Lullaby and goodnight (2)

Peoples cheered and clapped. Aeneas himself was silent, dumbfounded by what he had just seen. It was only when Blair nudged him that Aeneas clapped his hands softly.

Just now, in front of him, a young lady who probably hadn't debuted yet released her arrow right on target. The sound of release is very firm, and the movement is smooth. Aeneas doesn't believe any young lady could do it.

"What do you think, Aeneas?" asked Blair, who was sitting next to him. He smiled at him. "Isn't that young lady great?"

"Yes." Aeneas turned his attention away from the young lady. "I can't even compare to her."

"Naturally. Compared to you, that young lady has received a much longer and more rigorous education than the others. Maybe even more than me."

"It seems Your Highness knows that young lady well."

"She is the only daughter of Duke Archibald Dulcia, Lady Selah Dulcia," said Blair. "She's been getting my attention lately."

Aeneas returns to Selah, then notices another young lady who came at the opening of that year's hunting party. "But compared to the others, there are still young ladies who are prettier than Lady Dulcia," he commented honestly.

Blair chuckled at that. "It is true that Lady Selah does not fit into Balthasar's beauty standards. Her hair is black, and her body is tall even when compared to the young ladies who are older than her," he said, amused. "But Aeneas, I don't need a beautiful queen. What I need is a queen who is smart and strong. When it comes to beauty, anyone can be beautiful as long as they are properly made up."

"Oh, I see?" muttered Aeneas. "Your Highness will make her as your partner?"

"Yes." Blair once tapped Aeneas on the top of the head. "Have you started studying the names of influential noble families in the kingdom?"

"I will just start the day after tomorrow because tomorrow there is still enrichment."

"Then start by studying the Dulcia family and the Tullia family. Tell your tutor if I asked."

"Very well, Your Highness."

Aeneas looked back at Selah. He was 17 then, and Selah was maybe two or three years younger than him. Seeing Selah's tall body makes Aeneas a little jealous.

Thus, the impression of Aeneas' first meeting with Selah could have been better.

***

"You have arrived at the right time, Your Highness," greeted Azel in a whisper as soon as Aeneas arrived at the Queen Consort's Palace. "I heard that His Majesty the King awake. You'd better be prepared to be summoned."

Aeneas smiled, then handed his cloak to Azel. "Okay."

Just as Azel expected, soon a messenger from the Royal Palace came to deliver a message. King Tristan Seneca has regained consciousness and wants to see his children. Aeneas agreed and immediately changed clothes.

There was little that Aeneas could prepare because of the sudden call, especially in the middle of the night. The important thing is he is neatly dressed and smells good. His father always demanded perfection in Aeneas' appearance. But there is one thing that Aeneas must take with him.

"What are you doing?" asked Aeneas when he realized Azel had followed him.

Azel looked taken aback. "Accompany you to the Royal Palace, Your Highness?" he answered doubtfully.

"No need." Aeneas rides in his chariot. "You're here to take care of Mother. She likes to wake up suddenly, right? Someone needs to calm her down when I'm not around."

"But, Prince—"

Aeneas put his forefinger to his lips, telling Azel to be quiet. "I will be fine. You think I'm the same kid as 8 years ago?"

"Very well, then." Azel took a deep breath. "Take care. May you return safely, Your Highness."

"My goodness, the Royal Palace is just in front of my eyes."

Already knowing that even Azel remained motionless in his place until Aeneas's carriage started. Aeneas was even sure that Azel was still standing where he was when Aeneas arrived at the Royal Palace.

The guard knights immediately greeted him with respect. Aeneas smiled back as usual. Everyone looked stunned and tense at the presence of Aeneas.

The second person Aeneas will kill after King Tristan are the residents of the Royal Palace. They are living witnesses and should not be left careless.

So enjoy your fear while you can, thought Aeneas.

"Greetings to the second prince, Prince Aeneas," greeted the knight who stood guard right before King Tristan's bedroom door. "Please wait a moment, Your Highness. I will inform His Majesty you have arrived."

Aeneas could feel his heart beating wildly every time he saw that door. The magnificent door with intricate carvings was guarded by the two strongest knights. The frenzied beating of his heart made his cold hands even colder, making it hard for him to breathe.

But Aeneas cannot let anyone know of his fears.

"You can come in, Your Highness. His Majesty is waiting for you."

And there is King Tristan. Sit leaning back with pillows for support. The majesty and firmness of King Tristan, which was in the palace portrait, have now disappeared. It was all replaced with thinning white hair, a dry and frail body, and a dark gaze.

"Greetings to King of Balthasar, His Majesty King Tristan Seneca," greets Aeneas. He knelt beside King Tristan's bed and kissed his hand. "Aeneas Senaca has come into your presence."

"Your words, voice, and gestures are as sweet as ever, Aeneas," said King Tristan weakly. "Come here, even closer. I want to see you more clearly."

Aeneas complied. Then an old, rough, wrinkled hand began to trace his face; starting from the eyes, nose, and lips. The old hand felt his ear and hair. King Tristan seemed to be carrying out an inspection.

"I always regret that you cut your hair," said King Tristan.

"If Your Majesty waits for a little longer, my hair will grow back," replied Aeneas in a sweet coaxing tone.

King Tristan let out a long breath. "You know yourself ... if I am often conscious and not. In my dreams, I always see you with your long hair."

Aeneas clenched his fists silently. "I am honored to be able to appear in your dreams. I hope you get well soon to see my long hair again, Your Majesty."

"Yeah, I hope so too. But for some reason… I feel like I'm getting more and more sleepy every day." King Tristan raised his hand while trembling, then returned to touch Aeneas's face. "Even now, my eyes can't see your beautiful face with a–cough, cough!"

"Your Majesty! You better not talk too much just yet." Aeneas fetches water for him. "Please drink it, just slowly."

After finishing the water, King Tristan said. "You don't know… how much I…"

King Tristan's eyes gradually closed. He is sleepy and ready to welcome his long sleep.

"It seems Your Majesty needs rest," said Aeneas. He clasped the old hand with both of his, then kissed it. "Go back to sleep, Your Majesty. I love you."

[Those eyes close tight. The angle will come. So sleep without fear. 'Cause I hate to see you awake.]