Queen Serphia

Queen Seraphia Moonwhisper, her eyes filled with admiration, praised Aether for successfully obtaining the Starlight Oracle, a rare artifact of immense power. Her voice echoed through the grand hall as she addressed Aether directly.

"Aether, you have proven yourself to be a remarkable individual," she said, her tone filled with genuine appreciation. "Your skills and dedication are truly commendable. As a token of my gratitude, I would be honored to have dinner with you tonight, to express my appreciation in a more intimate setting."

As the queen made her offer, Ethan couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy and annoyance, his eyes narrowing slightly. However, before he could voice his thoughts, a wave of curses and muttered remarks erupted from the male guards nearby, their words laced with envy and bitterness.

Aether, unperturbed by their jealousy, simply smiled and remained composed, his demeanor unwavering. The queen's expression turned stern as she swiftly scolded the guards for their inappropriate behavior, reminding them of their duty to serve with respect and loyalty.

Taking the opportunity to diffuse the tension, Aether turned to Ethan with a soft, inviting gaze. "Ethan, why don't you join us for dinner as well? It would be a delightful opportunity for us to spend some quality time together."

Ethan's jealousy momentarily clouded his judgment, and he hesitated, unsure of how to respond. However, the queen interjected, her voice holding a hint of amusement.

"I appreciate the sentiment, Aether, but perhaps it would be best if this dinner were an intimate gathering," the queen suggested, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "After all, heroes like yourself deserve special attention."

Queen Seraphia Moonwhisper praised Aether for obtaining the Starlight Oracle, expressing her admiration for his remarkable skills. She extended an invitation for a private dinner, intending to show her gratitude and spend time getting to know him better. However, Aether, ever considerate of his companions, hesitated for a moment before speaking up.

"Your Majesty, I am honored by your kind offer," Aether said, his voice calm and respectful. "But I would feel more at ease if Ethan, our esteemed hero and trusted ally, could join us as well. After all, we have accomplished so much together, and his presence would make the evening more enjoyable."

The queen, surprised by Aether's request, arched an elegant eyebrow but maintained her regal composure. "Aether, your consideration for Ethan is commendable. However, this dinner was meant as a gesture of appreciation specifically for you. Are you certain about your decision?"

Aether's gaze shifted briefly towards Ethan, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I understand, Your Majesty.But It would be incomplete without Ethan's presence. I kindly request that you allow him to join us."

The male guards and the minister, who had been observing the exchange, exchanged puzzled glances. Their whispers and mutterings filled the air, laced with jealousy and discontent.

"Who does he think he is, demanding such a thing?" one guard grumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.

"It's ridiculous! He's just a newcomer, yet he acts as if he can dictate the queen's decisions," the minister added, his tone filled with disdain.

The guards and the minister's discontent simmered beneath the surface, their envy and frustration evident in their expressions. However, the queen's authority and Aether's unwavering stance silenced their complaints, at least for the time being.

The queen, intrigued by Aether's unwavering request and the reactions of those around her, considered the situation carefully. Finally, she nodded, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Very well, Aether. If it is your wish to have Ethan join us, then I shall honor it. His presence will be welcomed."

The male guards and the minister, unable to hide their displeasure, exchanged glances filled with annoyance and resentment. However, they dared not voice their frustrations in the presence of the queen, aware of the consequences such defiance would bring.

Ethan, feeling a mix of curiosity and skepticism, led Aether to a secluded spot where they could speak privately. He looked at Aether with a questioning gaze and asked, "Why did you ask the queen to let me join the dinner? What's your intention?"

Aether met Ethan's gaze, his eyes filled with sincerity. "I simply thought it would be a good opportunity for you to meet the queen. After all, you seemed interested in seeing her up close," he explained.

Ethan raised an eyebrow, a hint of suspicion lingering in his expression. "And what do you get out of helping me? What's in it for you?" he inquired, his voice laced with caution.

Aether smiled softly, his demeanor unwavering. "I don't seek anything in return, Ethan. It's not about personal gain. We've been through so much together, and I wish to know you better, to understand the person behind the hero."

Ethan's eyes widened, his initial assumption taking a different direction. "Wait, are you saying... Are you interested in me romantically?" he blurted out, his voice tinged with surprise and rejection.

Aether chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "No, Ethan. That's not what I meant. I apologize if my words gave you that impression. I simply want to forge a deeper bond of friendship, to unravel the layers of who you are as a person."

Ethan, , quickly dismissed the idea. "Look, Aether, I appreciate your intentions, but I'm not interested in that kind of connection. I'm not... I'm not gay," he stated firmly, his voice resolute.

Aether's expression remained gentle and understanding. "Ethan, I understand your concerns, but please know that my intentions are purely platonic. I value our friendship, and I genuinely want to get to know you better as a person, to understand your thoughts and experiences."

Ethan, still taken aback by the conversation, maintained his stance. "I'm sorry, Aether, but I'm not comfortable with that. I appreciate your friendship, but I prefer to keep things as they are," he responded, his tone firm.

Aether nodded, accepting Ethan's decision with grace. "I understand, Ethan. Your comfort and boundaries are important to me. Just know that I'm here as your friend, ready to support you in any way I can."

Ethan, his jealousy bubbling to the surface, couldn't help but voice his frustrations to Aether. "Beside you are always surrounded by women....Why don't you go after them instead of me....I don't understand, Aether. Everywhere we go, you seem to capture the attention and attraction of women. It's infuriating. What's your secret?"

Aether sighed softly, a hint of weariness in his voice. "Ethan, appearances can be deceiving. It's not as glamorous as it may seem. Yes, I may gain the attention of women, but it doesn't mean they're genuine or trustworthy. Often, they are driven by their own motives, using manipulation to achieve their desired outcomes."

Ethan's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Are you saying that all women are manipulative?" he questioned, a hint of disbelief in his tone.

Aether shook his head, his expression serious. "Although, not all women. But it's important to recognize that not everyone's intentions are pure. It's easy to be enamored by the outward charm and beauty, but beneath the surface, there may be hidden agendas.....And speaking from experience you will soon understand the truth behind my words"

Ethan's jealousy began to wane, replaced by a newfound curiosity. "So, you're saying that I shouldn't be envious of your ability to attract women? That it's not as great as it seems?"

Aether nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Exactly, Ethan. The grass isn't always greener on the other side. Building genuine connections based on trust and shared values is far more valuable than mere attraction. It's about finding someone who appreciates you for who you are, beyond superficial appearances."

Ethan's frustration spilled over, his words laced with bitterness. "You say it like it's so easy, Aether. But it's not. It's easy for you to dismiss it because you've been given everything on a silver platter. You don't know what it's like to struggle, to constantly feel inadequate. What you're saying sounds like bullshit to me. Maybe it works for you, but not for someone like me."

Aether's expression softened, his voice filled with empathy. "Ethan, I understand that life hasn't been fair to you, and I apologize if my words came across as dismissive. But I genuinely believe that there's a way for you to find your own path and create meaningful connections. Trust me, I'll do my best to help you."

Ethan scoffed, his skepticism evident. "How are you going to help me? What can you possibly do?"

Aether's gaze met Ethan's, his eyes filled with determination. "I can get you closer to the queen

Ethan couldn't deny the allure of being closer to the queen. Despite his skepticism towards Aether, a part of him yearned for the chance to Breed with her. He spoke up, his voice tinged with uncertainty, "I... I do want to be close to the queen, Aether. But I can't say I fully trust you. How can I believe that you'll follow through on your words?"

Aether's eyes met Ethan's, a determined gleam shining within them. "I understand your hesitation, Ethan. Trust is earned, and I'm willing to prove myself through my actions. You don't have to take my word for it; you can judge me based on what I do. Let my actions speak for themselves."

Ethan's gaze flickered, torn between skepticism and a glimmer of hope. He knew that actions carried more weight than mere words, and if Aether was willing to back up his claims, perhaps there was a chance for them to forge a stronger bond. "Alright, Aether. Show me. Prove to me that I can trust you."