After I finished my negotiations with Aurelius and got the go ahead to attack the Vaelgrim family I returned home, I was only away for a couple hours at most. When I appeared in my throne room, Diablo was already awaiting me. He bowed before saying "Your Excellency, the security has been doubled, per your orders."
I nodded then said "I have just visited Aurelius, he has agreed to our action in return for a portion of the profits from the Grand Dungeon." Diablo nods excitedly as he says "So we have the green light! When do we leave to make the Vaelgrim family extinct?" I simply reply "We need to be more careful Diablo, the Vaelgrim family is not some backwater kingdom, and also that Marcus is a very arrogant and prideful, yes, which could be his downfall, however, he is also very shrewd. I want to be sure before we set off. After all, I have something important to live for now, something more than simply power, I am not going to make the same mistake as I did in the past. That will be the last time in my life I do something I regret."
Diablo looked surprised at this, but nonetheless bowed slightly "Of course, Your Excellency." I then said "Send a team of shadows to watch closely for the next day or two, and ensure there are no traps. That family is probably aware that I have taken in my daughter and is wary of what I will do after hearing from her what happened to her mother."
Diablo nodded and then said "What will you do to prepare?" I looked out the floor to ceiling windows to my right, from my throne I could see my city, and with my eye sight of a Great Mage even the people themselves. Then I replied, "I will ascend the mountain and head to my cultivation chamber, I think I am close, so very close, to reaching Grand Mage. If I can do that, then whatever pesky schemes or traps the Vaelgrim's try will be useless."
As I said this Diablo looked at me with a overly excited expression "Your Excellency, this is great news! I will wait for your return then." Then as he was about to turn to leave stopped and said "Your Excellency, Her Highness was asking after you, what should I tell her?"
As Diablo said this I froze slightly, thinking 'I wanted to spend more time with her, but with everything going on, getting revenge, the Vaelgrim family, and there is something in the air. I can't quite put my finger on it, like a foreboding feeling. Maybe I am just overly sensitive, but it is one of t he reasons I am being careful with the Vaelgrim family.' As I thought all that within a fraction of a second, I turned from looking out at the city and spoke directly to Diablo "Tell her the truth, I am cultivating, and will see her in a couple of days." As I say this I wave my hand reality shatters before reforming and I am gone from the spot.
.....
Diablo is stood there just starting at where his master was just a breath ago, before smirking, "This master of mine is going to need a lot of time to work on expressing his emotions. Or maybe this will always be how he is? Hmmm more and more interesting, I am happy that I can serve such a man. He is keeping my life entertained indeed." Then he turned and walked out to go and carry out his orders, while also to tell the little miss about her father.
....
Aurora POV:
As I sit in front of an ornate, beautifully carved dresser table, with an equally ornate, classic mirror in front of me and my personal maid and also Head Maid of my maid team combing my hair as I kick my feet back and forth, I couldn't help but think back on the last few days.
A lot has happened, from when I first came to the palace, and shared that harrowing experience with father. From that day I got to spend time with father every breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Grand Dining Hall. We walked within the gardens and spoke about nothing in particular most of the time, but that didn't matter to me. Just being around him was enough, just being loved, was enough. I never thought I would ever get to be loved again after mother, I thought my life would be miserable, and it was for a time, until he came and whisked my away just like I dreamed everyday would happen, but never thought would.
As I was daydreaming Angela, my Head Maid, said "Your Highness, your hair is truly beautiful, I guess it is because you take after His Excellency in that regard." When she said this, I couldn't help but smile. Yes, I do. I thought. That idea made me feel warm and connected to him in yet another way.
When I first met Angela and her team, she and they were very nervous, to a point that they wouldn't even look me in the eye. However, over the last few days of being with each other essentially 24/7 except when I am with father, has made them relax and warm up to me. While also understanding I am my own person, with my own personality. Even though you could say I take after my mother in a lot of ways, I am also similar to father, I now realise, after spending these past few days with him, in terms of understanding his reasons for power, a little about his life (albeit my father didn't say much) and learning from some of our talks, about what kind of person he really is. Because the worst feeling in this world, is feeling powerless. I learnt that the hard way, and I can therefore relate to father in yet another way, which again makes me feel happy to be already developing a deep connection to him. Thinking all this gets me excited to awaken.
I thought about asking why he and mother parted, I can make some educated guesses, but for now I have not plucked up the courage to outright ask.
As I was thinking all this, the door opened and in walked Hawk Eyes, oh no, Alphonso, as I have learned is his name. I looked in the mirror and saw his reflection, as I did he quickly bowed and said "Your Highness, Lord Diablo is here to speak with you." I nodded, and then said "Let him in" Alphonso turned and went to do as a I said. Then Angela suddenly spoke, "I will give you some privacy, Your Highness." I nod yet again and she disperses.
I got to learn of Diablo over the last few days, sometimes he was with father when we met, sometimes he would find me and just talk. He was a very funny man, and surprisingly warm for someone that looks so frightening.
As I was lost in thought, he stepped in and the doors closed behind him, as I turned to face him, he waved his hand in his usual chaotic way, or maybe this was just how he acted around me? I don't know, I have no reference yet, as I haven't spent enough time within the palace.
He spoke "Your Highness, I bring news from your father, he said to say that he is going into closed door cultivation in the next couple of days. It seems he is close to reaching the legendary Grand Mage level. Don't tell anyone yet though." He said, and winked at the end in a cheeky way.
I giggle slightly then couldn't hold back my excitement "He is really going to breakthrough?! Wouldn't he be the first in centuries to do such a thing. Well according to my studies that is what it says." As I mention this Diablo laughs lightly and says "Indeed you are correct, Your Highness, just as smart as your father it seems. That is why I preference it with 'legendary' because he would solidify himself as a legend in this world if that was the case." As he finished speaking, I find myself excited while also proud, proud of what heights my father is reaching, and a desire to catch up. Even though that sounds ridiculous at this point in time.
However, I also start to feel apprehension, what if I'm not as talented as my father, or not talented at all? Let alone catching up I will be seen as a failure by the world. As I realised this pressure that is on my shoulders I started to recoil slightly, spiralling mentally into negativity, until I heard Diablo chuckle while approaching and then kneeling before me.
"Your Highness, I can already tell what you are thinking from your expressions alone. Do not fret, your father is a monster, an anomaly, wildcard, even words do not begin to describe the kind of existence he is - and he will not see you as lesser if you cannot match him, or even if you awaken to no talent. I know for a fact he will always love you, and if the world scorns you he will scorn the world. So, don't worry about things outside of your control, especially things four to five years away. Just be there for him like I know he will be there for you, that is all I ask of you, Your Highness."
As I heard what Diablo said I couldn't help a sigh, and I start rationalising my thoughts. Yes, I thought, Diablo is right. I know he loves me, even if he shows it in such a restrained way.
I looked at Diablo and said "I know, thank you for helping me clear my thoughts, Diablo."
He nodded, got up and dusted off his pants before waving as he left my room.
I thought about what my father is doing right now, for not just himself, but for me too, I just realised. For us. Our future in this cruel world, and the retribution he is going to carry out for me, for my mother, and that, that put a smile on my face.