Chapter 351 Celesta's Side [1]

Chapter 351 Celesta's Side [1]

[I have fought, conquered, and waged war for the Holy Garden. I pledge my unwavering loyalty to Celesta, the Kingdom of Eden, the Kingdom of the Garden. I vow to protect the Garden and its sacred Key until my final breath. It is my bloodline that shall ensure the preservation of my legacy, safeguarding the Key at all costs. May the blessings of Eden grant us eternal peace, and may Eden forgive my sins.]

"Princess." "..."

"Princess Aurora." Aurora, her ears catching a familiar voice, pivoted gracefully on her heel. She was adorned in a resplendent blue gown, the details of which echoed the majesty of her status, and a crown adorned her brow, a symbol of her authority. Her golden-blond hair were elegantly tied behind her, framing her face which, though marked by the passage of time since the assault on the Capital of Dorian, exuded a newfound maturity. Yet, her beauty remained undiminished, if anything, enhanced, and her countenance held a gravity befitting her role.

Before her stood a young man, slightly younger than herself, clad in regal attire. His short blond hair and piercing blue eyes mirrored her own features in a bit of resemblance.

"What is it, Jeremia?" Aurora asked, turning around.

"Prince Alfred requests your presence," Jeremia replied.

Aurora's gaze lingered for a moment on a portrait hanging proudly on the wall. Depicted within was a handsome figure adorned in resplendent golden armor, brandishing the legendary Holy Sword of Michael in his grasp.

Dorian Celesta.

The founder and first King of Celesta.

He stood as an enduring symbol, nearly deified within Celesta, believed by many to be the very incarnation of the archangel Michael himself. A figure of legend, his legacy echoed through the annals of history.

Beneath the portrait, Aurora's eyes traced the familiar lines of text penned by Dorian Celesta himself, each word resounded deeply within Aurora. Aurora had beheld and pondered over the portrait countless times throughout her life, nearly every day since her childhood. Each viewing served as a reminder of her lineage, her responsibilities, and the weight of her heritage.

"Yes," she finally responded, tearing her gaze away from the portrait, and departed the room with Jeremia in tow.

"Do you know why my brother has summoned me?" Aurora asked as they walked.

"I'm not sure, Princess—"

"Jeremia," Aurora cut off with a sigh.

"Yes?" Jeremia responded, his confusion evident.

"You need not address me with such formality. We are cousins," Aurora reminded him gently.

"Yes... but the sins of my father weigh heavily upon me. I feel compelled to bear their burden, to atone for them in any way I can. A lifetime may not suffice to repay those sins, but I must try," Jeremia explained.

"Jeremia... what your father...my uncle, Walter Celesta, did is not your burden to bear. You should not feel obligated to shoulder his mistakes," Aurora reassured him, her voice laced with empathy.

Jeremia Celesta was Walter Celesta's son. He had grew up with them but didn't attend the Royal Eden Academy like his royal cousins. His father had sent him to Edenis Raphiel but a few months ago he returned to Celesta. His father died and his mother was left alone after all. Despite all the doubts on Walter Celesta's treachery and everything his brother, the King refused to believe, Walter Celesta was indeed found culprit of treason. Since then Jeremia Celesta had worked earnestly despite the fact that no one deemed him responsible in any way. "I appreciate your sentiment, Aurora, but this is also about finding peace within myself," Jeremia responded, a genuine smile touching his lips.

"Your well-being is important to us, Jeremia. Whether it's me, Alfred, or Sylvia, we will always stand by you," Aurora assured him.

...

"I'm thankful for your support. Regarding why Prince Alfred summoned you, he requested your presence in Lucius' room," Jeremia explained.

"Lucius?" Aurora echoed, her eyes widening in surprise. Without hesitation, she quickened her pace, her heart racing at the mention of her younger brother, who had remained in a coma for a decade now.

...

"Brother?" Aurora rushed into the room, worriedly.

Gazing at Lucius, her twin brother, Sylvia offered a bittersweet smile. "Return to us soon, brother."

...

...

...

The grandeur of the palace's throne room, usually bustling with activity during this time of day, now stood eerily quiet, with only one figure occupying the majestic throne.

Alfred led the small procession into the room, followed closely by Donald, Aurora, and Jeremia.

"Grandfather," Alfred greeted warmly, a smile lighting up his features as he approached the seated man.

Rising from his seat, the man revealed his weathered countenance. Though his blond hair and beard bore traces of silver, his piercing blue eyes remained vibrant.

"My dear grandchildren," Lucius greeted them with a fond smile. "I heard young Lucius has shown signs of waking. Is this true?" He asked, a hint of concern creeping into his voice.

"Yes, grandfather, though he has only managed to utter a few letters," Alfred confirmed.

"Nonetheless, it is a promising development. May Lord Michael continue to watch over us," Lucius said, his expression softening.

"Should I excuse myself, Lord Lucius?" Donald asked politely.

"No, please, remain, Donald," Lucius insisted with a chuckle. "I have matters of importance to discuss, and I value your presence."

"What matters, grandfather?" Aurora pressed.

Lucius let out a sigh. "It has been two months since your father fell gravely ill."

Alfred and Aurora exchanged hard glances, their thoughts turning to their ailing father.

"I returned to guide and support you, my children, but until your father recovers, I cannot rule in his place. Alfred, as the Crown Prince, the responsibility falls to you," Lucius declared.

"I understand, grandfather, and I am prepared to—" Alfred began.

"Understanding is not enough, Alfred," Lucius cut off firmly, shaking his head. "A new era dawns upon us. We can no longer conceal your father's illness. Soon, you will need to assume your role as King, and as such, you will require a capable Queen by your side."

"That's..."

"I am aware of your preference for Milleia Sophren as your new Queen, and I hold no objections, considering her lineage as Raphiel's daughter. However, what has been her response to your proposal thus far?" Lucius asked.

Alfred hesitated before replying, "She has asked for time until the threats facing the kingdom are eliminated."

"Time is a luxury we cannot afford. I hesitate to delve into the past, but I must express my disappointment, grandson. You have forfeited the opportunity to be with a remarkably talented young woman due to 'love,' as you claimed," Lucius said, his disappointment evident.

Alfred's fists clenched at the mention of Layla. "Layla... was not the right match for me."

Though Alfred spoke with conviction, the truth was that he harbored regrets about losing Layla. In the months since that day he broke her heart, he had come to realize the gravity of his loss, one that he knew he could never fully recover from.

"Perhaps not for you, but she excelled in every other aspect," Lucius pointed out. "Now, I seek only one thing from you, Alfred," he continued, his tone taking on a fatherly warmth tinged with a hint of cunning.

"One thing?" Alfred echoed, confusion clouding his features.

"Yes. Just one word from you, and I will ensure that Layla Adriana Tarmias becomes your Queen once again."