“Thank you, Matilda, the ceramic plate suggestion was a good one”. “It is my honor, your highness”. Due to Eric’s practice combat he had injured several people before. Even though he had used reduced strength in combat training people got injured quite often and some even had their ribs broken and Eric was quite apologetic for such incidents. Seeing the issue at hand Matilda had suggested using ceramic plates on different parts of the body of the hired warriors, so when the plates are attacked and get broken it is considered their loss. While also protecting the wearer to some extent. 

Later Eric went away from the training hall to freshen himself up by taking a steamy hot bath. He usually has light dinner after getting freshening up and goes directly to his bed to take a long deep rest. However, today wasn’t the usual case. Today he had to attend the family dinner, the king had specifically mentioned Matilda to make Eric attend the gathering. When he heard it after training, a frown appeared on his face “What’s the occasion?” “Your highness I have not been informed of the details, but I was specifically asked that you attend the dinner”. “Ugh” ‘This summoning feels like a formal event and some unpleasant news or nagging is in order for me’. “I have been away too long from the royal palace and I am about to get an earful” “Yes, your highness, please stop being so engrossed over your training and be more focused on your royal duty” Matilda said that with a small smile. It is rare that Matilda smiled and her smile made an embarrassed smile out of Ericson Valerion. 

The journey to the Royal place from the place where the prince lived was a two hours journey on horse. While Eric was currently as fast as a horse if not faster, he opted from running to the Royal palace. He had his fill of training for today and he also understood the importance of rest. It took exactly two hours to reach the Royal palace via horse driven carriage. Few of the servants were waiting to welcome him at the palace gate. “Your majesty, we are so glad to receive you. Please this way” gesturing Eric to follow along. Eric nodded in response and alongside Matilda followed the servants. 

Within the dining hall the king was sitting in the middle of the dining table which was the longest in the Elven Heim kingdom and the table had royal wood working engraved symbolizing nobility. Within the royal family, gathering and eating together is not a common occurrence as the king and queen are busy with handling the kingdom’s affairs. Many of the time they ignore it due to business and eventually it becomes a bad habit. The queen was sitting right beside the king at the right side of the dining table. When she saw Eric, she immediately got up from her seat and rushed to hug her son. Eric was perplexed, not because he was shy getting a hug from his mother but with her appearance. The queen put on more weight than usual. Eric blurted out “Mother you seem bloated”. The queen was wide eyed for a moment and Matilda pinched Eric to make him aware of what he said.

“Ow” reacted Eric and while rubbing the place she pinched, he asked “Don’t you think so too Matilda?” The queen burst into laughter and so did the king. “That’s what happens when you ignore your mother for too long”. The queen gently placed her arm around Eric’s arm and brought him to the dining table. They all sat and started eating. 

Eric called out to Matilda “join us Matilda”. Matilda had a face of hesitance and she looked at the queen. And the queen had a displeased face upon hearing Eric’s remark. “Your majesty, it is fine, I will eat later”. “You should properly learn noble manners,” the queen remarked to Eric. Eric, understanding the tension in the air, didn't pursue it further. Back in his home he and Matilda ate at the same table. This was due to Eric seeing Matilda as his family. 

“So, Eric, how is your training going? Last I heard you injured some royal knights”. “I apologize for that father and I will see to it that I refrain myself from commanding the royal knight for my personal gain.”

“Well good to hear, but I believe you should have completed institutional education, who knows maybe you could find a lady from royal family lineage to marry.”

“I appreciate the enthusiasm father, but I have all the materials and facilities to teach myself necessary knowledge and I had quite the endeavor with all the teachers that taught me from a young age”. “As for marriage I will pursue that at my own pace”.

“Enough about me, is mother sick? She looks a little pale”. “Eric I don’t know how oblivious you can be, but your mother is expecting and it can be any day now”. Hearing this Eric’s face lit up. A different kind of joy blossomed in his chest. Maybe it is because he had lost a brother and none close enough to share a sibling bond. He always wanted a younger sibling. 

The mood was jolly, and they chattered about their daily life. Mostly Eric going deep into his training regime which his parents didn’t find boring at all. Finally, “Eric it is a tradition that has been followed throughout the Valerion lineage if a new born is coming into the family, the older sibling and the parents must gift the newborn with something that is not necessarily valuable but holds deep meaning, which will help the child for a glorious future”. “I understand mother, I will ensure that an appropriate gift is prepared”. The queen and the king both were happy with the response.

Eric bid his parents farewell after the meal and got on the carriage with Matilda. During the ride Eric fell asleep due to tiredness. His head fell on the shoulder of Matilda. Matilda didn’t try to wake Eric and let him rest peacefully and kept looking at his face filled with tiredness. On the journey toward home inside the carriage one person’s heart was beating faster than usual. That lasted till the journey had reached its destination.