The Only Son Amongst The Daughters Of Eros

Leaving her son who had just been bombarded by the reappearance of someone he thought he would never see again, Mother Guinevere took to the sky on top of her Beast Companion.

The night wind was sharp and cold as she flew through the clouds, sitting atop Yumi in a regal pose that showed she was very accustomed to flying. The beast's wings cut through the air with graceful power, each beat pushing fire fumes behind them and sending them higher into the darkened sky.

Guinevere's red and white gown billowed around her, shimmering faintly in the moonlight. Her dark hair was pinned back neatly, though a few strands danced in the breeze.

With a thoughtful expression on her face, she gazed out over the land below, looking at the quilt of sleeping villages and glowing cities, the poorer ones and the wealthier ones. She sighed internally and her thoughts only grew heavy as they neared their destination.

Squinting her eyes, she got a good view of the approaching distance. Her destination was now in view and it was the Divine Citadel which rose like a celestial beacon.

Mother Guinevere had a disinterested reaction to seeing the building. It was a domed structure, enormous, and breathtakingly beautiful. It had a marble exterior that was glowing coolly under the night light.

From the skies, the intricate carvings of divine symbols adorned the walls were even visible, and golden filigree traced every arch and spire.

Surrounding the citadel were towering, enchanted lampposts, each of them had fire lights that flickered various colors, Crimson for Starlight, Silver for Moonlight, Golden for Dawn, Dark Blue for Twilight and Green for the Elysium.

All the colors were both strange and eternal. At night, the citadel seemed otherworldly, as if it belonged more to the heavens than the earth.

In many ways, it did. Seeing that these Mothers were regarded as Demigods and the building was created by God Eros himself. A place where his wives could come together and communicate. Share ideas. Hopefully, at least.

Yumi began her descent, her powerful wings folding slightly as her sharp talons prepared to land. The Lionhawk's feet touched the polished landing platform with a soft thud, and she lowered her head obediently as Mother Guinevere dismounted.

"Very good, Yumi," Guinevere petted the beast. "Very good."

Once she was down, she felt the air of the night whip against her suddenly, sending a faint chill up her spine, but she straightened, her face calm and regal.

Mother Guinevere turned to her side and saw a fine dark horse. Standing near this horse was Jontel, her trusted royal courier. He was dressed impeccably in the royal colors, his dark hair swept back, and his expression sharp with attention.

They approached each other and he bowed deeply. "Mother Guinevere," Jontel greeted respectfully.

"Jontel," she replied, acknowledging him with a nod.

Her gaze shifted past him to the Divine Citadel, and for a moment, even though she was not fond of the place, she took in its grandeur.

The great domed roof seemed to touch the heavens themselves, while the golden doors shimmered in the torchlight, guarded by runes that glowed faintly. Inside those walls was power, secrets, and alliances that shaped the realm. Yet tonight, much like other nights that she came here, Guinevere felt no pride in approaching it, only a deep weariness.

She sighed softly, her voice low as she spoke to herself, although Jontel could hear.

"The Council of Mothers... I suppose this is a place of power, but not of peace." She sighed again. "I do not anticipate coming to this building, Jontel. There are many gruesome things that I much rather do."

Her thoughts turned to the women she would face inside. They were all formidable, their influence vast. Of them, only Mother Aurora offered her any true sense of camaraderie. The others, especially Mother Selene, often carried their own agendas.

Her jaw tightened as she thought of Selene. 'As for that silver hag. She dared to send assassins after my son,' Guinevere thought darkly. Her eyes narrowed, a flash of steel in her gaze. 'Tonight, that matter will not be left unsaid.'

She glanced at Jontel. "Have all the Mothers arrived?"

Jontel nodded. "Yes, my lady. Mother Selene arrived only minutes before you."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Guinevere inhaled deeply, steadying herself. "Very well," she said, her voice cool and composed.

She adjusted her royal gown, tugging down the corners that squeezed on her round, heavy breasts and hips. Once she was done, she began walking toward the grand entrance of the citadel, her gown trailing behind her.

The night breeze tugged gently at the fabric, as if trying to hold her back, but she stepped forward resolutely.

"Wait here, Jontel," she ordered, her voice soft but firm.

The royal courier stopped. "Yes, my lady," he replied, bowing as the heavy golden doors opened to receive her. They shut behind her after with a resonant clang, leaving her surrounded by silence.

Mother Guinevere was inside now. The air was also unfortunately cold within the citadel. Darkness cloaked the space, and there were smooth black walls that covered her, seemingly stretching endlessly in every direction.

There were no windows, no torches, no clear paths. It was as if the very space rejected intruders, offering them no bearings, no hope of escape.

Guinevere sighed, bringing her head low. 'I am much too tired for this.' Then, she took a deep breath and stood tall, her voice clear and steady as she spoke an oath:

"I, Guinevere of Starlight, stand before this sacred ground. By the blessings of Eros and the Divinity that empowers us, I pledge my soul and strength to the will of my Husband and the preservation of his balance and his realm."

For a moment, nothing happened. Guinevere usually got impatient during this time. But before long, with a deep rumble, the walls began to move.

Quickly, smoke poured from unseen seams, swirling and glowing faintly with silvery light. The hum of magic filled the air, and with a gentle, enigmatic pace, the blackness gave way to a long, illuminated table that seemed to have materialized from the smoke itself.

Guinevere stepped forward, her heels clicking softly on the now-visible floor. The smoke dissipated, revealing the figures of the other Mothers seated around the table. Their presence was imposing, each woman radiating an aura of authority.

At the head of the table sat the all powerful Mother Selene.

As usual, her form was magnificent, her silver gown shimmering like liquid metal in the faint light. Her hair, long and silver-white, cascaded around her shoulders like a waterfall of moonlight. Her skin was just as white and her possessive eyes were sharp and dark, reflecting the wisdom she had but also the danger.

Sitting there, it was undeniable that she exuded power, as her very posture commanded the room.

Once she saw the Mother of Starlight, Mother Selene's lips curved slightly to regard her. "Well, well," she said, her voice seductive and edged with taunt. "It is like you to make an entrance... Mother Guinevere."

Guinevere met her gaze evenly, and stepped forward.