Everyone stared at the figure that caught Vesper in shock, how rarely do they get to see this person but now he made an appearance for Vesper, someone who is not even his grandchild?
"Father, what bring you.."
"Remove him from this collars now." Gandalf's voice was deep and laced with silent rage.
As soon as he spoke his words hit everyone like a bell, Marcus regained himself and walked down from his throne and took the collar off, he knew very well the kind of man his father was, even when it was said that the people who wielded light magic were benevolent and kind, it was still said never to make them angry.
"Take my student to his room, and I never want to hear of any ill treatment against him ever again, all the prince and princesses out." Gandalf's voice was as quiet as the wind but anyone with perception would know that this was the calm before the storm.
A few moments later, Marcus and his wives were alone with the Guardian.
"Anna, how can you let jealousy and rage blind you, and as for the both of you I am much more surprised. Did none of you decide to check his rank before attacking his defiance?"
"As for you, you decided to pay no heed to what I told you, that was your first mistake, I warned you not to make an enemy out of this child but you would not listen."
Marcus was indignant, and he said, "Why treat him so special father, that brat disrespected me to my face."
"What was his disrespect, a royal child may bow his head to greet the emperor but you were raged because your daughter has feelings for him, secondly did any of you think of Amara, she gave her life to save all of yours when the barbarians attacked, and now you treat her adopted child as such, as a plague, as a slave, even enslaving him?" Gandalf's tone became heavier with each word he spoke.
Anna, Chloe and Diane remained silent when Gandalf mentioned Amara's death. Then they felt the Guardians disappointment.
"Vesper has been my student for a month and I will make him my official disciple should he agree, but as my student, he can not be punished without my awareness." Gandalf said and vanished from the throne room.
**
In Vespers' room, Aurora sat beside Vesper who was unconscious with tears in her eyes, Benjamin stood behind her and Catherine stared at Vesper from another end of the room, Damian, Morgan and Theodore just stared at everyone while Morgana went up and consoled Aurora.
Meanwhile, Vesper felt pain surging all through his body, even when the magic of the collar was lifted it had done damages to his body and mind, in that vast dark space he winced in pain, as every single nerve seemed to be lit on fire.
It was then memories of his past life began playing in his head, how he struggled to train, how he watched his twin brother kill him mother, how he fought and grew in strength.
In all of this the pain he felt never stopped and then he closed his eyes and when he opened them again, they gained a new light.
"I will surpass every single being and take control of my life!"
**
Vesper opened his eyes and saw himself in his room, as he tried to get up he felt a wave of pain surge in his head, then he laid back and let out a deep breath.
'This feels familiar, just like when I regained my life here.'
After a while he sat up and stared at the room, a beautiful figure with white hair sat by his bed asleep.
'To think she was here, how long was I unconscious for?'
Feeling movements, Catherine woke up from her sleep and found Vesper staring at her with a soft smile, she lunged towards him as tears rolled down her eyes, she had stayed with him for three days, hearing him scream randomly, and convulse in pain, even the physician could not tell when it would end, and everyone was preparing for the war.
Finally he was awake and his smile was just as beautiful as she remembered.
"Now now princess, if you jump on me like that I might just pass out again."
Catherine ignored his remarks and held him a little longer.
Vesper smiled seeing this, though he wondered how he was still in his room in freedom.
"I must ask princess, the script doesn't follow from the throne room to my room."
Hearing his remark Catherine could only burst put laughing, and then a female voice said.
"Well that is very true Vesper, my daughter seems to be very happy now that you are awake." Chloe said, standing by the door, which was opened revealing Marcus and the Empresses.
Vespers' gaze chilled instantly, "To what do I owe the pleasure your majesty?"
Seeing his cold gaze Chloe sighed, now they had made an enemy out of him, it would be hard to get him to see them in a good light.
"Please, enjoy your rest, we just came to check your condition." with that Chloe dragged the rest of the Rulers out of the room.
Vesper sighed and got up stunning Catherine, "I need to meet someone, I would be back soon."
He took a step and vanished from his room and appeared atop the highest roof of the palace.
"Thank you for your kindness, but I won't forgive any of them, in the royal family The emperor and his wives mean nothing to me, I will not attack them neither will I help them or save them." Vesper said to the man standing there.
"Young one, it is good enough you do not revenge this, I apologize and I won't make you do anything aside your wish, but do not mistreat the children, especially those two lass, Catherine and Aurora." Gandalf replied.
"Why are you treating me so well, Sage of Eternal Light?"
"It is because I sense the protection over you, should your life be in danger the person who put that protection might wipe out my family, as such I have to protect you to protect them. You may go back now, young one."
Vesper stared at him for a while before vanishing, appearing back in his room his brow creased in confusion.
Catherine stared at him and said, "I am going to meet my mother, we have a practice, also, make sure you prepare yourself during the war, you have to gain more contributions than me, else I would doubt your title, Soldier Prince." she left with a teasing smile.
As soon as she left Vesper turned serious and waved his hands as many seals appeared and injecting mana into them a barrier formed.