Shadow Winged Prince

Chapter 2 - Ceru

“It's too dark, I can barely see her.” My vision is excellent in the dark but I am afraid of seeing too much and getting my hopes up, “Father, all I see is a possible female figure walking across the room.” My father is half my size but he pushes me to the side with little effort and i just lean back on to the wall and look at the ceiling in anxiety.

“Can you not make out her figure or hair? I know you can see her, ugh. Trust me Ceru she is stunning. She is a great match for you.”

“I trust you, but after nearly 100 years, females, creatures and humanoids alike still aren't too keen on me. She has to be more than just looks father.. Oh goddess, why would you pick a beautiful woman.. it's going to be harder.. for her… look at me.. to love me.” my words tail off. These are only things I have said to myself, and now I feel ashamed that my father has heard me speak of such insecurities about myself.

“Ceru, my heart, you have been blessed with many gifts and you just need a little help to see them. I have met this girl several times and seen her grow from a child to a woman. She is the one. Your destiny and the future of our kingdom. I know this is all a lot to take in for you, but please hear me when I say I want what's best for you and our legacy. This is a start to a life your mother saw for you. My death comes closer with every moon. I must leave in peace and know what has been built is in good hands.. Don't push more stress and anxiety on this old man.” Good goddess, this man should have been a thespian rather than a King. However, no matter the theatrics, I know he is sincere.

“Okay father!” As I bounced off the wall to face him, “Guilt trip unnecessary, but, I still need help with courting.”

“That's easy! Plus, we could always get a few tips from Dashi.” He winks and I am baffled. “That guy is a megalomaniac psychopath, I won't ever take relationship advice from him. Honestly, what were you thinking about with that one.” I roll my eyes and headed to the window. “All my children need room to grow and figure out what life means and looks like for themselves.” I say nothing and my father pulls up a seat at the small table in the middle of the room. We sit in silence for a minute before I show my insecurities again.

“Father, I am afraid to think of the future and life without you. I am afraid to say that I am fearful of what is next to come.. I am not ready.”

“Ceru, you are almost 126 years old.. It's now or never. What are you waiting for? You are youthful and handsome, intelligent and powerful.. My son, you have so much life ahead of you, why does your forward movement meet such resistance? It is just the nature of the thing that you will live some of your life without me. That you will have to make choices and decisions without my council. I have raised you as best as I can, taught you the ways of a king, you hold within you the best of the bloodlines and our country. But you alone have chosen to be a man of good and gentle character. You are a fair and thoughtful man who loves and protects his family. I am proud and honored. But now its time for you to get off your ass and make some moves!”

I chuckled and put my face in my hands " Ugh fathers.. can't live with them, can't live without them." I exhaled and stood. "Let's leave before we're caught."