As chaos ends, restoration begins. And so Vel'Asha got to work, organizing the response to the Flameheart City disaster.
The covenant had ended, broken by the Uriah line's destruction. Vel'Asha no longer had anything binding her to the Blood-Smelting Kingdom and should by law return to the Higher Planes. But she couldn't abandon the citizen she'd watched over for centuries, especially not to such tragic conditions.
There was also the issue of succession, for with the male line extinct, the Blood-Smelting Throne had no heir. Mithras didn't count, for while he was no doubt the son of the Fylkir, he didn't belong to the Uriah line, having inherited the blood of Odoacer's true body.
Still, Mithras was the only man left with Fylkir blood in his veins. A second-generation Fylkir at that, making him integral to the royal family's future.
"'And to my young buddy and chosen son-in-law, I leave my servants and slaves, the Marquisate of Castra, the Counties of Rotund and Assland, plus all attached lordships and assets. Ennoble him so he may enjoy the privileges of both Royal Shadows and the high aristocracy. That boy is the future. Invest in him while it's still cheap!
Even better if you can get him to pump out a few babies for the Uriah women. The more the merrier!'
Gaiseric really put you in his will. And such a will at that. I can't believe it," trapped in a looping cycle, Vel'Asha kept reading Gaiseric's will, struggling to accept the content.
Mithras too was at a loss, not sure if he should be laughing or crying. And who could blame him? Gaiseric's will was so excessive half of the requests actually stepped into illegal territory!
A commoner could only rise to noble status through marriage or royal appointment. But to receive the noble crest from the government, they had to earn it through massive military or civil achievements.
Mithras indeed qualified with his achievements against the Angra Theocracy. But Gaiseric had that will written just hours before his death and couldn't predict the future—meaning that he was ready to break the law to improve his little bro's status. And this was only one of the many laws Gaiseric was determined to break for his bro's sake.
'Find someone who believes in you the way big bro believes in me and you will enjoy eternal bliss!
So mark my word, Vel, for before you know it, I will be as comfortably nestled in your chest as I am right now on your couch." Mithras whispered at Vel'Asha's face, his words breezing right into her lips and electrifying her soul.
On the surface, the Queen Mother kept her cool. But inside, her pulse quickened, and as Vel's lips parted in a little sigh, her body betrayed her—cheeks flushing for an instant.
"So? How would you rate that one?" Mithras asked in a honeyed and provocative tone.
He hadn't even unlocked Majesty yet already possessed such mesmerizing charm. What would it be once he mastered the powers of a Blood Noble?
A part of Vel'Asha wanted to turn sideways and avoid Mithras' eyes. But knowing that would have been equal to an admission of defeat, the Queen Mother maintained her position, challenging Mithras with graceful boldness.
"Careful, Mithras. You're already messing with the wrong Naifem. Adding another to the list is not just greedy but reckless. For while you might think that you will always come out on top..." Here, the Queen Mother's long nails trailed Mithras' face, stroking his cheek and going down his neck "...I might just break your heart." Vel'Asha clapped back, and another silence settled in.
This time, however, a sensual tension filled the room, nerves acting up as the two exchanged silent words.
"We live in an age of risk. So instead of watching and waiting for 'the one' to fall into my hands, I'd rather dare to go after 'she' who makes my heart throb. The consequences...are frankly not an issue," Mithras said in an honest and straightforward tone. But as the Queen Mother's heart rippled at his words, the dragon youth pulled back, shifting to a serious and dignified tone.
"But first, my good deed of the day. His Majesty had words for you. Words he wished he could have said in person, but fate decided otherwise. So here it goes," Mithras started, immediately bringing the Queen Mother back to seriousness. But aware that she was about to hear her boy's final words, Vel's hands shook a little, gripping her royal gown.
"'Her tears fall like rain on a barren soil, reminiscing a bond unbroken by the reaper's call. But he leaves with a spring in his steps, knowing her freedom secured, and her heart unshackled.'
Royal mother, my entire life you were there for me. It wasn't easy all the way through, but you never shied away from a mother's duty—even for a boy you shared no blood connection with.
Words cannot fully express how grateful I am to you. So, as I bid you farewell, I will simply say...that it was my honor and privilege to have been your son. And that from start to finish...you would have been...my sun." Mithras' words ended here, and as if all the feelings she'd kept bottled up till now erupted at once, Vel'Asha broke into tears, lowering her head, and sobbing nonstop.