Chapter 64: Azarius

Chapter 64: Azarius
Azarius
When I was seven, my parents introduced the idea of a royal playmate. 
It was a centuries-old tradition among lycans. Each heir was to have a companion who would one day become their trusted retainer. It was a concept I found unnecessary, even then.
"It would be better to choose a girl as Azarius’ royal playmate, don’t you think, dear?" Mother suggested during supper, her voice calm but deliberate.
I sat quietly at the table, absently chewing my food while Alucard, Alistair, and Alejandro attempted to kick each other under the table, their antics barely hidden. Atticus, still a toddler, perched on Mother’s lap, babbling happily as she fed him spoonfuls of thick soup.
Father, ever composed, sliced a piece of meat and placed it on Mother’s plate. "And why is that. Addie?" he asked, his tone mild, though his interest was clear, calling Mother always in her nickname.
Mother, brushing a strand of hair from her face, turned her attention to Father after gently scolding my twin brothers. "With five boys already in the royal palace, the chaos is more than enough," she said, her gaze flicking pointedly to me, Alucard, Alistair and Alejandro, and lastly, Atticus before softening as it landed on me. "A girl might bring balance. Don’t you think so, Azarius?"
Her question hung in the air, but I didn’t respond immediately. It wasn’t that I lacked an opinion
It was that I found the whole idea trivial. Still, I knew better than to be disrespectful, especially in front of Father.
"I don’t want a royal playmate," I finally said, my voice curt. "I don’t need one."
Mother’s expression didn’t waver, but Father’s sharp gaze landed on me, a silent warning not to push too far.
Even at that age, I carried a self-assured arrogance. Being labeled a prodigy and trained rigorously since I was five had shaped me into someone who already saw the world through the lens of responsibility and expectation.
I was the firstborn, the heir to the throne, and in my mind, a playmate was just a distraction.
"Azarius is so uptight, Apollo," Mother said with a sigh, her exasperation evident as she glanced my way.
Father chuckled, his eyes briefly meeting mine, a flicker of thought behind his gaze. "Perhaps you’re right, my dear," he replied, his tone light yet purposeful. Then, turning his attention to his assistant, he called out, "Rothmund."
Rothmund stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Yes, Your Majesty? Your orders?" 
His tailored black tailcoat emphasized the composed demeanor of a man who had served loyally for years. Father often spoke of Rothmund’s unwavering commitment, having once been his own royal playmate and now a trusted member of the royal court.
"Compile a list of girls from the aristocracy under the age of ten," Father instructed, his voice firm yet measured.
Mother’s face lit up with excitement. "Oh, let me choose from the list, Apollo!" she interjected eagerly.
Father chuckled again, indulgent and amused by her enthusiasm. "Of course, my love. As you wish," he said softly before turning back to Rothmund. "You heard your Luna Queen."
"As always, Your Majesty, her wish is my command," Rothmund replied with a deep bow before stepping back to carry out his orders.
Once Mother and Father reached an agreement, any hope of protesting vanished. Their united resolve left little room for negotiation or dissent.
That was why after a few days, I just finished my fencing lessons and returned to my chamber to change my clothes. Mother summoned me to have a tea with her in the Luna Queen's Garden while my three brothers were running and chasing each other after their training.
"Mother, you summoned me?" I asked, settling into the seat Marie, her lady-in-waiting, had pulled out for me. I gave Marie a small nod of acknowledgment as she greeted me.
Mother glanced up from the document she was reading, her smile practically glowing with excitement. "Oh, dearest, come closer! I’ve found the perfect candidate for your playmate," she said, her delight spilling over as she held up the paper. "She’s absolutely ideal for you."
I frowned, reluctant but curious, and extended my hand to take the document. My brow furrowed as I read the name aloud. "Macedonia... Stallone?" The name felt foreign on my tongue, its weight unfamiliar.
She came from the Mercy Sunshine Pack and the first daughter and first child of the Count Dominic and Countess Katherine Stallone. 
"Mother, I don’t need a playmate," I said, my tone flat as irritation crept into my voice. "It’s unnecessary and... bothersome." The disdain I’d been holding back slipped out despite my effort to remain composed.
"Oh, don't be such a silly child, my beloved." Mother playfully bantered and leaned forward. "Look at her portrait. Isn't she pretty?" I lowered my gaze when she pointed the portrait which I failed to realize or must I say, I ignored it as I had no interest.
As Mother pushed the document closer, the portrait of a young girl caught my eye. She had delicate features framed by cascading chestnut curls and a soft, curious expression. Her eyes, wide and striking, seemed to stare back at me with an innocence I couldn’t quite place.
"She’s from the Mercy Sunshine Pack," Mother explained, her tone laced with excitement. "The first daughter of Count Dominic and Countess Katherine Stallone. Highly esteemed among the aristocracy."
I leaned back in my chair, resisting the urge to scoff. "Mother, a playmate isn’t necessary. I don’t need someone to follow me around and... play," I said, the word tasting foreign and trivial on my tongue.
Since I was trained, the word 'play' wasn't even in my vocabulary.
Mother’s smile didn’t falter. “Azarius, this isn’t just about play. It’s about building trust and loyalty. One day, she’ll be a steadfast ally, someone who knows you better than anyone else." Her eyes softened as she studied me. "And she might even bring a little balance to your life."
I glanced at the portrait again, feeling an inexplicable twinge of unease. The girl—Macedonia—looked so fragile, so out of place in the chaotic, rigid world I was being molded to rule.
"She doesn’t look like someone who could endure the palace’s intensity," I muttered, almost to myself.
"Which is precisely why she’s perfect," Mother countered, her voice firm. "You need someone who isn’t molded by the same expectations as you. Someone who can offer a different perspective."
Before I could argue further, Father’s voice interrupted, his presence announced by the sound of his boots against the cobblestone path leading to the garden.
"Addie, have you told him about the arrangements?" he asked, his tone calm yet commanding as he approached.
"I was just about to," Mother replied with a warm smile, turning her attention back to me. "Macedonia and her family will be visiting us tomorrow. It’s time for you to meet your playmate, Azarius."
The finality in her words left no room for debate. I swallowed the retort bubbling in my throat, knowing it would be futile to resist.
"Very well," I said, my tone clipped as I rose from my seat. "But don’t expect me to treat her any differently from anyone else."
Mother’s knowing smile followed me as I turned to leave, her voice lilting after me. "Oh, darling, I expect nothing less. But I have a feeling you might surprise yourself."
As I walked away, the weight of her words lingered. Somewhere deep down, a flicker of curiosity stirred.
Macedonia Stallone.
The name echoed in my mind as I prepared for the arrival of a girl who, unknowingly, would become a pivotal part of my life.