The Heirs of Elysium

Chapter 12 - Consequences

Elissa's PoV

"Playboy prince! Hero or rapscallion? Option is divided." Dusk reads out from that rag he insists on reading at the breakfast table.

"Dusk," I snap, my voice holding a dangerous warning.

It is rare that I miss the world that I grew up in, but this morning is one of them. After yesterday's trials, followed by what little left of the night was spent tossing and turning, I am in dire need of a coffee.

I nurse my second cup of the nutty yet bitter drink that my darling daughter has spent solars perfecting. It has a taste close to that of coffee but lacks the kick that I so sorely need.

The only one in this realm able to conjure up coffee is Morpheus and he refuses to give up his secrets. The transfigurations that come so easy to him are still beyond my abilities.

Actually, Morpheus is just the person I need to consult about Nero. I need to know how much of a threat that fiend is. I do not know if they meant to harm Ethon or merely disgrace him, but it is sickening how easy it was to ensnare my son.

Rising, I push away the plate of barely touched food on the table, whilst keeping hold of my morning beverage and make my way up to my study. Upon entering, the magic mirror turns to liquid silver without me consciously commanding it.

It is several minutes before the surface solidifies to reveal the image of the King of the Dark Elves. From the lack of clothing and tousled black hair, Morpheus must have been asleep. Mercifully, the mirror only shows his bare alabaster torso, but to be safe I keep my eyes steadfastly on his face.

"Morpheus, I apologise if I awoke you."

"There are few who would attempt to talk to me at such an ungodly hour." His lips curl into a half-smirk. "But you, my sweet rose, you can rouse me any time of day or night."

Ignoring the innuendo, I attempt to keep to matters of state. "Morpheus, I did not call to flirt. I come seeking your advice."

"You get me up only to deny me the simplest of pleasures." He pouts, but there is a twinkle in his silver eyes.

"I highly doubt that you are denied pleasures and lest you forgot, I am happily married."

"Oh yes, Adam is it? Is he still around?"

He knows full well about my beloved, Aren and I refuse to rise to the bait. "I wish to speak to you about Nero."

At once, his demeanour changes, the playful expression leeching from his face and a black silk dressing gown enveloping his body.

"Someone threatened my son last night. He claimed that he works for Nero and is some herald, no I think he used the word harbinger for a dark reign. He had a tattoo of a black rose. Do you have any intel on Nero or this cult of his?"

"As far as I know, Nero is in a remote settlement in the furthest borders of the Elven and Dragonite kingdoms. I have not heard that he has agents at work, however, I would not put it past him to pull strings from the shadows, particularly as your magic prevents him from taking direct action."

I shake my head. Sometimes, I wonder if I should have done more than curse him, then again, could I take a life, even one as despicable as Nero's. I have no desire to face him, but if he threatens those I love, then I will hunt him down.

"Elissa." Morpheus cuts through the reverie. "You can count upon me. I will investigate and we can reconvene when I have more to impart."

The mirror shimmers and the image returns to that of my reflection. Leaving my office, my feet take me up the stone spiral staircase to Raphael's door. A feminine voice responds to my knock.