“General…General Grimwood…Erebus!”

“What! What happened?”

A sleep-deprived, disheveled royal general lifted his head from a table strewn with papers and battle strategy pieces. He brushed away a map that clung to his face and rubbed his eyes, visibly irritated. As he cleared his face, a disheveled lizard-like soldier approached with news.

“Veros, if this isn’t worth my lost sleep, I’ll be far from pleased,” Erebus groaned and stood up, slightly towering over the lizard who’s green eyes flicked nervously.

“Its about the rebel Sire.” The soldier started to pick up some of the letters that speckled the floor before making eye contact with the now increasingly irritated general.

“Their leader arrived at the north post...unarmed.” Veros reported, attempting to ease the general's evident annoyance.

“They um…they sur-”

“I know…” The purple obsidian skinned prince let out a scoff as he re-tied the front strings of his black tunic and started to put on his black gloves. While inspecting his hands he clenched them into tight fists, the leather stretching around his knuckles as his thoughts wondered.

“Exactly who was this “good news” for Veros? You would have been better off telling my brother.”

“W-well sire I-” The lizard stumbled over his words moving towards the tent exit.

“He and my father would be overjoyed at the recent smothering of another cry for help from our people.” The royal spoke over the soldier, more so to himself then to the other. He shook his head while grabbing a black ribbon from his pocket and began to tie half of his long curly hair up out of his face, into a ponytail. Erebus could feel Veros’ nervous stare from behind and it irked him.

“What…” Erebus said in a low, tired tone. The reptilian male shifted in his stance making sure to say the right thing as he struggled with his words. “Sir um…with all due respect, your father and brother aren’t here…you are. For what it’s worth your men are happy to go home with little to no losses on our end. If that’s any consolation.”

Silence hung between the two, Erebus refused to make eye contact and continued to busy himself with putting various battle items away. Reluctantly he picked up an envelope that had become all too familiar to him before sealing it and stuffing it into his vest pocket. The physical proof of victory that his father always requested. I’m pretty sure he’s starting a collection…Erebus thought to himself with visible disgust on his face.

“The citizens know you don’t want to fight them.”

“Is that so? I didn’t know you were a mind reader Veros…” the general spoke sarcastically before splashing his face with water from a metal bowl.

“Not many generals enlist rebels after defeating them.” The reptile flitted his forked tongue out of nervous habit while rubbing the back of his head, not really making eye contact with the icy royal who was currently gently examining his scar that trailed from his ear to his jaw and exposed his sharp teeth.

“Are these supposed to be words of encouragement?”

“Are they encouraging?”

“For something with no lips you somehow find a way to flap them…” Erebus walked towards the lizard soldier who seemed slightly more at ease.

“Well, at least now you can attend prince…er, soon to be Queen Cyrus’ coronation without any loose ends to worry about.” This was not at the top of the general’s list of things to do today, however, his older sister did ask for him to accompany her. Erebus rolled his eyes at the thought as if he wanted to go to that stuffy event, and for what, to see another royal sit on another throne.

It's not just any royal, and you know that.

Erebus pushed the thought from his mind and patted the lizard’s shoulder with a gloved hand as he walked past the reptilian.

Walking out of his military tent he was met with rowdy cheers of soldiers clad in black armor and a bleak sky that looked to be shrouded in ash, this was Vanitate, Erebus’ second home so to speak. The land was empty and desolate besides being speckled with military tents and his men, either tending to their wounds, playing cards or eating and singing with one another. A satisfying sight to a general who had seen more bloodied and broken bodies than one should by the age of 21, compared to his siblings who knew nothing about the gory details of the battlefield, and will never know. Being pulled from his train of thought Erebus’ eyes slightly widened when one of the soldiers slammed both of his iron gloved hands onto the general's shoulders with a wide grin. Erebus showed no sign of surprise besides giving a small wince to the new weight added onto his shoulders before being side-hugged by another soldier who then firmly slapped his free hand onto the prince’s chest.

“We live to fight another day general! no man lost, 100 men gained.”

that soldier was promptly shoved away by Erebus who was now dawning a small smirk across his lips.

“Aw come on Erebus don’t act like it wasn’t you who lead us to an easy victory!”

Another soldier who was at the large bonfire cooking some type of meat belted smiling just as widely even if it was a little tired-looking like some of the others.

Erebus shook his head “I will not take pride in killing my fellow countrymen…”

The men fell silent for a moment before Erebus gave in to a creeping grin. “Even if it was an easily won battle.”

“HA! That’s more like it besides now you get to go home and be spoiled by women.”

This statement from the soldier gained another eye roll from the general before both of the soldiers were placed into a headlock by Erebus, pulling them down in a playful manner.

“Yes, and you smelly lot will go home to your wives sleeping in bed with your neighbors.”

Erebus let the two go and pushed them forward towards the bonfire, “Go get something to fill those loud mouths of yours before I use my boot instead.”

The soldiers' laughter trailed off and faded into the cacophony of celebration. The general walked towards a makeshift shabby stall that housed war horses, one of them being his. The tall stocky black draft horse lifted his straw-ladened head from the trough, letting out a small blow of air through its large nose. Unlocking the stall door and stepping in to attach the lead to the horse’s red halter, Erebus stood there for a moment petting the horse’s head and whispering gentle hellos to the large beast, receiving a small nudge from the animal in return before walking it out of the stall and to the mounting station where he proceeded to put a saddle and reigns on the horse. He turned momentarily to look at the soldiers who were now sitting around the large fire eating and laughing, thinking of how blissfully simple their life was.

Eat, drink, fight and die. Wish my life were that simple.

Erebus thought to himself before looking back at the horse and giving a quick tug on the saddle making sure it was secure, the horse shifted its weight in response to the sudden pressure before Erebus hoisted himself up and on to the saddle. The thought of where he was heading next made him let out an aggravated sigh before giving the horse a light kick and clicking his tongue making the horse start to walk off and with another kick it took off into a gallop towards the kingdom of Finisia. The Erebus put his hand out In front of him before shadows accumulated far in front of him into a large dark void before the general and his horse disappeared into it leaving behind a thin cloud of black smoke.

Emerging from the opposite side of the umbrous void, Prince Erebus navigated his horse through the scorched streets of the city. The citizens, diverse in their origins, cast brief and wary glances his way, acknowledging his return and the recent rebellion's aftermath. Human-looking individuals bore dark skin resembling polished onyx, while others shared skin tones akin to Erebus, each a variation differing in hue. Among them, dragon-human hybrids conversed in melodic tones, their scales shimmering under the sun's fiery glow. The burdens of life weighed heavily on most citizens, save for the blissfully unaware children, yet Erebus found solace in the familiarity of home compared to the dry smoke-riddled battlefield. The city, a paradox of struggle and vibrancy, boasted bustling marketplaces offering exotic wares and piquant delicacies. Dark-hued tapestries danced in the volcanic breeze. Street performers cast enchantments upon the passersby with rhythmic beats and ethereal melodies that harmonized with the lively sounds of the city.

As Erebus approached the regal obsidian palace, adorned with fiery gemstones that gleamed like molten lava, he was welcomed by the vigilant sentinels, dragon-human guards clad in imposing armor. Acknowledged by his soldiers, Erebus dismounted, handing the reins to one of the guards.

"Mind putting him away for me?" Erebus asked, while passing a coin purse to the soldier.

“Also, this is for you Inon. I know it's your son's 5th today. Treat him from the shops; consider yourself excused if anyone asks." The soldier, Inon, nodded with gratitude before tending to the horse.

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"When do I get a purse full of money?" Another scaled guard, jesting, quipped.

Erebus glanced back, his gaze serious.

"When you have a child," he replied, the door closing behind him.

The interior of the regal palace mirrored the awe-inspiring grandeur of its volcanic surroundings. Upon entering, Erebus was greeted by the familiar towering obsidian columns adorned with swirling patterns that seemed to pulsate with a faint inner glow. These columns supported a vaulted ceiling crafted from the same dark stone, etched with intricate designs reminiscent of ancient volcanic eruptions frozen in time. Erebus gave a small unimpressed scoff at the sight before him. The palace was the one place that he didn’t miss all that much while on the battlefield. As the royal general made his way down the expansive corridors that were lined with flickering torches held by iron sconces that cast a warm, radiant glow across the polished ebony floors, this place felt like anything but home. Elaborate tapestries depicting the “history” and legends of the realm adorned the walls.

Pushing open a pair of red iron doors, Erebus scanned the room looking for his older sister. These chambers off the main corridors were adorned with luxurious furnishings fashioned from volcanic stone and draped in sumptuous fabrics dyed in deep, rich colors that reflected the vibrancy of the realm. Furniture carved from black marble displayed intricate patterns, while tapestries depicting the lineage of rulers added a regal air to the chambers.

Soft flickering light emanated from large lanterns embedded in the walls, casting a warm, inviting ambiance across the room. The room echoed with the hushed murmurs of courtiers and the occasional echoing footsteps, creating an atmosphere both regal and enigmatic.

A few reptilian women scurried back and forth, carrying different colored ball gowns from a large closet to the fitting room. Erebus, shielding his eyes with one hand and partially pushed the changing blind aside.

"Merosa, are you decent?" he asked, his voice laced with a note of impatience.

“Does it matter? You act like we didn’t bathe together as kids.”

A soft jazzy voice replied back. Erebus furrowed his brow a little at the statement, he himself having a thing about female nudity, he would prefer not seeing naked women or anyone for that matter, if he could avoid it, and his sister knew that.

“Do you have clothes on or not?” He said in a low tone.

“Yes dear brother, I’m clothed.”

Taking his hand off his eyes with an eye roll he crossed his arms and leaned against a nearby wall looking at his older sister with about as much love as you would look at someone who just kicked your dog.

“Aren’t you excited?”

She finally looked back as one of the handmaids laced the corset of her black ball gown. Pale white skin clashing with the dark blue hair that covered one of her amber eyes and stopped just at her shoulders with a blunt cut gave her the sophisticated look of death herself, that and her playfully devious energy made her quite an intimidating person, mostly to those under her unpredictable rule.

The dark prince scoffed and averted his attention from her to some scurrying servants, knowing what she was implying and not giving her the satisfaction of an answer. “

Oh, how long has it been? 11 years since you’ve seen that boy? Don’t tell me you’re nervous...”

Merosa smiled with a sharp-toothed grin before walking up to Erebus who was now glaring daggers in her direction, she brushed her hand gently letting her fingers dance across the deep burn scar on his face.

“Or…maybe you think he’ll see you as a monster, not his childhood friend.”

Grabbing her wrist with a slight growl under his breath he stared down at her, distain being the only thing she could find in those garnet eyes as she smiled, she enjoyed these little games they played, even if they were one sided.

“I could care less what he thinks of me, the only reason I’m going is for you dear sister…don’t forget that.”

Tossing her hand to the side Erebus started off towards the door.

“Where are you going?” His mischievous sister said with a sly tone.

“To change!” He yelled from the door before slamming it.

In the general’s room the dim light of the candles bounced off of the dark walls. In a slightly better lit corner of the room, the dark prince stood at a mirror putting himself together. Pulling the strings on his dark red and gold embellished corset vest before tying and tucking them he took a quick look at himself. He wasn’t used to dressing up and couldn’t really tell if he liked how tight dress clothes were, they were so impractical in his eyes and felt uncomfortable on the sensitive skin of his scar that lead from his jaw to his chest, arm and back. Thinking about his scar, he picked up a silver half mask from his desk, looking it over with hesitation before looking back at himself in the mirror and touching his scar on his jaw. He let out a groan before tossing the accessory on to his bed. There was no one to impress there, so why would he wear that? Erebus already accepted that he wasn’t getting married so there was no one that he was expecting to “woo” in the Solarius kingdom. He put his belt on and slipped his sword through his holster before heading out the door to meet his sister at the entrance.

“Are you done being moody?” Merosa quipped, her hand on her hip which was slightly shifted to one side.

“Hmph…” Erebus didn’t make eye contact with his older sister who he currently wanted to disappear into the floor after everything leading up to this point.

“I’ll take that as a no…” She rolled her eyes, knowing that this mood he was in wasn’t leaving anytime soon this evening.

“What are we waiting for?”

Erebus said impatiently, noticing that his sister wasn’t making any motion to leave anytime soon. All she gave him was a small shrug as she inspected her sharp black nails. Before the dark general could get another word out he heard the door behind him open. Whipping his head around he saw none other than his older brother Styx smiling widely at him while coming his short white hair back with his fingers, his pale slender figure dressed in all black similar to Erebus slipping through the door frame with as much grace as a snake.

“You’ve got to be kidding me…” Erebus spoke through clenched teeth.

“It’s been so long since we’ve gone to a party all together little brother! You should be more excited.”

His enthusiastic personality oozing out of every surface of his being, his light blue eyes sparkling. If Erebus wasn’t already agitated by their gracious sister he might have lightened up, but he knew that if Styx was coming he was about to be on babysitting duty. Wrapping an enthusiastic arm around Erebus’ shoulder his brother pulled him close, a sharp toothed smile still plastered on his face.

“Women, music, and most of all booze. What more could you want after coming off the battlefield.”

Erebus quirked an eyebrow at his older brother before replying with a serious look,

“My bed…”

Styx and Merosa sighed with frustration.

“Alright, Alright, let's get going before you change your mind.”

Merosa threw her hands up before coming between the two brothers and locking arms with them. A Dark purple smoke started to swirl around them and the purple stone necklace around Merosa’s neck started to glow before a bright flash emitted from it enveloping the trio and whisking them off to their destination. As the purple-hued smoke swirled and dissipated, the trio of royal siblings emerged from the mystical teleportation, arriving in front of the magnificent palace of the Solarius kingdom. The night sky was clear, adorned with stars that glimmered like diamonds, and the air was laced with a gentle breeze carrying the scent of blooming flowers.

The palace, crafted from golden marble and adorned with intricate designs resembling rays of sunlight, stood tall and grand against the backdrop of the night. Its towering pillars were embellished with intricate carvings depicting tales of heroes and gods, while golden lanterns hung from the archways, casting a warm glow on the marble steps leading to the entrance. As they arrived, the trio was met by a group of Solarius kingdom's courtiers, elegantly dressed in flowing robes of gold and white. They greeted the royal visitors with deep bows and courteous smiles, ready to escort them to the grand ballroom.

"Welcome, esteemed guests."

One of the palace greeters, a tall brown skin woman with shimmering golden hair, addressed the siblings.

"Please allow us to lead you to the grand ballroom where the festivities are being held."

Erebus, ever the stoic, offered a curt nod in response. Merosa, radiating an air of regal sophistication, tilted her head gracefully, acknowledging the courtiers. Styx, with his vibrant enthusiasm, flashed a charming smile before joining his siblings. The courtiers led them through the palace's marble corridors adorned with intricate murals depicting tales of sunlight and prosperity. The atmosphere was grand yet inviting, illuminated by golden chandeliers that cast dancing patterns of light upon the polished floors. During the walk, the courtiers engaged in courteous conversation, sharing tales of the kingdom's prosperity and the evening's anticipated festivities. Merosa listened attentively, occasionally offering a polite smile or nod, while Erebus maintained his composed demeanor, absorbing the surroundings in silence. Styx, however, was animated and engaged, asking questions about the kingdom's customs and traditions, his eyes filled with curiosity and admiration.

As they approached the grand ballroom, the courtiers opened the gilded doors, revealing a breathtaking sight. The ballroom was bathed in golden light, adorned with elaborate tapestries depicting scenes of celestial beings and radiant landscapes. Crystal chandeliers hung from the domed ceiling, casting shimmering reflections across the room. The siblings stepped into the opulent space, greeted by a vibrant orchestra playing enchanting melodies. The dance floor was alive with swirling couples dressed in resplendent attire, the ambiance filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses. At the very back three thrones sat upon a marble pedestal with stairs that lead to the ballroom floor, and in the middle throne between his two parents sat Cyrus, chatting with some royal who had come to greet him. Erebus felt himself hold his breath for a moment, seeing his childhood friend after all this time, he didn’t think it would make him feel anything. It was just something about seeing Cyrus up there, dressed in white and gold, his split tunic melting perfectly to his slim athletic frame, and those gold bandages still wrapped around his hands and up his wrist and around his feet and ankles. Erebus mentally chucked at the thought that even at this age the sun “princess” still hated and refused to wear shoes.

Cyrus was laughing at whatever that royal had told him, his still wild curly golden hair falling just short of his emerald eyes that still had the same childlike shine to them, that white birthmark that covered the upper half of his tanned skin was slightly flushed. As the royal departed from the throne area, emerald eyes just happened to lock with garnet ones from across the room. A captivated Erebus who almost tripped over himself trying to break eye contact and keep pace with his siblings mentally face palmed.

There’s hundreds of people in this ball room, he didn’t look at you, stop being weird.

Erebus scanned the room with a discerning eye, his gaze briefly meeting Styx's who was already chatting with a group of nobles, of course. Merosa, radiating regal poise, was already being asked to dance by a royal dressed in green who gently took her hand and walked her to the dance floor. Erebus was alone, as usual, and found himself a quiet corner away from everyone where he could breath. He already started to notice the warry looks of some of the nobles, either because of his scar or because they knew who he was. Either way he wasn’t inclined to go and ask them why they were staring. A servant dressed in white passed with a tray of drinks and Erebus took two for himself, downing one and taking his time with the other. He already knew this was going to be a long night.

Was that Erie?