(Third Person POV)
Saera was standing on the balcony of her room, looking down at the castle below her as the moonlight shone upon the land. It was late at night and after hearing the news of her brother's death, she was unsure of how to feel about it.
There was so much going on at the time that she didn't know how to process it. From Astorias suddenly receiving a Blessing to Aemon's death and Sylas being there, it was simply too much for her to focus on everything.
She let out a sigh, "I wonder how Daella is doing...." She said, "I should see her....."
"Mother." a voice said
Saera turned to see Riktor standing a few feet away from her, still wearing his casual attire. He had a serious look on his face, his deep red eyes staring right at her.
"Riktor...." Saera said with surprise
Riktor walked over to her, standing next to her on the balcony and leaning on the railings, "I want to apologize."
"Apologize?" Saera asked, a bit confused, "For what?"
"I should have been paying attention to Astorias." He said seriously, "If it weren't for me being stupid and careless, she would not be in that bed, in agonizing pain. I know what it feels like, to receive such power. It's not easy....."
Saera looked ahead and shook her head, "It's....it's not your fault...."
"Let me apologize." He said firmly
She chuckled and smiled, "Fine." she said, "I accept your apology. Astorias is doing fine now....she'll recover in a couple of days. Her sister is with her, giving her teas and feeding her. So everything is well, I suppose."
"Hm..." Riktor said
She looked at him, "Is that all?"
Riktor looked to the side, trying not to make eye-contact with her, "I....it has also come to my attention...." He said, feeling a bit flustered, "That I've been quite distant from you....."
"Oh." Saera frowned, "Well...I suppose so..."
"It's not my intention." He scratched his cheek, "I just...well.....what's been going on....and well...I know how you are.....and I really didn't want you to freak out or overreact...so that's why....."
"I see....." Saera said, "But Riktor, what you're doing is reckless! You have to understand that as your Mother, I have to correct your behavior! Even...even if we're not related by blood....and your Mother is there....and well..."
"I know." Riktor said, "I know that....and I am sorry....I just....well, I know that you still look at me like a child.....but I am not a child anymore."
"You may not feel like one. You may not look like one." Saera said, "But you still are."
Riktor sighed, "I guess you're right in a way." He said, "It's not easy being a Demigod, a Son of Drakken. I mean.....in my mind, I am already.....well, grown.....I think...I think I have all these liberties and that I can do what I want....but.....I have everyone telling me that there are things I can't do. Well, I just.....I don't know."
Saera hugged his arm, "Listen to me, my sweet boy." She said as she patted his cheek, "To me, you'll always be the little boy I met all those years ago. I made you a promise, didn't I? That I would be the best Mother I could be to you."
"Yes." He said, "I know that."
"You've grown so much." She said softly, "And...I am afraid you'll outgrow my love. But.....I still love you. So much."
"Yes." He nodded, "I....I love you too, Mum."
She smiled and hugged his arm tightly, "You have no idea how much joy it brings me when you call me 'Mum', or 'Mama', or even 'Mother'." She said, "My beautiful boy, so big and strong. You are something that I could not bear myself, but you are still mine. And my reactions to your....little ventures.....are only because of what had happened all that time ago, Riktor. We care about you. I love you. I want to protect you, you are still very young. You cannot be doing things like that so recklessly.....promise me...."
Riktor closed his eyes, "I....." He said, "I cannot promise anything."
She frowned, "Why not?" She asked, "Riktor, why not?'
"It's my nature, I am afraid." He said, "I will try to be careful, however....to not get anyone hurt. I have shown restraint....but I don't want to break your heart by making a promise I cannot keep."
She turned him to face her and she reached for his face with both hands, "You....." She said, "Are the Heir of House Drakkengard. Any action I make in response to whatever you do is solely to protect you, Riktor."
"I don't need protection." Riktor told her, "I am fine."
"You are a boy. Our boy." Saera said, "Know that if anyone dares to try and hurt you, Riktor, I will kill them. Anyone who dares to lay a hand on any of my grumpy boys and my sweet girls.....I will burn them."
Riktor gently held her hands, "I appreciate it, Mum." He said with a slight smile, "I really do."
A tear formed in her eye, "Oh, you're just so...." She said, "You're just so big already, Riktor....it's.....I don't know how to react...."
Riktor chuckled, "Don't worry about anything." He said, "I will try my best to be a proper Heir to Father."
Saera wiped the tear away, "Sorry.....for being so clingy." She said, "You know the way I am...I cannot help it."
"It's fine." He told her, "It's not an issue with me."
Saera hugged him, "Hug me." She said, "I want to feel my son's embrace."
Riktor hugged her back and smiled, "I know that despite everything I will go through in the future....I still have my Mothers..." He said, "It's a comfort that sits in the back of my mind."
"Just.....don't lose your way, Riktor." She said softly, "I beg of you. Please....please keep your siblings safe. My girls...Maegelle's children.....your little sister in Dorne...keep them all safe."
Riktor nodded, "Yes." He said,
"That is a promise I can make."