"This kind of action from the both of you is what I can not tolerate! Not any more!"
Mother Guinevere's voice echoed in the grand hall of the Starlight Castle with an intensity that shook the walls, her sharp tone filling every corner as she scolded Rosette and Misty, who stood before her with lowered heads.
"It was his first day in the Institution and you were supposed to be looking after him. How could you leave him — your own brother — out there?" Her voice trembled with fear and anger. "Do you have any idea what dangers lurk beyond our borders? He is the only son of Eros and already hated by half of this Realm. And you... you abandoned him!"
Rosette, angered eyes cast down, dared to whisper. "It wasn't our fault, Mother. He got himself injured during the game, so we thought—"
"Thought? You thought?" Guinevere's voice tightened, barely held back from hysterics. "No, you didn't think, Rosette. If you did, you would have brought him back, no matter the cost." Her gaze flashed between them. "You would have followed him to wherever he was taken to and you would have watched after him till he was better."
"Did you not consider what might have happened to him, how he must've felt, knowing you just left him out there?"
Both sisters fell silent, visibly chastened. Misty, who felt like she was truly sorry and guilty, had a torn look on her face, understanding her mother's anger. But Rosette, who only believed that this was another example of Guinevere's obsession with Aeric, was only more angry.
She had forgotten about the little guilt she had felt back in the Veiled Maze, and all she felt now was anger for the way her mother was scolding her. All because of him. Always because of him.
"I am truly disappointed in you girls," Guinevere said. "Amongst all the Daughters, you're the only ones to have a brother. You'll regret it later if you do not cherish Aeric now that he's still with you."
After a final, angry gaze, Guinevere turned sharply and called to her Knightguard. "Have my men arrived in Dawn Region yet?" Her voice was laced with urgency.
"I want them to demand my son's presence immediately! Go to Mother Aurora, ask for forgiveness for intruding her but make it clear that the matter is urgent. My son was last seen with Celestia of Dawn, riding for a healer. They better have word on him by now."
"I will inquire, your Majesty." the knightguard bowed his head, turned around and began to match hurriedly towards the large door. But then he stopped.
But Aeric only responded with a "Good night, mother" and opened the door to his chambers.
He stepped into his chambers and shut the doors, at the same time shutting out the worried murmurs below.
What a day!
Feeling the weight of the day's events bearing down on him, Aeric dragged his feet and moved straight to the bed, collapsing onto its soft, silken surface. His head sank into the plush pillow as he let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
[Cultivation exercise begins in 30 seconds]
Hurriedly, he got up, took off his clothes and put on simpler clothings which would allow for easier Divinity Cultivation.
[Cultivation exercise begins in 10 seconds]
[10, 9, 8...]
Aeric drank enough water and stood at the center of the space in his room. [3, 2, 1]
[Begin Cultivation Exercise]
[Exercise will focus on Body Tempering and Meridian Cleansing]
[Take position: Divine Tortoise Method]
[Begin].