Cale was in the dining hall with the rest of his family. The tutoring session was still going on so he had no real reason to skip having dinner with his family. Hans was apparently going over a topic that interested the black dragon greatly. He was happy that the torturing sessions had been progressing smoothly for the last two months and the dragon didn't seemed to be as down as he had been about not having a name.
"There is a party being hosted for the heirs or first borns of the Roan noble households. I would like for you to go."
Cale paused with a fork full right at his mouth when he realized that his father was talking to him. "Send Basen," he told his father as he took a bite of the food hovering in front of his mouth.
Basen coughed and dropped the utensil in his hand. Lily merely looked at him in confusion while Violan raised an enquiring eyebrow at his statement.
"As my heir, you should be the one to attend," his father told him firmly.
Right, Cale had forgotten that he never actually told his family in either lifetime that he didn't actually want to be the successor. Well, that was a lie. He wanted to be the heir when he was a child but gave it up when his new family arrived. He realized that the young Basen had been much better suited and it would also be an advantage for him and his mother if he were to become the heir.
Cale sighed and placed his fork down, the cutlet in front him going to have to wait to be eaten. "I will only say this once. I forfeit my right to inherit the title. Basen is better suited to be the successor."
This time, both his father and stepmother lost their grip on their silverware, the utensils clattering to the table.
"What!?" His father's mouth flapped open as confusion was clearly written on his face.
Violan inhaled a sharp breath to calm her shaky nerves at her oldest son's proclamation. "Does this have anything to do with the rumors?"
His father's shaky brown eyes hardened. "Ignore them. I will put a stop to the rumors if that is what you are worried about." Violan gave a sharp nod at his words.
"What rumors?" Basen asked.
When no one said anything, Cale clarified for his younger brother. "Bad rumors. They paint me as being a reckless, violent drunk." He then pinned his father and stepmother with a look. "Please do nothing about the rumors. I need them to remain for two reasons."
"What are the reasons?" His father asked with raised brows. He was still upset but was at least trying to listen to his son.
"I can't tell you about it. . .yet," Cale finally told them after a pause. His explanation seemed to spark something within his siblings as their eyes lit up with understanding.
Lily stared down at her plate and smiled while Basen looked at him with worried hesitation. "Are you absolutely sure you do not want to inherit the title?" Basen asked with a hidden resolution to help his brother.
Cale gave him an earnest smile. "I am absolutely sure."
Basen nodded. "We should respect brother's wishes," Basen told their parents.
Deruth and Violan stared and Cale had a feeling that this might not be the end of the discussion. He had a feeling they were going to approach him at a later date.
Dinner finished smoothly after that, and Cale darted back to his room for a quick repose. He may have appeared calm and collected when he told his parents the truth, but his nerves were shot, and it took everything he had to not throw his dishes at the wall and run away.
The door to his bedroom slammed open with a loud bang nearly causing him to jump out of his skin. "Human! Human!" The little black dragon flew toward him with a wide smile and sparkling eyes that showed the pureness of the young dragon.
The sight calmed and enlivened the shaken Cale. "Yes?"
"Weird Hans taught me about the different cities of the Roan Kingdom. Can we go to Puzzle City? There are rock towers there that can grant one's wish! Can we go? Please, Human!"
Cale blinked, his mind blanking momentarily at the cuteness. This was the first time the dragon asked for something that didn't have to do with food or knowledge. It was a simple and childish request.
He raised a pale hand to the dragon's head and gave it a small rub that led into petting. "I don't see why we can't go."
He could use the break that the trip would bring. He would have to let his father know first, and he was unwilling to see him just this minute.
Cale hummed for a second before heading to the small desk in his room. Grabbing a pen and a piece of paper, he scribbled a quick letter to his father. This should suffice. He opened the room to his door knowing that Ron would be right outside. "Deliver this to my father. Notify Beacrox and Hans that we will be heading out for Puzzle City tomorrow if everything is ready."
"Yes!" The excited chanting of the dragon leaked out of the room.
Ron's benign smile turned softer, more real. "Yes, Young Master." He took the letter that Cale handed him and headed toward Deruth's office.
. . . .
Cale joined Lily for her morning training. This had become routine for the last month, Cale joining his little sister on her laps. Lily was only able to complete two full laps around the training hall, so it was a light morning workout for him.
Lily collapsed on the ground, panting as she tried catching her breath. Cale joined his little sister and sat down beside her. The invisible dragon, who had been flying around the laps instead of running, curled up beside them. Lily's hand subconsciously found the dragon and started petting it. By now, she knew what it was even though it still had not revealed itself to her.
She peeked over at Cale. "Brother told me that you're leaving today."
"I am."
She stopped petting the invisible dragon and bolted up into a sitting position. "Take me with you."
Cale chuckled at her cute, little demand that was most definitely not a plea. Definitely not a plea. "Not this time. It's just a vacation so I'm sure you'll be bored. And besides, you need to stay here to continue your studies."
Her lower lip jutted out. "Hans is going with you so he can help me with my studies," she tried reasoning
He shook his head lightly before putting a hand on top of her head. "Not this time."
"Can I go with you next time?"
Cale thought about it. Most of his trips were uneventful, and none had actually been very dangerous so far, though he had a feeling that will change in the future. "Maybe. It depends on what I plan on doing on my next trip."
Lily crossed her arms and her lip jutted out once again. "Not fair. I want to help elder brother."
Cale sighed, deciding to compromise with his sister. He really couldn't say no to his family, especially his precious siblings. "Fine." He petted her head. "You can join me when you beat me in a duel." It was an impossible goal right now, but Cale knew that he was no sword fighter. His sister will pass him with ease in the future. Twenty extra years of learning the sword could never help him win against the natural skill and talent that his sister possessed. In a few years, she could easily win against him in a fair duel.
Cale stood up and offered a hand to his sister. "Let us go clean up and join everyone for breakfast.
. . . .