The Only Son Amongst The Daughters Of Eros

Chapter 134 The Bountiful Mother Aurora

Once they stepped into the courtyard, the beast handler bowed respectfully. "I'll see your mounts to the royal stables, my lady, my lord," he said, leading the Silverwolf and Horned Pegasus toward the stables.

Aeric glanced over to the stables at the far end of the Castle, seeing it was very similar to theirs at the Starlight Castle.

They walked towards the royal building, and as they passed, servants and guards paused in their duties to bow deeply, murmuring greetings that conveyed both respect and reverence.

The air was filled with the scent of the blooming flowers, and at least, to Aeric, this atmosphere was similar to Starlight's Castle.

Approaching the grand entrance, Celestia turned to Aeric, her eyes reflecting both excitement and a hint of apprehension. "Try to be... uhm, good," she advised softly. "I really want my mom to like you."

Aeric's lips curved into a smile. 'I also do want her to like me,' he joked to himself.

And to Celestia, he said; "Well, I don't see any reason why she shouldn't."

Celestia smiled back, wider and she nudged him playfully with her elbow. Aeric chuckled, the sound mingling with the distant melody of a lyre being played somewhere within the castle walls.

"Welcome back, Daughter Celestia," the Knightguards by the oak doors echoed.

"Son Aeric," one of them greeted with a nod as Aeric glanced at him.

Then, together, they both pushed open the massive oak doors, and they swung open with a gentle creak, revealing an entrance hall bathed in warm, golden light.

Marble floors gleamed beneath an opulent chandelier that cast shining and pretty designs across the walls. Tapestries depicting the history of the Dawn Region were on the walls, their rich colors telling tales of valor and grace.

Aeric couldn't help but compare it to his own home in Starlight. While the Castle of Starlight was majestic in its own right, with its crimson and obsidian hues, the constellation designs, the Castle of Dawn exuded a warmth and vibrancy that was both inviting and awe-inspiring.

It was surprisingly very silent, although Aeric could see two maidens in the distance, gossiping as they walked past with some laundry.

"Mother, I'm home!" Celestia's voice rang out, echoing softly against the high ceilings.

Still studying the hall, Aeric saw something from the corner of his eye, it was Meira, shy, excessively busty and endowed Meira.

She had been resting on the balustrade of the floors which the grand staircase led to, but upon seeing them, she quickly retreated and disappeared into one of the upper rooms.

Before he could ponder further, a melodious voice filled the hall. "Oh, my baby girl!"

Aeric followed the voice, and he saw her, Mother Aurora of Dawn. Ten Holy Hells!

Hooking her arm through his, Mother Aurora began leading Aeric further into the castle. "Oh, we have so much to talk about, you handsome little devil."

Aeric looked back at Celestia with a 'I don't know what to do' face.

Celestia smiled at him and mouthed, "I warned you."

As they entered the living room, Aeric also noticed how elegant it was. Plush sofas upholstered in rich fabrics were arranged around a marble fireplace, above which hung a portrait of the Dawn family. Sunlight streamed through tall windows, casting a golden hue over the room.

Aurora guided him to a comfortable seat beside her, clearly excited for something. She tapped the cushion and he sat, while she then sat beside him.

"Now, tell me everything. How is your mother? And your studies in the Institution?"

Once Aeric was finished with those answers, new ones came.

"Oh, and have you tried the dawnfruit tarts? They're a specialty here."

"No I haven't. But I would like to try one."

Aurora ordered the maidens to get some dawnfruit tarts, and once Aeric tasted them, he didn't at all want any more. Not that they were bad, but they were the most sugary fruits he'd ever tasted.

Celestia came into the living room and sat on an empty couch, but the question still went on.

"Come, tell me about your journey. Are you hungry? Thirsty?" She tilted her head. "Would you like some wine?"

Aeric chuckled. "I'm not uhm... 21 yet."

"Well... I won't tell if you won't," Mother Aurora teased, twinkling an eye at him.

"Mother!" Celestia exclaimed.

"Okay! Okay! I'm not doing anything!" Mother Aurora raised her hands in innocence. Then she poured herself a glass of juicy red wine and downed it all in one go.

"Oh god!" Celestia facepalmed once again.

Before another conversation could begin, two women entered the room, their presence commanding yet graceful. Both bore a striking resemblance to Aurora, with flowing golden hair and eyes that sparkled with curiosity.

"Ah, perfect timing!" Aurora exclaimed, gesturing for them to join. "Aeric, these are my sisters, Freida and Marlyene."

Seeing them as they came in, Aeric's mind wanted to explode. The Dawn family was literally just a family of baddies!