Chapfer 41 - Future Spouse

Astor's POV

What is happening?

Astrid is at her limit now. There is no way we could face this alone. Even Arthur, our mentor and mama's trusted advisor has fallen. The old man is struggling to get up again but I don't think it's wise to force the man to fight this battle with us.

"Is this the end, brother?" Astrid asked as she hold her sword handle with shaking hands.

"This is not the end. I promise to meet my future fiancée after this mission. We can't die now. Imagine the humiliation our parents face when their children died in battle. This is nothing- it's just a mutated hydra." I tried to calm my sister but it's not working. I am feeling overwhelmed with the fear of losing my life. That hydra- it has claimed almost half of my troops.

How am I supposed to survive this? How? At this moment, I wish I could be a little boy and beg my mothers to save me. Moloch- even moloch couldn't stop this creature. He is still recovering from his injuries. It's up to me and my sister to stop this.

"I wish mama is here. Only she could end this creature life with one swing of her sword." I turned to Astrid.

"Sister—,"

"I'm scared, Astor! I don't want to die. I want to live. Even though we said we are ready to accept this mission. We are not experienced enough. We literally walk into our own grave here. Look around us- we cause their death! They are dead because of us!" Astrid finally break.

"Astrid! Get a hold of yourself! If we fall, the village will fall! Didn't we promise to protect them! Those children! Do you want  those children to die?! Grab your swords and let's kill this motherfucker!"

We heard laughter before we felt someone's hands on our shoulder. When we turned around, we saw mama and her shadow knights standing behind us. How did-

"Astra had a premonition. She said she saw the two of you being swallowed whole by a hydra. We came as soon as we can. Since I'm here, momma had to replace me as the regent. Go stand by your master and help him heal his wound. He lost a lot of blood there. Let mama handle this hydra." Mama smiled. We both nodded and immediately went to Moloch's side.

Wait- how did mama get here on time?

"Master- did you use a time warp while healing your injuries?" Moloch nodded.

"Well, at least we will survived this. Emperor Astoria will be able to kill that thing with ease. I've seen her slaughtered even bigger monster than that before. It's going to be a piece of cake." Moloch sighed.

"Let is help you, master." We began chanting a healing spell onto our master. Will mama be alright though? That hydra is different than any other monster we face and studied before. It's a new species.

"Your highneses- let's begin our class. Can any of you tell me what the emepror is doing?" Huh? But we're in the middle of—

"Mama is taunting the creature to gained its attention?" Astrid answered.

"Correct. Can you tell me why she's taunting the creature?" I clear my throat.

"So the creature would focus on the emperor while the others flee." Moloch clap his hands.

"Correct! So, in your opinion, how would the emepror deal with this creature? Will she use force? Or would she imbue mana into her weapon? Or will she use tricks to fool the creature instead?" I turned to face mama. It's neither.

"None of the above. She's going to capture it alive. Grandmother would love to study and research on this thing for sure." Moloch laughed.

"Correct! You two are my best students!"

Both me and Astrid watched as mama bend down before placing her hand on the ground.

"Can any of you tell me what the emepror is doing?" Moloch asked after the healing process is complete.

"Ground sealing spell. The emperor is planning to seal the hydra onto the ground." Mama- how strong have you become since we last spar?

The amount of mana resonating from her is unimaginable. There is no scale in the world could even measure such strength.

"Moloch, give me the demonic sword." Moloch nodded before presenting a sword to mama.

"Let the palace know about our new delivery." Wait- that sword! Mama is going to teleport it directly to the palace?!

"It shall be done, your majesty."

"Brother- mama- did mama just used a teleportion spell by using the sword as the connector?" I nodded. Mama is always busy with the empire's issues. So how? When did she has the time to learn how to use teleportation magic?!

"You two seems surprised." Mama smiled before giving both of a hug.

"It's okay, mama's here. You don't have to be afraid anymore. Whatever may come, mama will always be here for you two." Astrid broke down and cried in mama's arm.

"I'm sorry- because of me, they all dead." Mama gave me an assuring pat on the back.

"It's okay. We shall pray for the departed. You two never back down from a fight. And that makes you two a great leader. You didn't run away from facing the enemy. That alone made their sacrifice worthwhile. They served the correct leader." Those words alone was enough to console me.

"Now, let's go home. The clean up will be taken over by the shadows."

Few weeks later,

"Are you still blaming yourself for what happened?" I didn't even felt momma's presence at all! I was too engrossed in my thoughts to see what's happening to my surrounding.

"Yes. Is there a way for me to forget it all?" Momma took a seat next to me.

"There's no such things. If you forget, who would remember those who had sacrificed their life for your sake? Be a better person than that. But what you can do is making the future better for their descendent. Those soldiers who died in your stead are mourned by their family. Some of them didn't even get to see their children grow. So as their superior, you ought to make their future bright. Do you understand what I'm trying to say here, Astor?" I nodded.

"As the prince, you have to learnt the ways to rule. So why are you here instead of attending your classes?" Oh- should I just apologise instead of lying to her?

"I don't have the will to hear grandpa's lectures. Didn't we agreed to let Astrid to be the crown princess? Why should I attend such lesson?" Momma hummed.

"Because it's only fair for all of you to received the same education. So what if you're not the crown prince? That doesn't mean you're not going to marry someone. Who knows you might marry a queen? Or perhaps a noble who has her own title to keep. Perhaps you would marry a woman who owned her own business. Are you going to let your wife do all the work by herself?" Momma has a point.

"But I want to be a knight. I want to be as strong as mama. The fear I felt when facing that hydra, I want to overcome them and be a better soldier." Momma patted my back.

"But that doesn't mean you shouldn't learn how to be a good leader. Focusing on being strong doesn't make you a good soldier. Be versatile. And grandpa's lesson will teach you how to be both stronger and wiser. Do you know how mama gets her strength?" I shake my head no.

"From protecting the people she love and care about. Also, mama has been slaying monsters since she was ten years old." I hummed.

"I'll forgive you for skipping classes today. But tomorrow, if you decided to skip again, I'm sure you know what will happen." Momma smiled but I know she's hiding her real thoughts behind that smile.

"I'm sorry." Momma patted my shoulder.

"Now, Astrid agreed to meet her future spouse. What about you? Do you agreed to meet yours? It's just a suggestion. It doesn't mean you have to say yes but at least meet her. If you think she's not the one for you, you could just say no afterwards." I sighed.

"I'll meet her." I gave my mother a small smile.

"Perfect! I'll make the arrangements immediately."

The next day,

I didn't expect the meeting would be the next day! Momma—- you've done the impossible again.

Astrid and I are on our way to see our respected future spouse and their parents. We were a bit late because of our lessons. Can't say I am not nervous. I wonder what kind of person my supposedly fiancée is.

"I wonder if my spouse is stronger than me. But I trust momma's choice. She knows better than we do." I nodded. When we arrived at the lounge, a servant opens the door for us to enter. The moment we stepped inside, momma got up and introduced us to our future spouses and their family.

"Astrid, this is Nicholas Flames, son of Duke Flames. And Astor, this is Federica Holmes, daugther of Marchioness Holmes."  The lady smiled as she curtsy. I returned the smile with a simple nod.

As I continue to look at my future spouse, I can say she has a beautiful feature. I meant just looking at her mother was enough to tell me how she was raised. She must be a delicate flower that has been following her mother's guidance. Typical noblewoman.

"Well, what are you two waiting for? Show your future spouse the palace. We adults have a lot of things to discuss." I watched as Nicholas offered his hand to my sister.

I was about to do the same when Federica made her ways towards the door.

"Federica!" I smiled at the marchioness as she's giving me a apologetic smile. I followed the lady out the door and just let her lead the way.

"So, Astor, was it? What do you want from this union of ours?" Huh?

"Excuse me?" The lady sighed.

"There must be something you want from our union. What is it? The empire was established under the ashes of a ruined country. So what do you want from me? Wealth? The Holmes are famous for its business in gems and gold. So is money what you're after? Or what your mothers is after?" Hold on!

"Don't be rude. Know your place." The lady laughed.

"I am. I know where I stand. But you, my prince- you have no idea what is happening. Did you really think this is a normal union? When my mother told me about this arrangement, I know for sure your family is after something. Everyone knows how greedy Lady Adelaide can be." This woman!

"Do not talk about my mother like that! How is it different from your mother?! I can see how she tried to be in my mother good graces! She probably licking my mother's shoes right now!" The lady was about to strike me when Astrid and Nicholas stopped us from fighting.

"Brother, that's enough! And Lady Federica, the moment your hand lands on my brother's face, there will be consequences. My mothers' eyes are everywhere in this palace. Be careful and watch your words. This palace is more to what it seems." I tried to compose myself.

"Should we discuss this over a cup of tea? I'm sure all of us has a lot to say in this matter." Nicholas tried to be the middle man. At least these two seems to enjoy their company.

But this- this woman! How did I get such a rude woman as my future spouse?!

Ahhhhh!