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The ballroom was noisy.
Lights were blinding, and the lush gildings sparkled all around the room were pushing past the thick velvet curtains of the balconies. It was enlightening the night, piercing the darkness of the royal gardens, all the way to the ancient annexe.
The young first prince silently observed this greedy light that seemed willing to illuminate the whole capital. Its reflections danced in his dyed blue eyes.
The night was young, and felt immensely lonely.
“Alberu, what did we say about getting too close to the windows alone ?” A voice raised from behind, and Alberu’s gaze was eventually torn off the mesmerizing shine of the main building.
“Ah…” His little fists let go of the window edge, and he took a few steps away from it. Reluctantly moving back to his Aunt.
And Tasha immediately spotted that dejected look in her nephew’s eyes. She wasn’t sure whether she should comment on it. Probably not.
Not tonight.
Instead, she gently took Alberu’s hand. And led him away from this side of the annexe, away from the hurtful sight that was the third prince’s birthday party.
Across from the long, deserted hallways, she could hear his half-hearted steps following after her.
She wasn’t sure if saying anything would help. So she remained silent for now. And quietly cursed in her head when she felt the air between them thickening as seconds flew away.
Tasha bit down her lips. Her heart sank, and the hole left by his sister’s death kept on digging further anytime she was taking in the living condition of her only son. Tasha’s nephew. And the only family she had in this human Kingdom, so far from the City of Life.
Since Alberu’s mother’s passing, the situation had grown more uncertain here.
Dark elves’ condition had never been good. Only bearable. Barely liveable.
But her nephew’s was close to impossible. And definitely dangerous since he no longer had the King’s favor. And there wasn’t anything she could do for now. It was slowly driving her crazy.
Tasha didn’t have any power there. And while her main mission was to protect the fallen prince’s life, she could only feel the bitter taste of failure. Anytime an intruder was breaking into the annexe. Anytime poison was found in the young royal’s drink.
Anytime her nephew was flinching when someone walked in. Anytime Alberu was waking up in the middle of the night and holding onto her until dawn.
The feeble sense of safety she could provide him was definitely breakable. And with everything going on, she wasn’t able to guarantee his happiness alongside his welfare. Tasha didn’t have children herself; but she for sure loved her nephew. She wasn’t certain of what she ought to do now that Alberu’s mother had left them. She wasn’t Alberu’s mom. She wasn’t her shitty excuse of a father either. And she was so so far from being anything like her sister.
She dearly missed her. And knew Alberu did too. Probably ten times more.
She was certain she would know what to do.
But she wasn’t with them anymore.
So Tasha had to manage. Somehow.
And felt like she was doing a poor job.
“Shawn told me you didn’t eat much tonight.” She said, pushing open the door of Alberu’s chamber.
“I wasn’t hungry.” The answer came fast. Way too fast for her liking. He was probably expecting her to ask this. He probably expected her to come find him tonight for this.
Tasha had once come back from a mission because Kora told her Alberu was feeling sick. Another time when he had refused to walk out of his room for four days. And he had then stuck to her sides for the entire time of her stay. Asking for her in the middle of the night, and coming to study in her office.
Tasha had been out of the capital for about a week, sneaking out, looking for more information about the latest assassination attempt that had targeted her nephew. And just like before, she had come back when Shawn had called her, saying Alberu had refused to eat almost everything that had been brought to him.
Tasha wasn’t upset. How could she be ?
Alberu had probably wanted her back after last week’s event. And probably didn’t trust anything approaching his mouth since one of the dark elves working at the annexe dropped dead before his eyes after having taken a mouthful of his meal.
No, Tasha wasn’t upset at her nephew.
She was angry at herself - she naively thought they were done with this kind of thing already. That she had already taken care of this a couple of months ago, when the young prince had been targeted for the first time.
But was now slowly realizing there wasn’t anything she could do to prevent it. That it had been just the start of a long, painful series of threats her and Alberu were utterly powerless against.
There wasn’t anything she could do to put a definite stop to it for now. And it made her blood boil.
She knew there probably wasn't anything to do; but would never stop trying.
“Are you hungrier now ?” Tasha patiently asked, and held back a sigh when she saw Alberu shook his little head vehemently.
She was definitely doing a poor job.
Taking care of a child wasn’t something she had ever felt ready to do. Even after two centuries added to her age, she knew she would have never felt ready enough for this.
But fate had been cruel once again. And after taking her sister away, it had left her with this young, ridiculously important child to take care of, almost all by herself. Ensuring his safety and tending to all the needs an nine year old could have.
If Alberu’s condition was near impossible, hers was definitely beyond unmanageable. And yet…
“I see. Thought so.” She picked her nephew up, and sat him on the bed. She forced a smile on her lips, ignoring the tinge of sorrow she felt piercing her heart as she met Alberu’s bland eyes. “I passed by the City of Life during my trip and brought some food from there. Would you mind eating some before going to bed ?”
Alberu’s eyes found their way to Tasha’s bag. He observed it quietly for a while before reluctantly nodding. Relief rushed through her body, and her shoulders relaxed.
Tasha pulled a bundle out her bag, and unfolded the papers protecting the warm pastries of the capital. She hated lying to her nephew, but she also knew Alberu was not about to eat anything he wouldn’t deem as safe.
It hurt her to know the little boy wasn’t able to identify the specific scent and color of a spiced pastry from their home.
As Alberu carefully munched, his gaze wandered back to the curtained window. They could not hear anything coming from the palace - thanks to Tasha’s soundproof barriers and shields around her nephew’s room. They could no longer see the hurtful beam escaping from the ballroom where the Third Prince’s birthday was being celebrated.
Tasha’s bitterness grew tenfold.
She knew for sure her nephew wasn't an idiot. Alberu was very smart and mature for his age - as if he ever had any other choice. He could put two and two together.
He had probably already understood this banquet was held for his half-brother’s birthday by the King. And had certainly noticed his Father had consciously forgotten his own two months ago. Not even a letter, a cake or a trinket - neither Alberu or Tasha had expected him to come, it would have been too much to ask from someone who didn’t attend the burial of the Mother of his firstborn. But he could have at least sent something. That too was probably too much to ask.
That bastard.
Tasha sat next to the young prince, rubbing Alberu’s shoulder gently. And his head limply fell on his Aunt’s.
They both didn’t say a thing. There was nothing to say. Or at least, this is how it felt at the moment.
After another while, Tasha patted her nephew’s head gently and tried;
“You’ll eat real food tomorrow, mmh ?”
“It is real food.” He retorted, but his voice lacked his usual stubbornness. Tasha sighed for real this time.
“It is sweet.” She chidded softly. “You’ll get cavities, and you need vegetables.”
“Mmh…” The pouty sound made her chuckle sourly. It wasn’t a no. Progress.
He snuggled up closer, and Tasha knew she was good to spend the night there. Her little prince was not ready to let go anytime soon.
She shifted on the bed so they could both be comfortable, and rested her back against the headboard.
It was a deceivingly peaceful moment. Tasha had craved it.
She wasn’t about to move, and neither was Alberu.
Her situation was beyond unmanageable, for sure. But feeling the warmth of her nephew’s head pressed against her chest, she knew she decided to give it a try.
Because it was worth it. Because it would always be worth it for her beloved nephew. Because Alberu deserved it.
Tasha felt like she hadn’t been ready to have children. And that she would never be ready enough to take care of one, all by herself. Especially when said child was the First Prince of a human kingdom, that was carrying more than he could understand just yet on his little shoulders. Hopes of people he didn’t know, of the inhabitants of a city he had never visited. Of his people - if that meant anything for a nine year old. A very bright and smart nine year old.
Fate hadn’t asked if she was prepared, and she now found herself with a bright, smart and very vulnerable nine year old that had just lost his mother. And that a good majority of the most important people of his kingdom had made its enemy.
Tasha was aware doing her best was not enough; but she would keep on trying.
Because anytime her beloved nephew was holding her so tightly, she knew for sure what she had to do. No matter how fucked up and messy all this was.
No matter how uncertain the situation was and how much worse it could get.
She would keep Alberu safe.
“Auntie…” The timid voice pulled her out of her thoughts. She repressed a wince - she hated whenever her stubborn nephew’s voice sounded so faint.
When was the last time she saw a smile on his face ?
“Yes ?” She replied nonetheless.
“When I will be King, will I have parties as grand as this one for my birthday ?” And just like this, Alberu broke what she had thought was a tacit agreement not to mention the gathering happening in the main palace. It took her aback for a bit. She then quickly regained her composure.
Maybe there were things to say, after all.
She held Alberu closer, gently landing a little kiss on the boy’s forehead. Against his blonde strands, she whispered a promise.
“Even greater ones, little Sun.”
.
.
.
Alberu’s tenth birthday had arrived.
Over one year, a lot of things had changed. Not regarding the Prince's safety and condition - of course not. But his personality, once one of a cheerful, curious kid had turned into one of an austere, serious soon to be teenager.
He hardly ever left his study before late in the evening, and returned every morning, as soon as the first sunbeams would pierce through the annexe’s hallways.
The First Prince had grown a fear of the dark. It was probably the only thing preventing him from working later in the dead of the night.
Tasha had passively observed those changes. And had doubled his efforts when it came to guaranteeing Alberu’s safety. It had been her way to try to make up for this feeling of failure burning the pit of her stomach anytime she would take in her nephew’s grim expression. Her way to compensate.
It had been vain. But she kept on trying harder.
Today was her beloved nephew’s tenth birthday. And Zed Crossman had not reached out. Of course he had not.
Ben had given her the news as soon as she arrived at the royal palace. Tasha couldn’t say she had been surprised by this, but had still felt his already tremendous hatred for Alberu’s genitor tenfold.
It had mixed with her guilt of not being able to be there since early in the morning. She would have loved to take a break from missions and her duties so she could spend the full day by her nephew’s side.
Just like before.
But things had changed.
They did not have so much leeway anymore. And Alberu would have probably insisted on studying today too.
After last year, his birthday had stopped counting as a special day.
“Good evening, Auntie.” Alberu greeted her, the ghost of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips when he heard her push open the doors of the annexe. Tasha’s chest squeezed; her nephew had been waiting for her. And yet, she knew he would not throw a fit nor complain about her leaving for half of the day.
Alberu had grown very mature over the last year. A bit too much. The little prince was all too aware of his own situation, and the needs this predicament demanded.
And yet… Tasha would have preferred to see a pouty expression in her nephew’s dyed eyes. To hear the chiding in his tone and catch on the petulant curve of his mouth. But no.
Alberu just stood by Kora’s side, seemingly relieved Tasha had made it to the castle before the night.
“Good evening. I didn't keep you waiting too long, did I?” She queried in a slightly concerned tone, taking off her hood.
Alberu shook his little head, and a bitter smile curled up Tasha’s lips. She should have expected this answer. But still felt a bit disappointed. “I will make up for it. Here.”
Pulling out a package out of her spatial dimension, she held it out for Alberu to take it. Alberu seemed a little surprised, but his faint smile broadened a little. Tasha huffed, seeing the poor job her nephew was doing at hiding his joy, and ruffled his hair.
“Open it.” Tasha softly coaxed, absently running her hand across Alberu’s messy strands. The boy kept on observing the package for a bit, before eventually uncovering the box hidden behind the paper. He took another time before taking the lid away.
His eyes widened slightly. And he quickly picked up the item it contained.
“A dragon ?” Alberu’s pupils sparkled, probably in spite of himself. His tone quivered a little as well. But Tasha knew it wasn’t a bad thing.
“Yes, a dragon.” She chuckled when she saw the little prince turn the plushie around to observe it more meticulously. Alberu’s expression, as well as his big eyes, were a bit fun. And warmed up her chest; after months spent behaving so seriously all the time, she hadn’t known how desperately she had missed this side of him.
Tasha was reassured to know it was still there somewhere.
Then, after taking a little breath, she added, “Your Mother and I had the same when we were kids. It’s hers.”
Alberu froze. His dyed eyes quickly veiled with a glassy string of unspilled tears. And his little fists tightened around the dragon’s soft body. He held it close.
Tasha and him hadn’t mentioned her for quite some time. It wasn't a forbidden topic. But one the two of them felt more comfortable avoiding for now. Until it would stop hurting so much.
Alberu felt like it never would.
Seeing Alberu’s unreadable expression and teary eyes, Tasha wondered if all of this hadn’t been a bad idea after all. Had she messed that up too ? She parted her lips as she was about to utter an apology, or something like this, but the words remained stuck in her throat. And her own eyes widened slightly.
Alberu was smiling. A bright, happy smile. One she hadn't got to witness since…
“...I like it.” His grip around the dragon finally relaxed, and he looked back up at her. “Thank you, Auntie.”
Tasha felt her own lips tilt up when she heard this. Her shoulders felt as if they had been relieved of an invisible weight.
“Your welcome, my little Sun.”
“Your Highness, dinner is ready.” Ben chimed in, glancing Tasha’s way. Alberu did not pay much attention to it, and simply answered by a faint nod. He still hadn’t let go of the dragon, and something told her he wouldn’t anytime soon.
He slid his little hand in Tasha’s, and obediently followed the adults to the dining room. His curious eyes clung onto his Aunt as they rapidly walked through the familiar hallways.
Alberu had started to eat in his room more often than not during the last couple of months. But it was not something she would allow this evening.
Today was a special day, after all.
When Kora pushed the old doors of the designated place, candle light and magical beams welcomed the newcomers. The ambiance inside was muted and calm. Something close to the one of the City of Life. With its inherent freedom and cheerful air lacking. They had done their best.
All those were mirrored by Alberu’s dyed eyes, dancing before his blue pupils. Tasha was not sure if the sparkling in them was due to the lighting or the boy’s excitement. Her grip tightened around his little fingers.
Alberu’s gaze eventually fell on the table. Full of unknown, spiced dishes. And a cake. The scent was close to those Tasha had been used to during celebration meals, back in the City of Life too.
But Alberu couldn’t know this. Yet. And seeing this lost, but intrigued gaze on her nephew's face hurt.
The young prince eyed her. And she schooled her bitter expression to offer him a more encouraging smile.
None of them said anything else. But Tasha felt like there was nothing else to add. So it was fine.
She was about to lead Alberu to his seat, but then felt little fists clutching on the fabric of her cape. Just like the boy used to hold onto her sister’s skirts.
She knew what it meant.
And her heart swelled when she turned around to verify her guess - Alberu was hesitantly looking down at his own hands, avoiding her eyes.
Her smile broadened, and she put down her knee and opened her arms to cautiously wrap them around Alberu’s little body. Two grabby hands immediately clung onto her back, and Tasha felt the fluffy dragon stuck between her chest. The fabric of her shirt dampened a little. She held her nephew closer.
“Happy birthday, little Sun.”
.
.
.
The ballroom was noisy.
Lights were blinding, and the lush gildings sparkled all around the room were pushing past the thick velvet curtains of the balconies. It was enlightening the night, piercing the darkness of the royal gardens, all the way to the renovated annexe.
The young Crown Prince silently observed this greedy light that seemed willing to illuminate the whole capital. Its reflections danced in his dyed blue eyes. And they eventually fell on the people dancing in the middle of the room.
The night was young, cheerful and one of celebration.
“Enjoying the party, your Highness ?” A voice raised from behind, coming from the balcony. The figure walked back inside. And Alberu’s gaze easily slid away from this monotonous crowd.
“Ah…” His hand swiftly seized a glass of wine to hand it to his Aunt. Tasha gratefully accepted, and came to stand by his side. She was wearing human-fashioned party garments, but Alberu easily spotted the eleven earrings adorning her earlobes.
“I feel like this party is bigger than the one the King had hosted last year.” She observed, glancing around. This banquet was definitely grander than the last one, hosted for Alberu’s previous birthday. More dishes, musicians and guests; and they were greeted in the official ballroom of the palace. Where the private receptions were held for the King’s own birthdays.
Alberu hummed.
“Yes, the minor noble families had been invited too this year.” His lips curled up in a grin when he recalled the expressions on the face of some nobles of his brothers’ factions. He couldn’t help but snicker anytime he pictured the face they had probably made receiving the invitation from the palace.
His Majesty the King Zed Crossman invites you to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Alberu Crossman’s eighteenth birthday, held the [...].
What a way to officially hand him back his position as the Crown Prince. The fallen First Prince was no more.
It was a strange feeling.
Seeing all those people gathered for him. To celebrate his birth, the way the King had done it eighteen years ago by building the Palace of Joy. After years of letting him rot in that old, half-ruined annexe.
‘How hypocritical.’ It amused him. Alberu felt like this amused him. Alberu felt like this amusement could easily morph into hatred if he wasn’t paying attention. He couldn’t let that happen.
So his smile looked sharper tonight.
This party was a revenge. Nothing more, nothing less. A revenge for his ninth birthday. For his younger self, who had started to genuinely believe everyone aside from the inhabitants of the annexe and his Aunt wanted him dead. Hating the fact that he was even born, and kept the day of his birth quieter. It had always been filled with a dead, threatening and expectant silence.
After Kora had got severely hurt protecting him during the afternoon of his thirteen birthday, Alberu had started to hate this time of the year. In the cold of the winter, he feared the painful times brought by spring.
Seeing all those people gathered there for him now was ridiculous. And yet, Alberu couldn't help but feel oddly pleased.
He had survived. He was alive, and the ones who had plotted his demise for years were now forced to drink, dance and celebrate in his honor. Every year from this moment on.
It felt good. Even if it also meant fake smiles, tedious talks and sugar-coated replies to all the obsequious praises he was to receive all the evening long.
But Alberu was still grateful the King had invited more people this time - it meant he could have his beloved Aunt by his side this time.
Tasha had blended in with the rest of the guests easily. And with the minor noble families attending, no one would not get suspicious to see an unknown face amongst the crowd.
They remained silent for a long while, quietly observing the course of the party from the side. They both had a lot of things to say, but felt like uttering them out loud would be needless. So they kept their mouths shut.
Tasha eventually broke the silence, glancing at her nephew.
“Do you enjoy your grand party, then ?” she teasingly asked. And Alberu threw her a knowing look. He chuckled his answer out.
“No at all.”
Classical music dampened their laughter.