the Imperial Doctor." he said softly. Asteri nodded. They sat and began to chat about inconsequential things. After they finished, the Doctor came in and bowed. They proceeded with the check up. The Doctor declared that Asteri was essentially poison free and would not need any further treatment but to make sure that everything he was given is to be tested. Both sighed in relief and agreed to the instructions. As the Doctor left, a messenger walked in. "Greetings, Your majesties. His Excellency Prime Minister Benjamin Dare is here to meet with you."
Asteri's eyes darkened at the name. In the memories of the original soul, the Prime Minister was a proud man who hated him due to his maternal grandfather. He also was unhappy that the King refused to marry his daughter. Asteri felt anger because he knew that the man was ruthless in his endeavors especially at the fact that the man was petty enough to cause trivial problems. The King sighed. "Very well. Let him wait in the throne room. I shall come and meet him." The messenger nodded and left. The King turned to see the dark expression on his son's face.
"Asteri, calm down. I also hate the man. I know that we have just bonded again but I would like to have dinner with you." The King knew his son's distaste for the Prime Minister and wanted to see his smile. Apparently it did the trick as Asteri broke out into a huge smile and nodded. The King smiled softly and kissed him on the forehead. "I will see you then, my little star. Have a fun day." Asteri tilted his head in acceptance.
As the king left, Asteri felt that it was time to get to work. He knew that his days were going to be a lot harder than before. As he made his way, he realized that this could be the start of something that could lead the path to a future of happiness.