Eclipsian Dynasty Pt 03

CHAPTER 9. SISTER

Cedric walked silently down the Library corridors. They were empty at night, and he looked around, the books in his bag tending to fall out. In the other hand, he held his cane. It was strictly forbidden to take books from the library, but who needed rules when the fate of the whole world was at stake.

He walked out into the main hallway; the Exarchy's seat was empty for some reason. The path was open, but Cedric moved the other way. He walked around the Exarchy table and approached a big notch in the wall. There used to be a door.

A torch illuminated the downward slope, the steps leading far underground.

"I'm sure the creature came from here." There were noticeable dents and claw marks on the walls.

"Are you lost?" A voice from behind made him stir. It was the new Exarchy Cindy.

"Me? No, no, I just..."

"Just trying to find out Library secrets?" Cindy said calmly.

Cedric hurried towards the exit. "Good night."

"That girl that was with you that night was my sister, Prince Cedric." Exarchy took a place at her desk.

He did not answer, only hurried towards the exit.

========

Seraphina brushed her hair, staring mesmerized in the candlelight. Elowen's tent was more cramped than Cedric's, but she felt safe here.

"What am I even thinking? Safe from who? From my own son?" She covered face with her hands, holding back tears. "Why did I do this? How could I? I pleasured my own son."

She hadn't forgotten Cedric's words. When he was about to release his seed, he said, "I'll do it for my Mum."

She pulled her dress down, running a finger over a tiny wound close to the nipple, the mark of his lustful touch. The wound hadn't quite healed yet.

Seraphina smiled, remembering how small he'd been after birth, and how he'd touched her breast to get to the milk. She was so happy.

And now he's a grown man with desires and needs.

"Mum?" Cedric stepped cautiously inside.

Seraphina covered her boobs and wiped her damp eyes. "Yes, sweetheart? Did you want something?"

"Can I come inside? I didn't see you in the library today."

"Sorry, I just needed some time alone," she said, brushing her hair.

"Are you planning to sleep with Elowen again tonight?" He sat down beside her on the bed. "Do you want to talk about what happened between us?"

"I don't... No, actually. I guess we should talk. "She set the comb aside and turned in her chair to face him.

"Let me guess," he sighed. "You changed your mind about getting married?"

Seraphina took his hand. "I just can't understand why this is necessary. How does our marriage stop the Eclipse? Did you think about it? I know you want to be a hero, dear, and play the husband role. And I'm so proud of you for that. But, you know, I'm your Mother. I'm not supposed to be your wife. And your father..."

"You love Dad too much," Cedric interrupted her.

"No, I mean... But, well, yes. I won't follow the prophecy unless I really have to. I mean, you wouldn't want to marry your Mum and be my husband either, right? Why am I even trying to persuade you here, huh?"

"Yeah, yeah, right. You're my Mum. It's awful to be married to own mother." He stood up and his hand slipped from her hold. "When are you going back to my tent though?"

"I'm okay here for now. Elowen needs me now. She's lonely and... Are you sure you're not mad at me for my refusal, dear?"

He hid his hands behind the back, clenching his fist. "Of course not,

Mum

. I love you more than anything and I respect your decision. Good night." He hurried out of the tent.

"I love you... too." She said but he was already out. "Well, that was kind of awkward. Did I say something wrong?"

Cedric punched grass. She was still too loyal to Dad and too in love with him. This is another problem that stands in a way of their potential relationship.

"I can't just erase 20 and more years of their marriage life together. Maybe it's just time to accept that it's over. She's his wife, not mine. She's my Mum."

He was about to enter his tent when he noticed Elowen sitting nearby. His sister with a cute giggle was silently playing with a caterpillar on her fingers. Elowen playing with a caterpillar?

That was weird.

But despite her seeming cheerfulness, her eyes were watery and there was a fresh cut under her left eyelid.

Maybe I should go over and ask her what's wrong? Yeah, right. She'd call me a mama's boy again and just run away. Like she always does. I don't care.

======

Cedric sat with his back to the tent's entrance, leafing through stolen books by candlelight. He spread some books in front of him so that if anyone entered the tent, they would only see the prince's back.

The other half of the stack he hid under the bed.

He flipped through 'Spirits and Kings.' Seraphina cried when she discovered that one of the pages had been torn out. Now, he wanted to cry too.

She chose his father over him and meanwhile, he had no idea what the spirits wanted.

Cedric started reading about one of his ancestors, Anthragon, 8

th

descendant, a great lover of women. Cedric's heart hammered harder.

"I would trade all the girls in the world just for my mother."

His heart beat frantically now as he recalled her gentle touch in the forest, and Mum's big lush bosom.

Damn, she's so good. It still feels unreal

.

Until a couple of months ago, he hadn't even thought about the fact that his mother was also a woman, and a very stunning one. He was disgusted when he looked at her ass the day before they escaped the castle.

And now Seraphina occupied all his thoughts.

He angrily slammed another book shut, tossing it aside.

"None of this matters if the world ends. What did the spirit mean when it said about deals with mother and sister? There is no prophecy about my sister. There is nothing! I am not smart enough for your riddles! Why didn't it just say where to look for answers on how to stop the Eclipse!"

Flipping through another large tome he suddenly stopped on a page. It was a page with the Eclipsian Dynasty family tree.

The tree started straight from the great Arik and ended with Cedric and his sister. The ink on his name still seemed fresh, not dried out.

His attention was drawn back to the dark stains on some of the names. They were perhaps even fresher than the ink with his and Elowen's name. They made it impossible to make out one of his ancestors.

The 18 descendants were separated by dark lines--four black lines that divided them into groups of six each.

First line. First descendant.

Second line. Sixth descendant.

Third line. Twelfth descendant.

Fourth line. Eighteenth descendant.

He closed the book in anger. "I'm tired." Thoughts about his mother stirred his male gut, so he drifted off to sleep.

========

Soldiers were training, campfires flickered, and sentries were roaming the valley. Another new day was beginning at Lord Blunder's camp. Another day waiting for the unknown.

Cedric met her this morning outside his big tent, leaning on a cane. He looked tired, with dark bags under his eyes. As he watched, Seraphina walked toward the forest.

She didn't even say good morning. Lately, she often goes to the forest instead of the library. I guess she's too afraid of me.

He couldn't take his eyes off two beautiful and firm curves of her ass. The halves moved in rhythm with her fast and confident strides. Fatigue prevented him from realizing that someone might notice his gaze.

I should just let it go. She'll never let me...

But before he could finish the thought, Eligh slapped his shoulder with a stick.

"Keep your eyes up, soldier. Did you left your sword in the tent again?"

========

Cedric was catching his breath after training. His sore shoulder throbbed. A white raven circled above.

"I don't understand what you want from me."

"Me?" Eligh loomed over him. "I want you to stop thinking too much. Your problem is that you think when you're in a fight. Just let it flow and let your body fight. See you tomorrow, kiddo."

"Whatever." Cedric sighed and unintentionally eavesdropped on a conversation. Elowen stood outside Blunder's tent, but Riley blocked her.

"I want to see the Lord. He should know that I can be useful. Let me inside! Don't I have any rights in this awful camp?" she protested.

"Blunder has asked not to be disturbed, Princess. He can only see the prince, queen, and the generals."

"Oh, yes, I've noticed how often our mother visits his tent. They must be close, don't you think? Or maybe you're a little jealous of me and Lord?"

"Jealous?"

"Your cold stare might impress other girls, but it doesn't impress me. I'm sorry, dear, but you're not my type." Elowen took a step forward, and suddenly Riley grabbed her hood and threw Elowen into the dirt.

Cedric's fell painfully, staining her face and clothes. Her hair covered her face as she tried to hide her tears.

"No one wants you in this camp, princess," Riley said, placing his hands behind his back.

"Hey, you!" Cedric stood up and moved to the tent, raising his fist directly toward Riley's face. Strange, he'd never done that before. The sudden anger forced him to act. His fist clenched in pain, and Riley jerked back a little, blood spurting from his lip. He didn't speak but unsheathed his sword, aiming it at Cedric.

The prince did the same, raising his Moon Sword.

"Touch my sister again - I'll kill you."

Riley, with a bloody lip and an angry look, did something Cedric didn't expect - he actually attacked. The prince parried the first blow, stepping back. Riley continued the onslaught of sharp attacks.

Cedric wasn't a match. He fought back, trying to save his life. Cedric counterattacked, shoving Riley in the chest. He barely steadied himself and flung his dagger straight at Cedric. The prince recoiled, but part of the blade grazed his cheek, leaving a tiny cut. Blood rushed, and he wiped the cheek, preparing for another attack.

"Enough!" Eligh appeared just in time, knocking the sword out of Riley's hands and grabbing him by his suit. "You could have killed him with a dagger!"

"So what? You can't tell me what to do, old man." He shoved Eligh aside.

"Perhaps I should tell Lord Blunder that you're not loyal to our mission. You're not loyal to the prince."

"You have no idea how loyal I am..." Riley went inside the tent.

Cedric returned his sword to its scabbard and walked over to his sister. She was still lying in the dirt unable to gather strength to get up.

"It's okay, Elowen." He reached out to help his sister. He wrapped his arm around her cute slender waist and gently lifted her, wiping away the tears that streaked her beautiful face. Using a handkerchief, he wiped her cheeks.

"Cedric," she whispered. His sister looked so vulnerable at that moment. He brushed the dirty curls away from her cute face. He wanted so badly to comfort her, to make her feel better, and to keep her safe. "I'm here for you. Let's go, I'll walk you to your tent. Everything will be okay."

"Don't... I... Just leave me alone." She pushed at his chest. "Don't

fucking

touch me! I hate you, Cedric. I'm a nobody here and it's all because of you! I just want to die!"

She sobbed, covered in mud, and hurried back to her tent.

Cedric wiped the blood from his cheek as Eligh approached.

"Go, find your mother. Blunder is calling an emergency council again to discuss something important. Get some fresh air," the old man said, patting him on the back.

=========

"Who does he think he is?" Cedric waved his cane in the air. "No one dares to treat my sister like that. Even if she calls me an idiot, even she calls me a mama's boy and... and... other insults!"

He pictured Elowen's scared face again and heard her softly say his name.

"I love Elowen anyway."

Suddenly, he heard splashing and moved closer, hiding behind a random tree.

Seraphina dipped into the river. Water always helped her calm down and regain herself. Her dress, necklace and underwear were left lying in the grass. She wiped her breasts with water, squeezing nipples.

"Mmmm... Arik. It's been so long." She ran her hand between her legs but then pulled it out in disappointment. "I haven't felt you inside in months, because of your damned Eclipse, Arik. I think I'm starting to molest our own son. And also talking to myself."

She shook her wet hair, rubbing her eyes. Her hands glided over her wet, incredible mother's body.

Cedric swallowed, watching her.

She's so stunning. I would also steal her from this godforsaken place if I was Dad.

He made a clumsy mistake, and his cane accidentally stepped on a twig.

Seraphina covered her boobs and looked straight in his direction.

"CEDRIC!?"

"I'm sorry, Mum. I'm so sorry!" He turned away, blushing. "You were gone for a long time, and I... I got worried. Blunder is gathering everyone in his tent again. I'd better go back to the camp."

"Wait."

Seraphina rolled her eyes. "Since you're already here, hand me my clothes and help me get up."

He awkwardly approached. The water was just below ground level. Without looking at her, he extended his hand. She took it, and he helped her up.

But Cedric didn't release her from his arms; his hands rested on Mum's waist as she stood up. His fingers held onto her soft, tender skin. He lowered his gaze - her boobs were right in front of him. Hard drenched pink nipples were just a few inches down.

"Cedric, let me go." She looked at him wearily.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm sorry. Just another second. Wow. Mum, you are so beatif..." He didn't want to let her go, but he had to when she grabbed his hand and tightly squeezed his index finger, almost breaking it.

"Ughhhh, Mum!!!"

"Do you remember I mentioned that I can do a thing or two as well? The priestesses taught us a bit of fighting, and your father also taught me to stand up for myself. Now, move." She lightly pushed his chest, and he had to step back, wincing as he rubbed his finger.

She lifted her clothes and put on underwear, necklace, then draped a dress over her wet body.

"It's okay, I forgive you. I'm not mad at you for taking a few glances, hiding behind a tree without my consent... Men. Your dad liked to peek, too. You probably inherited it from him."

Oh gosh, is she talking about Dad again?

He picked up his walking cane from the ground. Finger's still sore.

She continued, "That's how we met actually. I used to go to the river, and one day he was peeking at me. Can you imagine? At first, I was mad, but he was so charming. I couldn't resist; men were rare here. That same evening, after we met, we spent night together, and that's when we realized that I can't stay here. We wanted to be together forever." She touched her belly. "Sorry, you probably don't want to hear that. I miss your father so much."

Cedric rolled his eyes, his cheeks were still flashed.

"But still. Don't you ever spy on me again! Never!"

She sounded so much like Elowen now.

"Your father was lucky with me, but another girl is unlikely to appreciate if you do it. Let's go."

===========

His gaze constantly wanted to fall on Mum's stunning legs. It was so hard to look in a different direction. Cedric sat alongside his mother on council meeting at Blunder's tent.

"New Exarchy doesn't seem too happy about us being here," said Blunder.

"Why should she be? We are jeopardizing her people and the virginity of her sisters," said Seraphina.

"We are here protecting her valley! She should be happy we are here keep her ass safe," said tough General Rosco.

"Yes, protecting the valley from the danger we brought here." Seraphina now looked angry and Cedric placed his hand on her leg. Her skin felt incredibly soft. She gave him a slightly disapproving look from the corner of her eye but didn't say anything. She just gently took his hand off her leg.

"Let's talk about why I called you here today. The King."

"The King?" Seraphina almost jumped from her chair.

"King Arik sent an army here. Colonel Tilidus leading them."

"Tilidus? But Tilidus is at war with Solarion. The king is sending him only when he wants someone dead!" Rosco stood up from his chair.

"That is why I have gathered you here."

"Is the king going to war against us? But, my lord, didn't you say he wouldn't? I don't want to fight Tilidus' troops," one of the young captains asked.

"Me neither."

"Arik would never send his men against you for war, Lord Blunder," interjected Seraphina. "I know my husband. You and your domain are part of his Eclipsian Empire. He would never... Cedric, tell them."

"Maybe we wouldn't have to run away from home if he was the way you think he is, Mum," said Cedric.

Blunder stared pensively into the void. "I didn't know it could come to this. I've considered Arik my friend for so many years, and now he's sending Tilidus."

"Lord Blunder, I understand my husband better than anyone here. I believe his army is headed for negotiations or...or... something else. He would never..."

"For negotiations? Just listen to yourself, Queen. Maybe your son is right. Maybe you were mistaken in him, just like I was. The desire to control the power of the Eclipse has blinded our King. I would like to believe your words, but there's too much responsibility lying on my shoulders. We'll wait until you and Cedric finish your search. You lead this council, Prince."

"Me? Am I now the head of the council, among other things?" He looked at all captains and generals gathered here. Bald Conrad still hadn't returned and was absent today.

He locked eyes with Seraphina. She looked so stunning.

"I guess you expect me to act older than I am, but I'm still not a hero or the chosen one. You're expecting miracles from me, but I know nothing. And I don't have time for a council, I'm busy with my search."

"I don't think anyone else can step in for you, Prince."

"Well, there's someone who can."

===========

He smiled as he sat in front of his books, remembering their faces - how they freaked out when he appointed Elowen as the new head of the council. He really didn't have time for councils, with the Cosmic Eclipse approaching.

He looked at his family tree again. Four lines. Near each line was a black round. What does it mean?

That's the Eclipses. That's what it means. It's happened four times. And now it's gonna happen on my watch. The fourth black line is the upcoming Cosmic Eclipse. But if the last Eclipse happened under the 12

th

descendant, over a hundred years ago, why don't we have any records of that day?

He turned the sheet. Weird, but he didn't do that before. There was an inscription in gold letters.

18

th

and 19

th

. When the night meets the dawn - one will stand, one will fall

"Right. Another riddle."

Someone suddenly entered the tent. Cedric jerked, hiding the books under the bed.

"Who's there?"

"Are you jerking off?" asked Elowen. "Disgusting."

"No, no. I didn't. Look!" He stood up, showing her his hands. "My pants are on."

"Whatever. I don't care. I just hope you weren't thinking about Mum!"

"I told you. I wasn't jerking off!"

She gave him a slight smile; her cut was almost gone, but she still hid it behind her hair. She nervously played with her fingers.

"Don't you want to tell me where you got that cut from?" He tried to brush dark locks of hair away, but she pushed his hand away.

"Do not dare touch me!!!"

"Alright, alright. Sorry."

"I fell, okay?" She sighed. "Fine, I didn't fall. I came back to the library a few days ago. You know, to help you and Mum with your search, but they told me my visits were over. I had exceeded my limit or some bullshit like that. And, well, you know me. I got angry and then I... got hit. One of them just hit me in the face. That's it. That's the story. But don't you dare to tell anyone! It's our secret. My public version is that I wounded while fighting the evil Cult."