212 The Small Family Dinner

AUTHOR'S POV

Duchess Lucia saw the great change in his only son, Stellan, as soon as he returned. He's colder, detached and more silent than he's ever been. During her tea time with Princess Eirah, she have heard how disappointing and uncivil Stellan have treated the priness… to the point the Duchess have grown tired of hearing Eirah's cries and complains.

Stellan have never been disdainful and unmannerfly to anyone. Everyone sees him as the good son and great paladin molded in wisdom, valor, and class. He's the meek boy who allowed himself to be called Evandrus just to please his father. A loving son, who honors his mother. And, a great paladin who serves the kingdom with greatness and humility.

Marriage has always been an elephant in the room for Stellan as well. His son has been known to reject a couple of engagements, even with noble and reputable women. But as a mother, Duchess Lucia only want the best for his son who have come of age for a marital union. And to be married to a woman from high society and respectable stature like Princess Eirah, it is truly one of the standards Duchess Lucia wishes for his only son.

The time that Stellan knew of his engagement with Eirah, his son did not rejected the idea. When Stellan personally met the princess, he was kind of withdrawn but gentleman, quiet but polite… which Duchess Lucia thought was acceptable being it was the first time they met. As the two get acquainted over time, Stellan didn't appear to dislike Eirah. And so, it surprises Duchess Lucia to hear from the princess that Stellan made a deal with King Silvius to abolish the engagement.

Seeing Stellan on rigorous training every single day before the sun toast the sky until hours after the moonrise, Duchess Lucia could feel the burden over his son's shoulders. With eagerness to confront his son, Stellan appears to avoid them. Most of the time, he's engaged in training his knights, and the other times, he's leaving for a meeting in the palace and paladins or in deep slumber in his chambers.

Immersed in palace affairs, Lord Nero couldn't see the change in Stellan apart from his son's appearance. By request of Princess Eirah, a dinner with the Hesam household was held which demanded the presence of the crestfallen paladin knight.

"Are you alright son? You barely touched your food. Do you want something else?", Duchess Lucia worriedly asked his son who's staring at his plate full of meat. She have asked to prepare a luxurious spread of meal for his son, given that this is their first dinner together ever since he got back.

"I'm sure you haven't had a good sleep. You just arrived and you started the training right away. I know there's war but, I suggest you take a break", Princess Eirah said out of concern seeing how Stellan have lose so much weight.

Stellan lifted his eyes towards Princess Eirah, who's wearing a racy red gown showing her bossoms. She had her hair twisted up, and the red jewelries sparkled in her ear, neck and fingers. The princess specifically chose this dress to look enticing in the eyes of the paladin knight. "What are you still doing here?", he asked blandly.

"Evandrus", Lord Nero gritted his teeth as he give Stellan an eye, but the paladin knight continued to stare down at the voluptious princess.

"It's alright, Lord Nero.", Princess Eirah chuckled as she fondle with her glass of wine. "Apologies Sir Evandrus, I was invited here by Lord Nero and the Duchess. I was afraid to face the dangers of the dark healer roaming the kingdom. I know you don't mind", she said while she caress her gold necklace studied with rubies with her other hand.

"Of course, he doesn't mind Princess. You can stay here as much as you want", Lord Nero smiled at the princess as he nod.

"Pardon me, I shall take my rest", Stellan decided to leave the dinner table, as he feel naseous being in the same room with the princess, and his parents.

"Of course, my love. I'll have your meal served in the room?", Princess Eirah said sweetly.

Stellan have had enough. He turned to the princess and said, "Please do not be bothered with those pesky tasks. Let Radovid do his work. It's not like you're my wife… or fiancè".

"Evandrus!", Lord Nero slammed the table with his hand as he stood up. "Apologize to your fiancè!", he urged. Duchess Lucia couldn't believe she'll be hearing his son speak of arrogance. Wiping her mouth, Princess Eirah trusted Lord Nero would put some sense in Stellan's head to respect and marry her.

"It's Stellan", Stellan looked at his father in the eye impassively.

"What did you say?", Lord Nero creased his brows as his son talk back.

"It's my fault.", Stellan approached his father who's glaring in anger. "I let you call me Evandrus in the first place. But don't blame me that your son chose a path for himself.", Stellan averted his gaze at his tearful mother who looked apalled. Lord Nero and Duchess Lucia were both speechless as their son bare his scars into words that they're hearing for the first time. "I have.. awaken and I finally realized, that I don't want to hide under my brother's name anymore. Love me, or hate me… But I shall be called Stellan from now on. And to be clear with you all, I will choose who I will marry… in fact, I have already chosen one. And, it's not you Princess", Stellan remained level-headed as he choose to become brutally honest with his feelings. "If you need to see Evandrus, he's out there enjoined with Valdemar. Your dearest soul traveler son.", he looked back at his trembling father who cannot contain his dismay on his son.

"Son… please calm down", Duchess Lucia implored his son whose both fists were glowing with his aura despite his voice was calm all throughout. She was suddenly given light as she understood where the change in his son was coming from. His anger is too deep rooted, concealed by the mellifluous tone of his voice. And in actuality, Stellan was good hiding them until it all bottled up and exploded right into their faces.

Princess Eirah clenched her jaw as she endure the tightness in her chest. All along, she thought Lord Nero could persuade his son to pursue their marriage. As she witness how unsympathetic and unsparingly heartless Stellan can be, Princess Eirah realized Stellan isn't the type who can be easily swayed by anything leaving her with no choice but to accept the rejection and walk away. They all watched Stellan turn his back, which quickly ended the small family dinner.