CHAPTER 213: RIDE

"So? How is the training going?"

After their long embrace — one that lasted several quiet minutes — Kaelith finally loosened her hold, letting her son breathe again. She took a seat on the chair nearby, her eyes soft yet keen, and gestured for him to sit as well.

"Going good... Sir Vulcan is unlike any warrior I have met until now," Hades replied, his tone carrying both respect and curiosity as he settled opposite her.

Kaelith’s lips curved faintly. "I can see changes in you already... I couldn’t sense your presence until you entered the building."

Her words were not mere praise. When Hades had first awakened his core as a dragon, his aura had been wild and untamed — a storm given form. Even from a great distance, one could feel the oppressive surge of mana radiating from him, like thunderclouds rolling across the land.

Only through Kaelith’s own guidance had he learned to hold that storm in check. The early days were difficult; if not for her constant supervision, there would have been countless moments when Hades might have lost control completely — overwhelmed by his own power, mana-drunk and violent, just as he had been on the first night he set foot in the dragon’s realm.

But now, though only a few days had passed since his new training began, his progress was remarkable. The once-violent waves of mana that surrounded him had quieted, flowing in rhythm with his will.

"Even though he never once taught me anything directly about mana control," Hades murmured, studying his open palm as faint threads of energy flickered between his fingers, "I’m getting better at it somehow. It feels like... he’s tuning me without me realizing it."

Kaelith’s expression softened with pride and understanding. "I knew I chose the right person for the job." She rested her hands neatly on her lap, the faint light from the window outlining the faint crimson shimmer in her hair.

"Vulcan is older than I am — far older. He was once a student of Sir Argon himself. In the ancient days, he served the Dragon King faithfully, before swearing his loyalty to Aethernox."

Hades blinked, surprised. "He did sound respectful whenever he mentioned Sir Argon, but I didn’t know he was once his student."

Kaelith nodded slowly, her eyes distant with nostalgia. "Sir Argon has trained and nurtured many great warriors — both from our generation and those who came before. Many of them shaped the course of history, and some... gave their lives doing so."

Hades nodded. "Well, he surely is a remarkable person."

Kaelith hummed in agreement before shifting the topic. "So? What’s your plan? Going to bring your wife back?"

"Yes," Hades replied. "And I’ll stay there for a few days."

Kaelith wasn’t surprised — she already knew his intentions. Still, there was something else on her mind. "Baby, next month there’s a meeting being held."

Hades raised a brow, silently urging her to go on.

She leaned forward slightly. "A meeting between the three nations — and Cravanvor will be there too."

The air between them grew heavy. Both mother and son went still, the same cold glint appearing in their eyes. The very mention of that name was enough to stir the buried hatred they shared.

"What’s this meeting about?" Hades asked after a moment.

Kaelith’s voice steadied, though her tone carried a quiet edge. "Argon will most likely invoke his authority — and the ancient pact — to strip Cravanvor of his throne. We’ll also be compensated for the betrayal we suffered."

"I heard about the Pact from Sir Vulcan... so that thing can even remove a king from his throne, huh?" Hades asked, surprise plain in his voice.

Kaelith gave a short, sharp nod. "That’s why I held back from killing that bastard that day. If I’d acted, everything could’ve gone wrong for us."

She didn’t bother hiding the memory. If Argon’s shadow guard hadn’t arrived when they did, she would have ended Cravanvor then and there. Instead, the warning saved her — and set the board in their favor.

Now, with Argon ready to use the Pact, Cravanvor could be stripped bare, dragged from power, and made to answer for his crimes. Kaelith’s eyes darkened for a heartbeat. "When the time comes, I want him to feel every moment of what he’s taken from us."

"Will I be part of the meeting?" Hades asked after a beat.

"You will," Kaelith said simply. "You’re my heir. You need to be seen, to know the faces and the rules. This is not just politics — it’s survival."

She watched him closely. Hades had always preferred quiet and a simple life, but the world didn’t bend to wishes.

As future king of Aethernox, he would draw eyes and knives. Kaelith planned to shield him while she could, to buy him time. But sooner or later he’d have to step into the light, take a place at the table, and show the world he could stand.

"I understand, Mother. I will accompany you," Hades said with a steady nod.

There was no hesitation in his tone — only quiet resolve. The sight made Kaelith’s heart soften. She smiled, her voice lowering to a tender whisper. "My sweet baby... always listening to his mother."

Hades gave a faint, sheepish grin. "Well... I know you wouldn’t have asked me unless it was important."

Kaelith chuckled softly, her pride and affection mingling in her gaze. "Ah, right," she said after a pause, shifting the mood. "Have you given any thought to your wedding? I’ve been searching for venues here in Aethernox, but none of them feel... fitting."

Her tone carried mild frustration — and she wasn’t wrong. In the dragon realms, weddings weren’t grand celebrations like in the mortal kingdoms. They were private affairs, often attended by only a few witnesses. Traditionally, a male simply *won* his mate through strength or challenge, and that union itself was proof enough. Ceremonies were more symbolic, almost noble gestures rather than necessities.

So yes — the concept of decorated halls, vows beneath stars, and celebration among kin was rare here.

Hades thought for a moment before replying, "I spoke with Luna. We decided to hold the ceremony in Torseque. That way, you and the others can attend as well."

Kaelith blinked in surprise, then smiled with quiet satisfaction. Torseque — the realm of elves — was neutral ground, a place of beauty and balance. The humans had been working to dissolve the ancient pact that prevented dragons from entering their realm, but until that day came, Torseque remained the safest option.

"Smart choice," Kaelith said approvingly. "The elven lands will make it a moment worth remembering."

Hades nodded, his eyes softening as he thought of Luna. "That’s what we both want — something peaceful, away from politics and noise."

A moment later, Hades added thoughtfully, "When I meet Beatrice, I’ll talk to her about it. If there’s a venue available, we’ll schedule the wedding for next month—of course, keeping the meeting in mind."

Kaelith fell silent. Her expression shifted ever so slightly, eyes narrowing with a glint of suspicion.

Hades noticed at once. "Mother? What’s wrong?" he asked, a hint of confusion in his tone.

Kaelith shook her head, leaning back in her chair. "It’s just..." she began slowly, her voice carrying a teasing undercurrent, "your mother-in-law doesn’t seem to see you *just* as a son-in-law."

Hades blinked. "Beatrice?" He looked genuinely puzzled. "Well, yes... she’s kind, but more like a good friend."

Kaelith gave a soft hum, raising an eyebrow. "I’m only saying—be cautious around women of that age. They tend to have... peculiar tastes. And a young man like you could easily become their next obsession."

Hades let out a helpless, wry smile, unsure whether to laugh or sigh. "I’ll keep that in mind, Mother."

Kaelith smirked faintly, clearly pleased with herself for getting a reaction out of him. "Good. I’d rather not have to duel your mother-in-law one day."

He chuckled under his breath, shaking his head as the atmosphere between them lightened once again.

They chatted for an hour, mostly about Hades’ life and his future plans.

"Alright mother," Hades finally said, getting up, "I will take my leave now. I have already made Averis and Peri wait for a long time."

Kaelith was disappointed to hear that her son was already leaving even though they met after a week. However, she couldn’t make him stay as well.

Other than his responsibilities, she has work too.

"Ah, that’s right." Kaelith suddenly remembered something as she said, "Brenda!"

A maid soon entered the office with a bright smile on her face, "Yes, my lady?"

"Bring Kaya here."

Hades frowned, "Hmm?"

Kaelith grinned before she told him, "Just wait for a moment."

It took a few moments as Hades waited patiently.

Finally, a person stepped inside the room.

A person who instantly filled the room with her presence.

Silver white hair with vibrant colorful streaks. A pair of delicate violet eyes, which had several small stars in them.

Two protruding horns on her head, and a slender figure.

She ...was inhumanely beautiful.

A transcended beauty.

"She is Kaya. From now on, she is yours to ride!" Kaelith announced.

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.