Aetherean In Blood and Nature

Chapter Six: The Seventh

Third Person Point of View

Baeron, so comely and steadfast, serene in his position, ordered Darkfel to obstruct the path of

The Seventh: Catchfire and Vhenees.

Vhenees gazed upon her second brother. With each passing moment, the princess gradually experienced a different sentiment towards the prince. This is not a mere task for her but rather a prize, a repayment for all her hard work on the South Bay Island as the Orange Sea and the training grounds bore witness.

At first, there lingered doubt as to whether she would overcome the happenings in the High Keep but her unwavering determination led to triumph, with a touch of encouragement from her cousin, Theodore. It appears that the two Aethereons, Vhenees and Theodore, have once again unfolded the enduring bond between a Vangonbrooke and an Aethereon.

At this moment, Baeron is anticipating Vhenees' reply concerning the hindrance in Catchfire's way. The princess is aware of numerous other routes that could directly lead to the Aethereal Palace, but she also understands the futility of escaping in the eyes of the commander of King's Legion.

Unexpectedly, Baeron blew his horn to beckon his beast back to him. Princess Vhenees was puzzled by Baeron's action, simply yearning for Baeron to clear the way at last. Yet, it was in that precise moment that she discerned the second prince's intention to mount his own creature and surge ahead of the seventh.

"Engaging in a bit of enjoyment, princess?" Baeron inquired, attempting to assess the princess amidst the situation.

"This goes beyond mere amusement, Baeron." the princess responded with a resolute heart. If she couldn't beat her brother to a flight, at least she could justify her position of going against the king's wishes.

"What do you intend to do now? Will you impede me as well?" Subtly tinged with derangement, the princess inquired.

"If I did, you would never have the chance to ride on your cousin's beast in the first place," Baeron replied, establishing eye contact with Vhenees, indicating his desire for something different compared to their other siblings.

"So, you were indeed spying on me? Then hold me and bring me to the King if that would please you." Princess Vhenees questioned the prince with a hint of suspicion.

Baeron caught a glimpse of Vhenees' eyes, confirming her question with a 'yes' through a silent stare. Vhenees, little by little, felt the commanding aura that emanated from her brother's presence. She was well aware of Baeron's gift for rhetoric, 'a man of words' if you may call it. Blinking her eyes in rapid succession, she wondered what actions might Baeron take after daring him to take her to the king.

Out of the blue, Baeron and Darkfel subtly advanced towards the seventh. Vhenees, caught herself in worry and regret of slipping the last words from her mouth, resulting in her feeling a tinge of intimidation towards the general commander of the king's legion.

"You've entrusted yourself to someone you just met." Baeron remarked, his tone laced with watchful care toward the princess.

"He is our cousin and was an old companion on the Orange Sea." Vhenees countered.

"Spare me the innocence, princess. He may be a cousin but he left his own house a long time ago and you barely know him now." Baeron retorted, his words were edged in caution.

"I thought you're good at praising your own house, you are a liberator, are you not?" Vhenees questioned taunting her brother by words. She implies him to be nicer with Theodore.