Ashes of the First Prince

Brothers’ Affection

Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the silence. A small figure burst into the dining hall, rushing towards Calhoun with outstretched arms.

"Brother!"

The boy, Dwight, embraced Calhoun tightly, his face alight with a joyful smile.

"Dwight, where have you been all morning?" Calhoun asked, affectionately ruffling his brother's hair. He was genuinely pleased to see the young boy.

Dwight was the Emperor's youngest son, born late in his reign, and a beloved member of the royal family.

For Calhoun, his world was divided into three distinct categories: Dwight, his family, and everyone else. Dwight held a special place in his heart. His normally stern demeanor softened in his younger brother's presence, replaced by warmth and tenderness.

"I was with Cousin Edward," Dwight explained, "feeding the Koi in the palace pond." His expression suddenly clouded. "Brother, why did you miss my birthday celebration? I waited for you."

"I know, Dwight, and I apologize," Calhoun said sincerely. He pulled Dwight onto the chair beside him. "Finish your breakfast, and then I shall show you something."

"What is it, Brother?" Dwight asked, his curiosity piqued.

"It is a surprise," Calhoun replied with a wink. "Now, eat."

Dwight eagerly devoured his breakfast, his cheeks puffed out like a squirrel.

"Slow down, Little Brother," Calhoun chuckled. "You will make yourself ill."

Calhoun's behavior towards Dwight was markedly different from his usual demeanor. Dwight brought out a playful, caring side of his elder brother that few others ever witnessed.

Calhoun treated Dwight more like a son than a brother, indulging his every whim and ensuring he had the best of everything. Though some worried that Calhoun's indulgence might spoil the boy, Calhoun was careful to instill in him a strong sense of right and wrong.

Dwight, in turn, adored his elder brother. Even his parents held a secondary place in his affections.

"Such a great brother's affection," a new voice remarked from the doorway. Edward, Calhoun's cousin, entered the hall.

"When you heard of Calhoun's return, you abandoned me without a second thought," Edward teased Dwight. "That is hardly fair."

Dwight looked up at Edward with an innocent expression, his mouth too full to reply.

Edward smiled. "I shall forgive you this time." He took the seat beside Dwight .

Calhoun continued to fuss over Dwight, urging him to eat slowly. The Emperor, observing this, grew impatient.

"Let the boy eat, Calhoun," he exclaimed. "Do not nag him so. Soon enough, he will be the one providing me with great-grandchildren while you are busy... spilling your tea."

Everyone laughed, the tension from earlier dissipating completely. The dining hall was filled with warmth and laughter, a testament to the strong bonds of family that held the royal court together.

The Emperor's latest comment left everyone speechless.

The Queen Mother groaned inwardly. "My head hurts," she thought.

Cower sputtered, nearly choking on his breakfast.

Lindsay quickly passed a cup of tea to her husband, patting him on the back.

Gilford yelped as his dumpling slipped from his chopsticks and splashed back into his bowl of broth.

Brenda, startled by her husband's cry, rushed to his aid.

Edward, however, remained unfazed, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. He was content as long as the discussion of heirs did not involve him.

Dwight, oblivious to the commotion, looked around in confusion. He glanced at Calhoun, who offered him a piece of candied fruit, and happily resumed his breakfast.

Calhoun turned to the Emperor, his expression unreadable. "Rest assured, Grandfather," he said calmly, "I shall provide you with a sufficient number of heirs before my well runs dry. There is no need to burden my younger brother with your... expectations." He returned to attending to Dwight, effectively ending the conversation.

The exchange between the Emperor and Calhoun left everyone shaking their heads in amusement. The breakfast had taken an unexpected turn, leaving a lingering taste of shock along with the delicious food.

The Queen Mother finally intervened, poking her husband playfully. "Enough, Husband," she chided. "Must every conversation lead to the topic of heirs?"

Everyone chuckled, and the conversation shifted to lighter matters. After finishing their breakfast, they moved to the main hall, Edward excusing himself to his chambers.

"Brother Calhoun," Dwight asked excitedly, "what is my birthday gift?"

"It is in my room. Come." As they started to leave, Edward crossed their path. Sensing an opportunity to speak with Calhoun, he stopped them.

"How was your journey, Cousin?" he asked.

"Uneventful," Calhoun replied coolly, continuing on his way. Edward shrugged and headed out to the training grounds.

The strained relationship between Calhoun and Edward was no secret within the palace. Brenda, Edward's mother, disapproved but remained silent, knowing her son was largely to blame. Besides, she, like many others, was somewhat intimidated by Calhoun's stern demeanor.

Edward was Calhoun's second cousin. Calhoun did not dislike him, but he disapproved of Edward's lifestyle. Edward was known for his fondness for wine, his aversion to responsibility, and his questionable companions. Calhoun had attempted to guide him towards a more productive path, offering him positions within the court, but Edward had shown no interest.

Edward, for his part, harbored no ill will towards Calhoun. He was simply content with his own carefree existence, unconcerned with the expectations of others. He was a bright young man, skilled in strategy and military tactics, but he preferred a life of leisure.

Despite his less-than-stellar reputation, Edward had little interest in romantic entanglements. Many women had attempted to gain his favor, hoping to secure a place within the royal family, but he remained indifferent to their advances.

Meanwhile, at the Morgans residence...

Oscar and Hazel arrive at their family's elegant townhouse within the capital walls. The house was spacious and beautifully appointed, decorated in a style that blended traditional and modern esthetics. It had been purchased by their father, Marlow, as a potential retirement home and a place for his children to stay when visiting the capital.

"Welcome home, my dears!" Demelza greeted her children with a warm embrace.

Demelza was a beautiful woman, known for her grace and elegance. Yuyan had inherited her mother's beauty, while Oscar resembled his father - tall and handsome.

Marlow emerged from his study, greeting his children with a warm hug. They all settled into the comfortable furnishings in the main hall.

"This is quite a place, Father," Oscar remarked, stretching out a plush divan. "So stylish and luxurious."

"Indeed," Marlow replied with a wink towards his wife. "I spared no expense to create a home worthy of my beloved wife."

The siblings exchanged smiles, appreciating the loving bond between their parents.