13. The Break of Dawn

The atrium of the main castle was quiet during the night’s final dream, soon to awaken.

The King’s council chamber was old and full of dust. Eros had already awoken from the darkness, and was sitting by a gigantic stone hearth. Usually, he would have eaten breakfast at this hour, but instead, he chose to delay that for a moment, as he was expecting Thorn’s arrival. While waiting, Eros watched the dancing fire as his mind drifted miles away. A terrible dream, the same dream that crept up in his bed every night, had haunted him for a long time.

Thorn walked by dim rooms and halls. Servants were dexterously getting ready to attend to their chores and start the day. Thorn had finally approached the gigantic, heavy marble door.

“Come in,” Eros demanded with a flat tone, as if he could sense his son’s presence.

Thorn pushed in and closed the door behind him. “Father. I hope I’m not intruding.”

“Not at all. I knew you would come.” Eros turned around from the fire in the hearth. He moved