Ethan's eyes drifted over the variety of flowers in the garden.
"Ethan, Ethan, Ethan!" his mum called from a distance.
"I'm coming, Mum!" Ethan echoed back.
He quickly selected the exact flowers he wanted and headed off to meet his mother.
"Mum, here I am."
"Ethan, I've been looking all over the place for you. You didn't tell me you were going anywhere." Her focus shifted to the flowers in Ethan's hands.
Ethan noticed her expression, but before he could speak, his mum cut in.
"Ethan, you never told me you had a girl in your life. You're too young for that."
"Mum, I'm no longer a kid."
"What do you mean you're no longer a kid? You just turned sixteen weeks ago!"
"Yeah, I know. Besides, is there anything wrong with having a girl in my life now?"
"Of course there is."
"Mum, will you quit digressing? You're the girl in my life," Ethan said.
Blush lines appeared on his mum's face.
"Well, thank you," she said as she took the flowers from him.
"There's a family gathering today. Or did you forget?"
"Nah, I didn't."
"Well, get ready quickly. You need to be prepared."
Ethan called out, "Mum, the gathering is hours away. Why the rush?"
"Don't question me, son. Do as I say."
Ethan dared not talk back to his mother this time.
Back in his room, Ethan pulled off his clothes and admired himself in the mirror with a towel wrapped around his waist. His reflection showed a young man growing into himself, with a little hair on his chest and the beginnings of a moustache. Standing at six feet three inches tall, Ethan seemed quite satisfied with his appearance.
A voice echoed from the opposite room.
"Get dressed, Luran!"
That was Alice, the second daughter of the family patriarch.
Luran was the ninth son, while Ethan was the tenth.
Ethan's mind began to wander as several thoughts struck him.
What will my stepsister Alice and my stepbrother Luran be fighting over?
It seemed like an advantage that he didn't have to share a room with anyone. He was the only child his mother had, and she was the only one of his father's wives to have another child after his previous wife had passed away decades ago.
Ethan returned his attention to his reflection.
There's no need for me to think about my nine step-siblings. The only thing they seem to offer me is hatred—apart from Delilah, Ethan said to himself.
He walked into the bathroom, removed his towel, and began taking his bath. Warm water drizzled over him as he scrubbed his body with soap. Ethan kept himself company with music as he sang along.
Soon, the music stopped.
"But why did Mum marry a man who already had nine children?" Ethan wondered. "Wasn't she foolish to do so?"
He sighed.
"Perhaps Mum is one of those victims love has control over. Maybe love lured her into an unpleasant life."
As his thoughts continued, he eventually finished bathing. He walked out, grabbed his towel, and dried himself.
He headed toward the wardrobe, selected his clothes, and got dressed.
Once he was ready, he left his room and headed toward his mother's room.
Ethan knocked on her door and waited for a response, but there was none.
He listened closely and realized that his parents were having a private moment inside.
Embarrassed, Ethan immediately stepped away from the door. He decided not to intrude and remained at a distance, waiting for whoever was inside to leave.
There were many people gathered in the castle for the family event, so Ethan wasn't even sure who might have been in his mother's room.
"Master Ethan," Lira called.
Ethan turned around and immediately recognized her.
"Hey, Lira."
"Ethan, your entitled servant—"
"I'm sorry, but stay away from me," Ethan cut in.
"But, Young Master—"
"Leave me alone!" Ethan shouted.
Lira froze, shocked by his reaction. She had only come to inform him that she was available to serve him again. She had been ill for several days but had finally recovered and wanted to let the young master know that she was feeling better.
Ethan, however, was overwhelmed by his thoughts. This was the first time he had experienced anything like this.
His mind raced.
Why were Mum and Dad in there together? What if someone else heard them? What if a servant or soldier found out? Would everyone start talking about Mum?
The thought made him uncomfortable.
A door opened in the distance with a creak.
Ethan quickly stepped aside and pretended to be walking down the passage. He saw his father step out and head in the opposite direction toward his chamber.
His father didn't notice him.
Ethan waited for a while before returning to his mother's door. He knocked again.
This time, his mother answered.
"Coming!"
Several minutes passed before she opened the door.
"Hey, Ethan."
"Hmm…"
She looked him over.
"You look dapper."
"Wow. Thanks, Mum."
Ethan smiled and walked away, several questions running through his mind.
Should I ask Mum? Nah, I shouldn't.
He paused.
But… nah. There's no need.
"Later," he muttered to himself.
How dare you? It seems you want to get grounded, Ethan thought, imagining his mother's reaction if he questioned her.
"Ethan!" his mum called.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing, Mum."
Ethan's eyes drifted around the room.
"Uhmm, I just came around to tell you that I'm ready for the gathering. Mum, it seems you're ready too."
"Yeah, I am. Let's go, honey."
Ethan and his mother departed for the field where the gathering was being held.
The event was a grand gathering for the warriors of the different villages across the kingdom. Family members and villagers were present, waiting for the event to begin.
Everyone was present except the king—the family patriarch—whose presence was required for the ceremony to commence.
Finally, Ethan's father stepped into the field.
Everyone stood in acknowledgement.
The patriarch looked over the gathered crowd before making his announcement.
"The event begins now."