The sun was peeking through the curtains in Ember Castle, waking Prince Aelius. As he roused from his sleep, he surveys his surroundings. What happened last night? he thought to himself. Blurry images of partying, drinking with his comrades, and being surrounded by noble girls all swirled on in his mind are giving him a headache. He rubbed his eyes and slowly untangled himself from the sheets of his bed. He spies the naked back of a lady on the right side of his bed, still sleeping. 'Must be last night's conquest' he said in his mind. He got out of his bed and slowly walked on the balcony in his bedroom, bathing in sunlight in all his naked glory. With his angular jaw and high cheekbones, wispy soft black hair, piercing gold eyes, and muscular tanned body, he is the epitome of a handsome prince who girls from all around fawn over. Not to mention his legendary strength and combat skills, further enhanced by the Son of the Sun mark on his back. And while his physical prowess and combat skills are outstanding - comparable to none actually, and his intelligence not lacking, his attitude leaves the people at court wanting more.
A philandering, happy-go-lucky prince with a penchant for drinks, parties, picking fights left and right, and seducing girls is not a suitable heir for a prestigious kingdom such as Solaria.
A knock suddenly wakes Aelius from his calm sunbathing. He wore his robe made of lion fur and sat on the couch in the receiving area of his bedroom.
"Come in," he said, bored out of his mind.
His butler, Reginald, came inside with a few maids who starts cleaning his room. One served him jasmine tea and places a plate of assorted biscuits on the table in front of him.
"Your highness," Reginald said. "It's already noon and you already missed the meeting with the council"
"But you attended on my stead, right?" Aelius asked as he drank his tea. "So, what's the issue? I have a representative there. Just tell me what the meeting was all about" he said flippantly.
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"It's about the unification of Solaria and Lunaria. Your marriage to their princess is in a few months, but the council thinks that you are not ready to rule anything at all." Reginald reported.
'I just need to break their necks then' Aelius thought. 'That should keep the other's mouth shut
"You also trashed the Wind Room at the East Castle and had a brawl with the Ardeat's heir," Reginald said. "These actions are not fit for an heir, your highness. I advise you to clean yourself up and act noble before the Sun King does something drastic" he said, as a matter of fact.
At the mention of the Sun King, Aelius stopped drinking his tea and slowly placed it on the table. His father was cruel, and ruthless and demands perfection. His dream son was his elder brother, Helio. Always at the command of the room, always presentable, never faltering, perfect Helio. Despite the royal family's favoritism toward Helio, it didn't break their brotherly bond. Helio was Aelius's confidant and best friend and was the only person who ever believed in him.
When his brother suddenly died a few months ago, it made him the Sun Heir. The second best, good-for-nothing son who was always been treated as a spare until he is needed. Aelius still remembers his mother's words to him during Helio's funeral.
"It should have been you!" The Sun Queen shouted. "You should have died, you worthless brat!" she wailed as she beats her fists on Aelius. It was at that moment that he realized that he will always be the second best. That no matter how hard he tried, his parents will never support and love him.
"Fine" Aelius sighed. "I suppose I should take my new role seriously. It's not like father has any spares left."
'If only Helio lived' Aelius pondered.
"You still have a few months to polish yourself, your highness. And I suggest you get ready as well, you have an audience with the Sun King to discuss the necessary arrangements for your transition to an heir before the wedding comes." Reginald said.
Aelius stood up and looked Reginald in the eye. "Tell father I'll meet him after an hour., he commanded, then walked towards his bathing room to get ready.
"As you wish, your highness", Reginald said as he bowed down in the prince's direction.
"Oh, and by the way", Aelius said, "Please wake up the girl on my bed and give her some morning after tea. Don't want any bastard sun child running around in the future, eh?"