Mom quickly made the arrangements during breakfast for us to go to the Imperial Botanical Gardens; I was curious how they differed from the Imperial Hunting Grounds, or the gardens found in the castle. Luna kept looking at me a bit concerned, which was a bit unsettling. I must’ve looked kind of bad with how several of my family members kept looking at me as well. Ein seemed oblivious to it at least so his mood wasn’t getting dampened. Krahinn was talking with Uncle Nez about some I was struggling to grasp. Dad and Uncle Nox were talking about some obligations they needed to do in the next few days which sounded dreadfully boring. I needed to find a way to spend some time with Dad, but he was just consumed with work at the moment. The others were shifting schedules and talking about writing the new law set and the intricacies of getting them approved.

I looked at my tattoo, wondering how much of a mixed blessing my contract was. Having Krahinn helping me was definitely a massive boon; the thought of reliving his worst memories was a bit daunting. He’d lived for so long it was unnerving to think of how many moments he witnessed history altering atrocities. It also created some bond between us that could be weaponized against each other which I wished I didn’t know. Krahinn was still willing to make the contract knowing that. Part of me wanted to be naïve enough to think he trusted me, but the smarter portion of my brain knew he was betting I was his best chance at avenging his brother. It was odd being in a mix with two beings that would stop at nothing to kill their object of hatred. The feelings it generated were definitely not pleasant, especially knowing just how strong who wanted to kill me was.

Are you okay? Luna checked about halfway through breakfast, jarring me from my thoughts.

Kind of. I am trying to process some things right now. I confessed. Replaying the memory was not doing me any favors.

What happened? Luna inquired; her concern was absolutely apparent. Did I look that bad?

I got to witness what began the Void King’s anger accidentally. Krahinn dragged me into his last night and I got to witness a delusional man torture the Void King’s wife before massacring a city for his vision. Then for the finale got to see the Void King betray his partner as Krahinn tried in vain to save him. It was not great. I told her. Definitely classifying that memory as would not want to view it ever again.

What are you doing today? Luna probed. I felt this odd warmth when she asked me that.

I am going to the Imperial Botanical Gardens with Mom after breakfast. I am not entirely sure what’s all included but she said we’re making a day trip out of it. I answered. She looked a bit relieved.

Okay. How about when you get back, do you want to play the piano some? I’d love to listen to you play. Luna suggested. I felt myself smile at that.

That sounds lovely. I agreed. I liked being able to play the piano when she was around; something about her being there made it enjoyable.

You also need to eat. Luna lectured. I looked down, realizing I hadn’t touched my breakfast. I began eating a little, but it was hard as I didn’t feel hungry.

I didn’t notice. Thanks. I told Luna. She really was good to me.

Don’t be afraid to reach out, Nil. We’re here for you. Luna pressed. It was nice having people that cared about me.

I know. I appreciate it. I replied, feeling myself smiling a bit.

Just don’t feel the need to shoulder everything yourself. Luna continued. Her emerald eyes were oddly intense as she looked at me.

I won’t; I know you all are here for me if I need it. I informed her. Luna was still looking at me a bit funny.

If you need anything, let me know. Luna insisted with a stern voice.

I appreciate you, Luna. I replied as I felt this pleasant warmth as Luna pressed; Luna made a cute smile in response when I said that.

Thank you, Nil. Luna replied as she gave me this happy expression. I took a couple of bites of my breakfast as my appetite hadn’t overly returned. She was distracted by her dad wanting to discuss something.

Are you doing okay? I asked Krahinn, as I realized I never checked.

Like I’ve said, I’ve had nearly a thousand years to come to terms with that day. I’m okay with seeing it again. I do appreciate the concern though. Krahinn answered. I guess he had accepted that day a while ago.

Breakfast was pretty much over at this point; I stood up and went with Mom to a carriage she had arranged for. I was curious as to how the botanical gardens we were going to were different from the castle gardens; I imagined that it was the size of them. Mom sat across from me in the carriage before summoning a small book on plants for me. When did she get this? Did she plan this just in case? Maybe she was able to quickly assemble this because of our family; I did appreciate it though. Wait, had I ever gone on a small trip with my family? I thought about it, realizing even this small day trip might be the first time I ever did something like this. I’m not sure Temple counts, or when we’d visit the Institute of Mages. Maybe some of the previous things were close, but I wanted to feel like this was something new as it was making me smile. Mom was smiling as we continued towards the Imperial Botanical Gardens.

It was surprising how quickly we arrived at the Imperial Botanical Gardens. They were this close? I needed to learn more about Umbra, Speranza, and what all my family had. I’ve been more obsessed with and other things rather than the fact my family is royal. I think I needed to start taking that portion of my life a lot more seriously or at least learn more about it so I wasn’t so surprised about things like this. It could all vanish or be ruined in one fell swoop. So much was depending on me to learn to defeat someone like that. This entire place could get shredded by malicious just because I was here. Mom gently stroked my hair, jarring me from my thoughts. Her face looked a bit pained as she gently pet my head.

“It will be okay Nil. We are having a fun day trip to the Imperial Botanical Gardens. If something is bugging you, we can talk about it.” Mom assured me in a gentle tone.

“It… it is just that what if I fail? All of this can be destroyed in one horrific night.” I lamented. I could reimagine the so-called hero annihilating Zaubsaal to try and enact his vision.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“Do not think this is solely on you; we are here for you, Nil. You are taking steps to protect Umbra. You do not build empires in a day. I understand the memory was filled with death and bloodshed, so take time to process it. Do not bottle up and think this is your fault. Do not blame yourself for being the target of someone consumed by their own hatred. It will be okay, Nil.” Mom told me softly. I went over to her side of the carriage and hugged her. Mom hugged me into her and gently pet my head.

“I know you are mentally a bit older, but we still are your family. It is okay Nil. It is okay to be upset. I was just hoping going on a mother-son trip might help you process or cheer up a bit. It is okay if you want to do this another day.” Mom reassured me. Her embrace was so warm and caring. I just stayed there for a minute, taking a few composing breaths.

“Thanks Mom.” I told her after a few more moments as I was feeling a bit better.

“Did you still want to go to the Imperial Botanical Garden?” Mom checked. Having a caring mom is amazing. She just made me feel better. Honestly, having people around me that care is great.

“Yes, I would like to go still.” I answered her. Mom ruffled my hair a little.

Mom took my hand and escorted me inside the Imperial Botanical Garden, which had a small stone wall around it with some wards rather than full on security. It definitely seemed to be quite open access, which was nice. Out of the corners of my eyes I could see a few guards discreetly around us. We’re not entirely alone, but Mom probably does need to bring security with us. It still was quite enjoyable. As I suspected, the Imperial Botanical Gardens were truly massive as they were clearly spanning several acres with clear sections. One of the sections didn’t look as nice as the others, but I was entirely sure why.

“Why does that section over there look worse than the others?” I inquired. I looked at my book, but identifying plants from a distance was not a skill I possessed.

“Those are winter plants and do much better in the cold. We would have to come in the winter time to see that section in full bloom.” Mom explained. That was interesting. Were there always plants that did well in the winter? I’m not sure that’s something unique to Tenebrae. It was still pretty cool.

Mom walked with me through the gardens, talking to me about the various plants and where they were in the book for more detailed information that she didn’t know. She helped me identify them in addition to explaining why they were arranged the way they were. It was amazing seeing just how many plants there were in Tenebrae. Could plants always be this colorful? The colors were so vibrant and diverse it was mind boggling. Maybe plants were cooler than I originally gave them credit. Mom seemed to really enjoy the gardens and explain the various plants to me. There was something fun about getting to actually be a kid for once. It was odd, as I mentally was way older, but getting to act like a child out with my mom had this peculiarly enjoyable part to it. I did enjoy spending time with Mom like this as she was trying to make a fond memory with me.

After we walked around for a few hours, we had a small picnic on one of the knolls near the middle of the botanical gardens. Mom summoned from a basket, blanket, and the food from a ring on her hand which surprised me was still warm. How was it warm? What was this? Mom chuckled at my surprise as we enjoyed some kind of melts, fruit, and herbal tea. I actually liked this tea as it was not ridiculously sweet and had this pleasant ginger taste. On the knoll we had an amazing view of the entire place, seeing fields of flowers and plants. I was not sure why it wasn’t more crowded here as this seemed like an amazing place to visit with family. Mom pointed out specific trees as we ate our lunch, explaining which had the fruit we were eating. I needed to remember the names of these, but I was struggling to retain all of the information. Mom neatly packed up our lunch before we stood up to continue walking around the botanical gardens.

She kept pointing out other interesting plants with unique care conditions as we were walking around small ponds. Several of the water plants were not as colorful as some of the other plants and flowers but had a much stronger aroma than the others. Why was that? Mom was entirely sure as we kept going along the trails. I wanted to come back here in the winter to see the other plants that were not blossoming. As we walked, we reached a shadier section with some dense trees where Mom began showing me plants that thrived in darkness. Mom held my hand during that part, even pointing out some wildlife that was allowed in the gardens because it helped the plants thrive. I wonder what the Tenebrae equivalent of bees is. It was deep in the midafternoon when we reached the end of the shaded trails. Mom let out a heavy sigh as she saw where the sun was.

“I think it is time we head back.” Mom sighed, looking a bit sad.

“You could not postpone all of your meetings?” I checked knowing the answer.

“Unfortunately.” Mom griped, looking a bit guilty.

“Today was really fun, Mom.” I assured her which made her smile return.

“I am glad you enjoyed it.” Mom replied while smiling at me.

“Can we come back in the winter to see the plants you were talking about that bloom then?” I requested as I was curious what they looked like.

“Of course dear.” Mom agreed while looking quite happy.

The two of us returned to the carriage and began riding back. We discussed the various plants as Mom explained what parts of Speranza the different plants were from. I need to learn the geography of Speranza better. Actually, all of Tenebrae better. I nodded along, mentally noting the names to look up later. Unfortunately, we arrived back in the castle, where Mom had to attend a few meetings for the rest of the day. I gave Mom a hug where she held me tightly for a few moments before letting go. Mom smiled at me before sighing and walking to go attend her meetings. I probed around the castle, quickly locating Luna. Not even seconds after I probed for her, Nautilus ran up, dropped her off, and vanished. I must have looked really bad this morning. Luna gave me a quick hug when she saw me.

“Did I look that bad this morning?” I inquired. Luna had a difficult to read expression.

“You still don’t look fantastic. You look better than this morning at least.” Luna told me bluntly.

“I feel better. It was fun going to the Imperial Botanical Gardens with Mom. They were pretty and the plants were pretty cool.” I tried. Luna looked unconvinced.

“I know you probably had fun, but you still look upset. Come on, let’s go do something fun, or chat if you want. You don’t have to act like you’re fine.” Luna reassured me.

“It was fun.” I pouted. Luna hugged me again, nestling her head against me.

“I know Nil. I’m just worried because you look ready to cry; you looked like something is haunting you. I didn’t mean to imply it wasn’t fun or you didn’t enjoy it. I just worry you keep things bottled up or aren’t aware how upset you are. I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings; I just want you to know you’re fine.” Luna explained. I hugged her back, enjoying her warmth.

“I wasn’t upset by what you said Luna. I understand you care.” I told her. She always felt so good by my side.

“Come on, I need to hear your amazing piano playing.” Luna informed me, smiling at me.

“Since you asked so nicely.” I teased Luna. Luna just hugged me a bit tighter.

“And you can let out if you want, don’t feel pressured.” Luna reassured me. I nuzzled her a little before we stopped hugging.

The two of us went to our favorite music room as Luna kept smiling at me; I sat at the piano with Luna next to me and began playing. Some part of me began playing this slow, solemn song as the memory replayed in my mind. I could feel the weight of it all hitting me more as I kept playing. Luna leaned against me, hugging me close as she just settled her head against me. I kept playing the dirge as I felt a few tears stream down my face; I was definitely not okay. Ariam’s disgusting torture at the hands of the ‘hero’ for not wanting to be with him. So many people died in needless, senseless ways. The despair as they attempted to flee in vain before getting murdered by the delusional ‘hero’. Hugminn’s agonizing final moments as he realized he was trapped, and his death was upon him. I felt myself keep crying while my hands continued dancing across the piano. Luna hugged me harder as I kept sobbing over the piano. A few more moments later, I just hugged Luna closer and cried into her. It felt good being able to let it out with her by my side comforting me.