Ceres

80

In the secret meeting place of the Ellion siblings, Noctyrus and Simbeon have already arrived and only waiting for Dotrald. Lonwarlt already said that he was still busy with his research. Also, he was given a new task by Dotrald that he needed to lock himself in his courtyard.

Simbeon and Noctyrus were starting to get mad since they have been waiting for Dotrald for a long time. Also, because of the alcohol they were drinking, their emotions are slightly heightened as well.

Fortunately, after Noctyrus cursed Dotrald, the latter finally arrived.

Dotrald sat down and poured himself a drink.

"What are you planning?"

It was Simbeon who spoke first. Dotrald finished his glass of beer first and closed his eyes for a while before answering the former.

"None."

Noctyrus slammed his fist on the table.

"Don't make fun of us just because you are the eldest!"

It was pretty much obvious that Simbeon and Noctyrus were nervous that their father would catch on anything they were doing. All of them knew that even though they are all related by blood, their father can still wish to eliminate them from the kingdom. He could even take them out of the family register and disown them. When that happens, all of the hard work they did to get to their positions right now is for nothing.

"Calm down, little brothers."

Instead of making them calm down, it seems like Dotrald keeps on provoking them. Noctyrus was about to do something but Simbeon stopped him and told him to listen first.

Dotrald clasped his hands and placed them on the table.

"I don't plan on stopping father from taking out Ceres. The disguise is basically impossible to be seen through. Also, the third prince wouldn't casually go near that niece of ours. Ceres only needed to stay away from people as much as possible. I have already told her about that. She will also conduct herself and leave the banquet immediately. I told her to fake an illness. That is also why Lonwarlt isn't here right now. I asked him to make a medicine that could fake a short-time illness for Ceres."

"You're saying that have already thought of this?"

"I only predicted some scenarios."

Noctyrus and Simbeon could only grit their teeth. They really think that such plan was risky but they also thought that if Dotrald was there, he wouldn't let any mishap happen.

"Now that the issue with the banquet seems settled, let me ask you something."

Dotrald, now, placed his clasped hands on his chin; looking as if he was going to make a judgment for his two little brothers.

"Are you doing your part properly?"

Dotrald's eyebrows were raised and he was smiling but his eyes were not. If one looked at it, it would seem like something fiery would go out of it.

"What do you mean? We make sure that father drinks the medicine every single day. We even take turns to see to it that he really drinks it!"

"How can you even accuse us of not doing our part? We are actually the ones who are always on the line and facing father all the time."

Dotrald couldn't help but smirk. He started to stand up and then, face towards the door. It seems like he would be leaving immediately.

"You better be doing your job properly since I feel like there's something amiss with father lately."

After that statement, Dotrald left Simbeon and Noctyrus. The two slammed the table and stomped their feet because of anger. They feel like whatever they do, it was always Dotrald who is right. They could never do something like disobey orders from him much more now when they are all in this situation.

---

"Change... Would something change this time?"

In the middle of the night, a woman with white and silver hair freely flowing on her cerulean gown lined with embroidered silver snowflakes was standing on the roof of a building.

Her presence was something that would catch everyone's attention however, at the moment, it looked like no one was able to sense her.

"These hands..."

She started to look at her hands. It felt cold but it doesn't bother her. She was used to the cold and to this lonely night.

"Once again... The white snow must be stained with red blood."

She kept her hands behind her back and looked at the distance. She was actually looking towards the royal palace.

This woman has elegant yet delicate features. But, her furrowed brows and seemingly sparkling eyes that seem to be looking somewhere else made it look like she was troubled about something.

With a wave of her hand, she disappeared into thin air.

---

"Big brother, are we going to sleep in the forest again?"

A little girl was trying hard not to fall asleep as she looks outside of the carriage they were riding.

The little girl seems to be around four years old and wears normal child's clothes. At a glance, she seems to be an ordinary child. But, if one looks at the person beside her, they would surely think twice whether that little girl is really as simple as she looks.

Beside the little girl was a young man wearing a pure and clean white robe. The robe even has golden and yellow lining as well as the distinguished embroidery work from the Holy Cross Church. His aura makes one feel refreshed and calm. And if one looked at him for a longer time, one would feel as if his soul was being lifted and all of his sins forgiven.

This young man was the one and only disciple of the Holy Priest, the person called "Holy Child". His name is Roven Hemilton.

And the little girl beside him is his younger sister, Paulin Hemilton. They were orphans and were adopted by the Holy Cross Church. Through some coincidences, Roven became the Holy Priest's disciple and successor.

"Don't worry. We will now be sleeping on a bed. Just a little bit more and we will arrive at our destination."

Hearingwhat her big brother said, Paulin's eyes widened. She still kept lookingoutside. There was a brief moment wherein her eyes had a tint of yellow. Itimmediately disappeared and as such, if one didn't look closely, one wouldn'tbe able to tell. -tbc

A/N: Hi guys! I know I have been gone for far too long not unlike the first time I made this story. I would like to first sincerely apologize for such thing to happen. I know I made you wait. I'm really sorry. And, for those who still waited, thank you very much for your patience.

Well basically, there are a lot of reasons for such thing to happen (to me). If you have read my previous notes, I don't have a stable internet connection and I don't always go online. Second, I accepted a part-time job for a research project. It took most of my time not because I always go out but because I'm always tired. It's tiring but fun and exciting, too. :D That is why instead of writing and posting chapters, I prefer to lie on my bed and sleep... Or read novels. Third, I have been busy with some documents recently. I love what I'm doing so I'm not regretting anything except for making you guys wait. I'm very sorry for this. :'( I hope you'd understand.

Lastly, I would like to once again thank you for supporting this story. Thank you for giving Ceres a chance and reading it. Thank you very much! Thank you for everything: the votes, comments, views, etc. I may not be able to express my thanks that properly but I do hope that this appreciation would reach you guys. :') I hope you enjoyed reading! ^^

A/N (p2): I don't always reply to comments but I love you guys! :D