《Stars and Amethyst》


 Lost and Found

    ¡®Draegon! where have you been?''


    A woman with red hair so smooth that it shined in the sunlight ran towards him. She was dressed in a green dress that caressed the ground, her sleeves were puffed at the shoulders, framing her small face with big doe eyes crystal clear and full of life yet etched with concern as she ran towards the little boy.


    The boy was no more than 10 years old, with red hair like his mother''s but curly, plopped on the stone floor outside the castle, his curls shook as he turned at his mother¡¯s voice, eyes immediately pooling with tears before he squinted his eyes and cried out.


    Elena quickened her pace as she quickly carried him in her arms before running her hand on his back soothingly, whispering sweet mumbles as she tried to calm the child who had now buried his face to the side of her neck, tears streaming down his eyes.


    ''''Shhhh it¡¯s alright. Moms here now, stop crying my love''This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Hearing the comforting words and the warm embrace Draegon slowly calmed down, only letting out occasional sniffles.


    With the child still resting in her arms she turned to a handsome young boy with black sleek hair that reached his eyes, his eyes had a sharp edge to it, yet nested soft affection as he gazed at the mother and son with his dark blue eyes. His features were refined, a sharp jaw and lean features almost cunning and devilish, as he carried a sheathed sword in his hand.


    ''Where did you find him Lucieon?'' She asked the young man adorned in black, a coat buttoned all the way to his neck paired with black trousers and boots.


    '' He was caught in a trap, set by some villagers in the outskirts of the forest, Mother'' he replied.


    ''Oh, my poor little boy'' she said as she searched the now asleep boy''s hands and legs for any signs of injury as they walked into the castle.


    ''Well, he deserves it for running around in the forest without any guards.''


    '' You brat'' Elena turned around and poked her finger on his son¡¯s forehead. But smiled when he hissed as if in pain, knowing fully well the antics of these 2 brothers.


    Seeing his mother smiling Lucieon simply grinned as he followed her through the hallways.

 Father and Sister

    Soon after Lucieon left to discuss some matters with the knights, while Elena took Draegon to his room to change his clothes and tuck him to bed.


    Draegon, already lost in his dreams snuggled into bed and slept comfortably for a couple of hours only to be rudely awakened by a slap on his bottom. He shot up in bed, hands forming fists ready to thrash out on the person who dared to stop him from stealing those delicious, plump, juicy grapes from the kitchen. Only to see Lucieon lazily leaning against the bed post smirking.


    '' Don¡¯t blame me, I called you, but you didn¡¯t wake up''


    Draegon huffed and turned his head away, he had not forgotten how this older brother of his had teased him when he was trapped in a hunters net and left to swing on the tree branch for a good 3 hours.


    ¡° Arghhh he was angry, very angry " he screamed in his head, turning around to glare at his brother only to be shocked to see black cloth right in front of his nose. Before he was able to come out of his surprise he was lifted and tugged under his brother¡¯s arm, who turned around and walked towards the door carrying him like he was a baggage.


    Draegon soon came out of his shock of seeing the world sideways and started thrashing around to get off the black wolf¡¯s grip.


    His brother may look lean and thin but only he knew the strength and muscles his brother had. It was the only thing in the whole of Cathion that stopped him from running away during morning training. Hmph


    ''Let me go, let me go'' he screamed at the top of his lungs.


    ''Mother, wanted us to come for dinner'' Lucieon replied with his normal soft smile. This smile may look very different on other faces but on him he looked unbothered, simply enjoying the show looking a little crafty. Seeing this smile Dreagon knew there was no use trying to get off, instead simply questioned him angrily.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    '' You left me hanging on that tree for 10 mins, simply teasing me.''


    '' That was your punishment for running around the forest without guards''


    '' But I want to see the forest''  he huffed and crossed his small arms.


    '' Then go with the guards''


    '' I want to go alone''


    ¡®Can you protect yourself?¡¯


    ''I- I......''  He knew saying anything would be foolish after what happened today.


    Lucieon looked down at his brother who was looking dejected.


    '' I''ll teach you how to use the crossbow from tomorrow onwards. When you are good with it, I''ll let you go to the outskirts without guards''


    '' Really?'' Draegon looked up at his brother with shinning eyes.


    Lucieon simply glanced at him before nodding.


    Draegon cheered in happiness and hugged his brother¡¯s leg tightly.


    ''Ay ay ay you little bean let go, let go'' Lucieon said before putting him down and walking away.


    Draegon started chasing him, and they ended up running across half the castle to the dining hall, merely avoiding all the maids and footboys.


    When he finally came into the dining hall, panting and trying to catch his breath, Lucieon was sitting on the table watching him with a triumphant smile. No one would have ever guessed that he ran across half the castle if not for the sweat dripping from his temple inconspicuously.


    In contrast Draegon was a mess, his small collar was one side up and one side down and his curly hair looked like an old ladies knitting cotton tangled up. Everyone at the table had trouble bitting in their laughter until a young girl seated opposite their mother finally managed to stifle her laughter and stood up and walked to him with reproaching words.


    '' Did I not tell you not to run in the hallways, what if you fall in stairs?'' She knelt in front of him adjusting his collar and trying her best to salvage his messy curly hair, which does not seem to tame no matter what. Then her slender hand held his, guiding him to the chair next to hers, picking him up to place him in the chair too large for his height.


    Lithia, then gracefully sat next to him, her hair was similar to her mother''s, red in colour, gathered to a French braid which rested on her shoulder. She wore  trousers unlike other princesses and was very attentive unlike most knights.


    Seated at the head of the table was a well-built man, his eyes shone of wisdom which seemed to have been gained after weathering several wars and storms. He was cold yet agreeable, powerful yet wise well deserving to be the King of Cathion. Yet, despite his title here he sat as Daenus in front of his family, a farther who is constantly worried by his 3 children''s antics.

 Things get Tense

    ''The food''s getting cold let''s eat'' Elena said pouring the 4 bowls with soup and handing them over as Daenus passed them over, while Lucieon and Lithia each served bread and grilled vegetables to everyone. Little Draegon simply sat on his chair and started doing what he called the ''taste testing commentary'' savoring each dish on his plate and giving out detailed explanations on its contents and the complexities of the taste, often gaining giggles and teasing for his dramatic expressions.


    Dinner ended with Draegon running around to collect everyone''s dishes and pilling them to the cart which will later be retrieved by the kitchen maids. The Family then moved to the main hall where they were joined by the old butler and other close personals as they each did their things.


    Daenus was polishing his sword while chatting with his private footboy, Remus, about a new mane they had bought recently from a farmer. It was old and had done simple tasks in the farm and Daenus thought it was the ideal horse for Draegon to train with.


    Amidst the talk Daenus looked across the hall to Draegon who was peeping through the doors of the hall wondering why the lady that went to fetch grapes was late.


    ''Draegon, quite a spectacle you''ve created today by running off on your own, do you have any idea how many people were searching for you? The father of the boy who you were playing with almost passed out when he heard you went to the outskirts.''


    Draegon turned around laughing nervously.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.''Hehehe there was a very pretty baby deer at the outskirts and I couldn''t help following it to the forest and then I- I''


    Just in time, the hall doors opened and Lucieon walked in.


    Draegon turned around with shining eyes expecting the grape lady, only to be disappointed to see his older brother.


    ''Farther, can I have a moment?'' His face no longer held his cunning yet nonchalant smile instead a little seriousness etched between his brows.


    Daenus nodded seeing his son''s expression and shared a meaningful glance before leading them outside the main hall through the opposite door, behind the head seat, entering a rather desolate hallway. This hallway unlike others was not open on the sides instead it had small glass windows bringing the only source of light needed.


    They walked past 3 Windows before Daenus turned towards the wall and pushed the stone blocks in a sequence. The wall to his left rumbled, opening in, leading to a hidden room. The place was dimly lit with a round table in the middle and shelves covering the three walls, each filled with Books, maps, and boxes to the brim.


    Daenus snapped his fingers two times, setting a wave spell over the room, making sure what said in this room stayed in this room.


    Lucieon spoke.


    ¡®The Amarus might start earlier than we expected.¡¯ Lucieon revealed his words, creating a tense atmosphere.


    ¡®Why do you think so?¡¯ the King of Cathion questioned.


    ¡®The mist has started to leak, I was at the depths of the forest confirming it, when Draegon went missing¡¯


    ¡®Send the crater¡¯