Ephemeral

2: Lust Vs. Wrath

Ira

Father hates me because he wants to have a son, to be a prince. It is in our tradition that women are just tools for men to use for their expense. Just like what he did to mother, and he even had an affair with other women.

Unfortunately, his child to those women are all females and that is their token for being killed.

Even when their mothers are begging for their lives, he still ordered his platoon to kill those innocent kids without batting an eye. Ever since I loathe father, he completely shows his hatred towards me even though I didn't do anything against him.

My only purpose in living is my brother, he loves me and he greatly takes care of me even when father ordered him to stay away. Hellios and I grew together very close, he is a good brother that I could ask for.

But one fateful night changed everything.

While I was walking down on the corridor, I heard some voices inside of the ballroom. My senses became acute when I was getting older, and my speed increases tenfold. I just came back from my training, and I went home already after that, I am so thrilled to bring the good news.

I can even par with Hellios now, I couldn't help the grin that is forming on my lips.

When I was near at the ballroom, I decided to listen first to those people talking inside. I stopped, and put down my training bag on the floor. Pressing my ears against the wall, I listen carefully.

"It's better if you kill your sister, she have the power to have the throne and you aren't that powerful to par with her." father said, in his casual tone. Funny, because I know Hellios won't do that. He loves me as his sister, and I know he will disobey Father.

But honestly, I am holding my breath and my palms are sweaty.

"What are you talking about?" he asked. Yeah, I don't know what father is talking about. But my hatred towards him, skyrocketed to a thousand fold.

Even in my grave, I won't forgive him.

Father chuckles, "Poor Hellios for believing that you're the heir, but truth to be told you're not pureblood. Because you're just the son of a duchess I've impregnated. You are just a noble who doesn't have the right to inherit my throne." he paused, “I am so disappointed to know that my child with Elara is a female, where I was expecting it to be a male. Such a drag really, no matter how hard I try to kill the girl. The blood in her system is preventing me to hurt her even when she is still a helpless infant." Hellios asked, "What happened to Elara?"

Father answered, "I killed her. She is useless for not giving me a male heir." I audibly gasped. What a monster.

So all this time Hellios is only my half-brother? I clenched my fist, careful not to put a wound on my palms to prevent the smell of blood in the air. They shouldn't know that I am eavesdropping.

Father speaks again, "But you're the only one who could kill her. Purebloods cannot kill each other, but a noble can. Aren't you angry that the throne that is supposed to be yours, is going to be stolen away from you that easily? When she already have her coming of age ceremony, everybody will noticed and even the bishops will take her side. That's when you're going to be out of the picture, everything you have will lost in just a blink of an eye." I can even hear him sneer.

No, please don't Hellios. I don't care about the throne, if that's what makes you happy. I will let you have it and I will support you. Even if I need to remain in your shadow, I would do it. Just please don't follow him.