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"Felix Iskandar Escellun! Stop misbehaving at once! Quit your games, you're the son of the Archmage. I expect better from you, how much longer do I have to lecture you on how you must behave! To be a child of a respected governor and still handle oneself so frivolously in matters of magic - at your age! I brought you back to life, and you treat the force that lets you live like a mere toy! Go to your room and think about how silly you must look!"
Escell inhaled, closing his eyes and pressing hands to his temples. He tried to take up more space in the office armchair in an attempt to relax, but then composed himself, earning an eery aura. Before his desk, there stood a little boy with unruly purple hair and big grey eyes. His stance was signifying protest. His little hands were clutched in tight fists and he stomped his foot on the carpet with disagreement.
"But Father!"
"I said go. I shall not put up with your levity! Leave this instant, do not bother me anymore! You are a nuisance and a burden to this family as long as you allow yourself to behave this way!"
Felix felt tears welling up in his eyes. It hasn't been the first time his father was lashing out like that on him, but he's never heard those scary words, nuisance and burden, addressed at him before. Whenever he heard Escell say so, it was always about the big bad guys, but now these words stuck to the little boy who has to stand on his tiptoes to steal handfuls of grapes from the tall dinner table. Does Father really think so, that his son is a burden?
The door opened behind him. As Felix turned around, he saw Withers extending an arm to him, his face expression attentive at most.
Felix didn't walk. He ran amok down the hallways of Blackthorn Hall, dismissing Withers' attempt to walk him to his bedroom instead. He ran, clenching his teeth, but he didn't dare scream. And he ran and ran, until he noticed Florian tending to the plants in one of the halls.
"Papa!"
Felix run up to his more favored parent, grasping at the fabric of his garments so hard his knuckles protruded.
"Yes, my son?"
Felix only hid his face in the velvety material. Florian paused, feeling his child breathe heavily, worked up from running and all of the injustice he was feeling.
"I assume Father was being unkind to you again? What has he done? Are your proprieties not to his liking?"
"Yes, Papa."
"Pay no mind to it, my little one. But I suggest we do make our way to your bedroom, just in case. I will gladly keep you company."
Florian gave Felix a reassuring pat on the head. It wasn't indeed the first time Escell was scolding their son in such a manner. He tried to talk to his husband and make him change his ways, yet improvement wasn't in his plans at this point. Scylla had enough of it already - now they barely talk. So Escell naturally moved on to Felix. The Archmage took his duties seriously and wanted his offspring to take notice, but he always came off more demanding than pleasant.
Hand in hand, they walked up to Felix's room, and Florian quietly opened the door to let the boy come inside. He quickly lit up one of the lamps and took his place in the armchair close to the bed, the one where he usually read bedtime stories to his son when he was a few years younger. He expected Felix to take a sit in his lap, but instead noticed that the boy was still standing at the door, frantically wiping his face with his sleeves.
"What is bothering you?"
"Papa! He called me a nuisance and a burden, do you think so too?"
"Felix, I would never even think of you like that. Come here, let me help you calm down."
Felix rushed to take place in his parent's lap. Florian in turn started wiping his tears away with his thumb. His hands were warm, faintly smelling of herbs that Felix couldn't remember the names of. And his touch was soft, caring and welcoming, compared to... As if Escell could compare! The Archmage chose to abstain from providing physical comfort to his children.
"Can you tell me what else happened?"
"Father wanted to take me with him to attend his duties, and I just wanted to tell the other governors about a story I read not so long ago. But Father got angry. I don't think he likes that story. He said it's misleading. It's not real magic. But I wanted to show everyone that I read my books, like Father reads his! And I'm going to be a good mage when I'm big like Father! But when we got home... He thinks I'm too old for toys and tales, he wants me to stop playing..."
Florian wrapped his arms around Felix, allowing him to rest his head on his chest. The soothing herbal fragrances soothed his mind.
"Ah, I wouldn't say you're too old for your books and toys. Your love for literature is admirable, and I'm sure Father used to be like that too when he was younger. But you know, years before even your sister Scylla was born, his knowledge of magic helped him defeat a great force of evil, and he made it his aim to continue protecting the land and us, his family. And he wants to protect you the most, as you have scarred him greatly when you took that fatal fall down the stairs. I hope you learn to understand, or, at least, respect his approach. But what he said was not fair to you, and I will talk to him about it in length. I see you're growing up to be an independent young mage, and something tells me your stubbornness will take you far, little prince."
"But Papa, I am not a prince!"
"Yes, my son, you are not a prince by blood. But you are just as brave as any other royal you read about in your colorful books. If you are able to withstand your Father's unreasonable offenses now, you will overcome any hardships you may encounter when you're older. When I was carrying you, it was a disaster. You were the hardest challenge I've had to endure in my life. But how quickly the eight years of your life have passed! I see you here now, my child, and you're my pride, and I'm sure that Father sees you that way too. He's just shy to admit it."
Florian pressed a gentle kiss to the boy's forehead. His gaze met his eyes, and he thought to himself how Felix has Escell's clear grey eyes. He got his persistence from him, too.
"Father? Shy?"
Felix giggled. It was hard to believe the monolith that is his Father could be shy. His tears were long gone.
"I promise. I've known Escell for quite a while. And if he ever makes you feel uneasy - don't hesitate to seek me again."