His family consisted of only five members. His father, mother, Brother and his grandfather.
His father, Helmer Sunblade, was a regal and strict man, in addition to advising the king, he also managed the Western forest territory and most of the Aether wells.
At three hundred and thirty years, he was a man with experience and leadership qualities that could rival the king. He was also among the strongest knights in the kingdom.
His mother, Arthena Sunblade, was a quiet but Charming woman. Atheline had inherited most of his features from her. She was only fifty years younger than his father and one of the best Aether manipulators in the kingdom.
His brother was eighty years older than him, a playful but serious man when it came to work.
He was the next heir and mostly helped his father manage the territory.
His grandfather, who is part of the council, mainly spent his day lazing around since he was old.
"How has your Aether control been?" Helther asked seriously when they finished their food.
Atheline dabbed his mouth with a napkin and turned his full attention to him.
"It's been getting better, I just had a breakthrough yesterday."
Aether was a natural matter in the air that is consciously absorbed into the body through Aether channels. It's believed to be produced by the world tree but it wasn't a concrete concept.
This raw matter is then stored in the Aether core which converts into magic.
"A+ huh... You should work harder. With your aptitude in Aether control i expect you to reach Mythic by a hundred years, i want you to surpass me," his mother said softly but firmly.
Atheline nodded.
'Family pressure is the worst'
"How about knighthood?" His brother asked again.
"Elite level," he said softly.
While most elves focus on one path, he had been the one in a million in talent who had been blessed with both the Aether manipulation and Body strengthening.
"Good, only three levels to go and you will be a grandmaster.... i have high hopes for you baby brother," his brother said a careless smile gracing his handsome face.
Atheline rolled his eyes. There were six stages in body strengthening and now he was on the fourth stage.
Those who focus on the path mainly wield weapons or go into full combat.
"You talk as if it's easy.." He grumbled under his breath but loud enough for those at the table to hear.
His brother chuckled and rubbed his hair again.
"Ooh i almost forgot.... father said he will be free this evening you'll be taking your training in his study," his brother said nonchalantly.
Atheline's eyes dimmed.
'Training huh'
He wondered if he would have ever been able to go through it if he had been reborn with his memories.
"I'll prepare myself," Atheline answered coldly.
On the other side, his mother's hand clenched under the table.
"I should leave, the prince should have already woken," he said.
His brother nodded and waved him off.
Since they had two children, his parents had decided to divide the responsibility among the two.
Atheline was to be the next advisor for the future king while Helther was to manage the territory. The two brothers didn't have any problem with it.
....
The massive doors closed behind Atheline. A breeze blew softly by carry a scent of flowers and trees, and birds sang melodiously in the trees as though welcoming his exit as he walked down the stairs to the carriage waiting for him.
The carriage was a warm light green color, made of crystalline glass and reinforced with Aether to ward off any attack. It was being pulled by four white steeds bred specially to look beautiful and majestic.
The driver and servants bowed to him and opened the carriage door revealing the luxurious insides. Seats were made with fox fur for the ultimate comfort.
"When will the dark elves be arriving again?" Atheline asked Luther absentmindedly.
Since the engagement between the dark elf queen and her husband was only a few weeks away but his mind was still wandering.
"In a week master, the guards will be the first to arrive to help in organising then the queen will follow the next week on the engagement."
Atheline nodded, his gaze shifting to the high buildings that reflected the sun as they were passing by while they headed to the palace.
His home wasn't that far from the palace only a ten-minute ride as they passed by other Atherion lords' homes.
Massive trees lined the road with some distributed in homes. Most of them had crystalline bridges connecting them and a few had houses built on them.
A beautiful sight to see especially in the morning and evening.
"I hope nothing goes wrong with this alliance," he said softly.
The only thing Atheline wanted was to remain a background character that he was and escape the plot.
If push came to shove, he would just escape to the human kingdoms or the beaskfolks.
"Are you worried master?" Luther asked.
Athelion nodded.
"The other nobles have been preparing their male children's escape, no one can predict the dark Queen's mood, she might just decide she doesn't like her chosen husband. It's not like she has even seen him" Atheline said," ooh look.. It's the train to Belmum."
His attention was briefly taken by the train passing above them on the colorless rail made of reinforced glass.
It was one of the most inventive locomotives in the kingdom since it purely ran on Aether and sunfire crystals.
"The corrupted activities have been increasing in the outside world, they're probably knights," Luther said.
Atheloin nodded and sank into his thoughts.
"I..."
His words were cut off by the slowing carriage as they pulled into the palace.
"Young master... we've arrived," Luther said while holding the door open for Atheline after getting off first.
Atheline came down the carriage and looked around in awe. The palace always made him take three to four looks every time he came.
It was a marvel, one of the most beautiful structures that has ever seen. Probably because he has never left the elven territory.
A colossal world tree stood in front of him with a cascading waterfall of water infused with Aether.
The palace was made of white and multi colored crystalline glass that was curved in different shapes and designs to match its majesty.
It rose around the world tree made to protect and show the magnificence of the elven kingdom.
"Please..." A servant came forward and pointed to a different road from the main palace.