The Life of Aurelius Valemont: The Heir (Part 1)
Aurelius: Age 6
Dear Mama...
I want to be a superhero one day!
Please give me your magical powers!
Boonga! Pleeeeaaasseee...
I snuck into Mama's room, clutching my secret letter tight. I slid it under her pillow—my treasure hidden beneath the softness where her pretty head sleeps.
Mama caught me. Oh no!
Her eyes twinkled like stars, and I froze in place.
"My little Aurelius... what did you hide under my pillow, sweetheart?" she asked gently.
I pouted and turned my head. Mama must not know! If she finds out, she won't give me superpowers!
She pulled me into her arms before I could bolt. I giggled and hugged her tight. She smells like roses and sunlight.
"Mama, why do you have a black thing in your eye again?"
She paused—just a second—and then smiled.
"Mama just put on make-up, sweetie!"
I giggled again... but deep inside, something told me that wasn't the truth.
Still, I trust Mama. Always.
I know Mama and Dada never get along.
Dada talks to me sometimes... but mostly, he just ignores me. He's such a meanie.
One time, I looked at Mama and asked, "Ma, why is Dada a meanie?"
Mama paused, her pretty face quiet for a moment. Then she smiled softly, the way she always does.
"Sweetheart, Dada loves you very much. Maybe... he's just busy, that's all."
I smiled back, nodding like a good boy. But inside, I knew Mama was telling a fib again.
I could always tell when she's pretending—her smile gets a little sad around the corners.
She placed me gently on the floor and said, "Alright, my little lion, it's nighty-night now."
"Bedtime! Bedtime! Stoooorriiieeeess!!" I cheered, spinning in a tiny circle with my arms up.
Mama giggled and scooped me into her arms. Her hugs were the warmest in the whole wide world.
She carried me to my bed and tucked me in with my favorite blanket—the one with little stars and moons.
I pointed to the book I had already picked out earlier, bouncing under the covers.
"The story tonight is... The Mighty Man and His Companion!"
Mama nodded with a twinkle in her eye, sitting beside me and opening the first page.
Her voice was soft and magical as she began,
"Once upon a time, in a land full of storms and silence, there was a Mighty Man who feared nothing... except losing the one person who believed in him the most..."
I snuggled deeper under the blanket, eyes wide, heart full.
Mama's stories always made the world feel safe.
Mama turned the page slowly, her voice calm and dreamy.
"...The Mighty Man lived on a mountain made of stone. He was strong—so strong he could lift boulders and silence storms. But he was also alone. Nobody dared go near him... because they thought he was too cold, too scary, and too serious."
I blinked up at Mama. "Was he really scary?"
Mama smiled and shook her head. "No, sweetheart. He wasn't scary. He was... lonely."
She continued, "Then one day, a Companion arrived. She was small—tiny even! But she had the brightest heart anyone had ever seen. She climbed the mountain just to give the Mighty Man a flower."
I gasped. "Just one flower?!"
"Yes," Mama whispered. "And that single flower melted a little bit of the stone in his heart. Day by day, she climbed back up and gave him another. A different color each time. Yellow for joy, blue for peace, red for courage... and white, for love."
I smiled, holding my blanket tight. "Did the Mighty Man smile?"
"He did," Mama said gently. "But only for her. And the more he smiled, the less scary he looked. People began to see he wasn't mean... he just forgot how to be soft."
I tilted my head. "Did he become kind?"
Mama nodded. "Yes. But not because he was told to. He became kind because someone believed in the good that was always there. You see, Aurelius... strength is not how loud you roar or how big your fists are."
She placed a hand over my heart.
"True strength is how gently you hold the people you love... and how bravely you choose kindness, even when the world tells you not to."
I blinked, trying to remember every word.
Mama kissed my forehead. "The Mighty Man wasn't mighty because he was feared. He became mighty because he learned how to love."
I hugged Mama tightly and yawned. "I wanna be like the Mighty Man too."
"You already are, my little lion," she whispered, wrapping the blanket tighter around me. "Now sleep, and dream of mountains, and flowers, and hearts that never give up."
And with her soft hum in my ears, I slowly drifted into dreams.
It's morning!
The sun peeked through my big window and tickled my face. I sat up fast, my hair all messy and my pajamas wrinkled. I rubbed my eyes and smiled.
"I need Mama!"
I jumped off the bed and ran to the door, swinging it open with both hands. The big hallway was so quiet—too quiet! I tiptoed out, my tiny feet making soft taps on the polished floor.
The mansion was too big. So many doors! So many walls! And they all smelled like old wood and grown-up perfume. I didn't care—I had a mission.
"Mamaaaa?" I called, peeking into the music room. No Mama.
"Maaaamaaaa?" I opened the sitting room. Still no Mama.
Then I heard footsteps behind me—oh no.
"Master Aurelius!" It was Yumi. My maid. She always found me!
I squeaked and started running. "Nooo! I gotta find Mama first!"
Yumi laughed gently. "Young master, your mother is in the garden. Let me—"
"I can find her myself!" I yelled with a smile, running through the halls like a little rocket.
I zoomed past the grand staircase, through the dining room, then pushed open the glass doors to the garden. Flowers! So many flowers! They danced in the wind like tiny colored fairies.
And there she was.
Mama.
Sitting beneath the cherry blossom tree, her golden hair shining like the morning sun. She was humming and holding a little basket of herbs. So pretty. So peaceful.
"MAMAAAA!"
She looked up, startled for just a moment—then she opened her arms wide.
"My little lion!" she laughed.
I crashed into her arms, hugging her tightly. "I missed you!"
"But it's only morning, sweetie!"
"That's forever in dream time!" I pouted.
Mama laughed and kissed my forehead. "Well then, I shall never leave your dreams again."
I giggled and nestled into her lap. The garden smelled like roses and her soft dress.
"Stay here, Mama," I whispered. "Don't ever go away."
Her smile flickered for a second—but only for a second.
"I promise," she said softly, "I'll always be with you... even if you can't see me."
"Mama! It's time for breakfast! I'm huuuuunnggrrryyyy!" I whined dramatically, rubbing my tummy with both hands like a silly boy.
Mama chuckled and ruffled my messy hair. "Oh dear, the mighty lion needs his royal feast!"
I stood tall and proud. "Yes! The strongest lion needs the biggest breakfast!"
She stood up and took my hand, her fingers so soft and warm around mine. "Then let's go, my king. The royal kitchen awaits."
We walked hand in hand through the blooming garden, the petals from the cherry blossoms falling like magic snow. I skipped a little, my stomach growling louder with every step.
As we entered the grand dining hall, the maids were already setting the table with golden plates and warm bread. My favorite!
"Wowww!" I gasped. "Mama! Look! They made smiley eggs!"
"Yes, sweetie," Mama smiled. "Just how you like it."
I climbed into my seat and clapped. "Thank you, Miss Chef Lady!" I shouted toward the kitchen.
One of the cooks peeked her head out and laughed. "You're very welcome, young master!"
Mama sat beside me, pouring a little juice into my glass. I dug in right away—eggs, toast, bacon, even those tiny jam jars that taste like candy.
"Mama?" I said between bites.
"Yes, my lion?"
"Do I really have magic like the Mighty Man in the story?"
She smiled gently, brushing a crumb from my cheek. "You have something even more powerful."
"What?"
She touched my chest softly. "A kind heart."
I blinked.
"That's boring magic..." I mumbled.
Mama laughed so hard, even the maids giggled.
After our breakfast, Mama turned to me with that look—the one that made my tummy twist.
Oh no... learning time.
I pouted, lower lip wobbling. "Mamaaa... do we have to?"
She tilted her head with that soft smile, the one that always made me feel both safe and doomed. "Yes, sweetheart. Just a little today. I promise."
Yumi, standing near the door, tried to encourage me. "Young master, you're lucky you get to learn at home. Most children would be jealous."
I crossed my arms. "But I don't even have fweeends! Mama is my teacher, my mama, and mama again!"
Yumi giggled behind her hand, and Mama laughed, kneeling down to meet my eye. "I know, my lion. But even superheroes have to train their minds."
"Superheroes don't do math," I grumbled.
"They do if they want to build super gadgets," Mama winked.
I narrowed my eyes in suspicion. "Is that true?"
"Yes," she whispered like it was a secret.
But I wasn't falling for her tricks today.
The moment she turned to pick up a book, I bolted—racing down the hallway like the wind.
"Catch me if you can, math!"
But alas.
Yumi was too fast.
She caught me by the back of my shirt like I was a sack of potatoes. "Gotcha!"
"Yuuuumiiii!" I wailed dramatically. "You betrayed me!"
"I'm on Mama's team today," she said with a playful grin, spinning me around and setting me right back into my little study chair.
Mama sat down across from me with a soft sigh and the gentle patience of a thousand saints. "Just ten minutes, my love. Then we can read another story, alright?"
I frowned, defeated. "Okay…"
Math may have won today.
But I'll escape tomorrow.
As I slouched in my chair, Mama began with soft words and warm eyes.
"Alright, my little lion," she said, tapping the wooden table gently. "If you have five strawberries and I eat two—"
"Why would you eat my strawberries?!" I interrupted, scandalized.
Mama giggled. "Okay, okay! Let's say the birds took two."
I gasped. "Birdies are meanies!"
She leaned closer and whispered, "Maybe they were hungry too."
I blinked. "Oh…"
We stared at each other for a second before I smiled. "Okay. That means I have… three left?"
She clapped her hands. "Yes! See? You're already smarter than those birds."
I beamed, puffing my chest. "I am smart!"
Mama ruffled my hair. "Of course you are. One day, you'll be smarter than all of us. Even Dada."
I paused. "Even the meanie Dada?"
She hesitated, then said softly, "Especially him."
Later That Afternoon…
I curled up beside Mama on the garden bench. The sun was warm and made her golden hair look like it was glowing. Her hands were busy threading tiny white flowers into a chain, and I handed her one after another.
"Mama?" I said, looking up.
"Yes, my lion?"
"Do I have to be smart and kind?"
She looked at me with her emerald eyes, gentle and clear. "Yes. Because strength without kindness becomes fear. But strength with kindness? That becomes love."
I thought hard, then slowly nodded. "Then I'll be both."
She kissed my forehead, brushing my hair back. "You already are."
We sat in silence as the wind danced between us, and for a moment, everything in the world felt just right.
It was already nighty-night. Mama tucked me into my fluffy bed again, but my eyes were wide open. I didn't feel sleepy at all. She sat beside me with her soft smile, holding another storybook.
But something felt different tonight.
Mama's eyes looked sleepy… and a little sad.
Did I do something wrong? I pouted and gently tugged her sleeve.
She gave me a tiny smile and opened the book. "Tonight's story is… The Sad Man."
Ah! No wonder Mama is sad—because of the sad man!
"Once upon a time," Mama began, "there was a veeeeerrry sad man named John. He was so sad that he cried every single day."
I gasped. "Mama! Can't we comfort him?"
Mama's smile wavered. "John was so sad, sweetheart, that he always wanted to be alone. He didn't want anyone to bother him… even those who wanted to help."
I frowned. "But why is he sad, Mama?"
She paused for a moment, eyes drifting to the ceiling like she was remembering something far away.
"Because of his biiiiig problems," she said softly. "Problems that made his heart feel heavy, like a rainy cloud. But then…"
I waited, holding my breath.
Mama smiled again—just a little. "One day, John saw a tiny letter. A little girl had left it for him. And inside, it said just three simple words: I love you."
My eyes lit up. "Did he stop being sad?!"
Mama nodded, brushing hair from my forehead. "Maybe not all at once… but those three words reminded him that even when life is heavy… love makes the heart a little lighter."
I snuggled into my blanket. "Mama… if I meet a sad man, I'll give him a letter too."
She leaned down and kissed my cheek. "You already gave me one, my little lion."
My heart felt warm. I hugged her tight.
Maybe Mama was telling me a secret story… not just about John.
Maybe it was about someone she knows. Or maybe someone she loves.
Mama kissed my forehead gently and laid me down on the bed, tucking the blanket all around me like a warm cocoon. Then she turned off the lights, and the soft glow from the hallway disappeared as the door closed behind her.
But I wasn't sleepy.
I stayed still and counted in whispers beneath the covers.
"One…
Two…
Three…
Four…
Five…
Six…
Seven…
Eight…
Nine…
Ten…"
Quietly, I slipped out of bed and tiptoed to the door. When I opened it just a little—just enough—I saw Dada.
He looked angry.
Really angry.
Even though the hallway was dark, I could see it in his face. It was the same look he gave the butler once when he dropped a glass. My chest tightened.
I followed him quietly. My bare feet made no sound on the carpet. He walked toward a bright room at the end of the corridor and went inside.
I peeked through the gap of the slightly open door.
I saw Mama.
I thought… maybe they were going to kiss like Yumi always said couples do when they're alone. But… no.
I froze.
Mama was in pain. She screamed. My whole body shook.
Dada hit her. Again and again.
He punched her.
He kicked her.
He yanked her hair and spat on her face.
I wanted to scream. I wanted to run in and protect her. But I was just a little boy. I was scared. My knees were trembling.
Then… Mama turned her face toward the door. Her eyes met mine through the gap.
And I think she mouthed just one word—
"Run."
I ran. As fast as I could. Back to my room. Back to my bed.
I jumped under the covers, pulling them up to my face.
Pretending to sleep.
I counted again. This time all the way to one hundred.
Each number soaked in silent tears.
"...ninety-seven…
ninety-eight…
ninety-nine…
one hundred…"
But sleep never came.
Only the sound of pain.
Only the silence after Mama stopped screaming.
Only the beginning of something that would never leave me.
(End of Chapter 41)
CHARACTER PROFILE:
Name: Anastasia Valemont
MBTI: INFP – The Mediator
Height: 5'3"
Eye Color: Emerald Green
Hair Color: Golden Blonde
Dream: To escape her gilded cage and live freely with her son
Occupation: The wife of the head of the Valemont estate
Hobbies: Storytelling, embroidering, reading, gardening
Daily Routine Includes:
Quiet tea in the garden
Reading bedtime stories to Aurelius
Tending roses
Secretly hiding her tears
Likes:
Her beloved son Aurelius
Cats and dogs
Gentle days and children's laughter
Simple, elegant dresses
Fairy tales and forgotten dreams
Dislikes:
Her husband, Victor Valemont
Loud arguments
Bloodshed and violence
Guns and any sort of weapon
Phrases She Often Hears:
"Madam, please be careful."
"You're so beautiful, Mama."
"Why are you so kind?"
"My, thank you very much!"
"We appreciate your offer."
Special Notes:
Anastasia is the kind of soul who cries for strangers and laughs with flowers. Always helping, always kind. She respects the elderly and protects the innocent. Guided by heart, not logic. Gentle, nurturing, and deeply poetic.
Signature Quote:
"We chase meaning through shadows and stars, forgetting that life is but a dream—fragile, fleeting, and more beautiful because it fades."
Name: Yumi Elowen
MBTI: ISFJ (The Defender)
Height: 5'1
Eye Color: Soft Brown
Hair Color: Jet Black, often tied in a neat low bun
Dream: To protect the innocent and raise Aurelius into a kind man
Occupation: Personal maid and caretaker of young Aurelius Valemont
Hobbies: Sewing, origami, collecting handmade soaps, singing lullabies, and whispering stories she invents at night
Daily Routine:
Morning prep for Aurelius (bath, dress, meal)
Cleaning the child's quarters
Watching over Aurelius and teaching him manners
Nighttime story and lullaby duty
Likes:
Aurelius's laugh
Freshly laundered linens
Gentle rain
Homemade sweets
Soft music and order
Dislikes:
Loud arguments
Violence, especially in front of children
Her own powerlessness in front of the Valemont family
Disrespect
Victor Valemont
Phrases she hears often:
"Yumi, where's Mama?"
"You're always so gentle."
"You don't smile much, but your eyes do."
"Please take care of him."
"Don't speak unless spoken to."
Special Notes:
Though quiet and reserved, Yumi is deeply empathetic and protective. She has served the Valemont estate since she was a teenager, but her bond with Anastasia and Aurelius is personal, not professional. She has witnessed the horrors within the mansion's walls and keeps her sorrows folded away like letters never sent. She'd rather suffer than let the boy she cares for suffer alone.
Signature Quote:
"Even in silence, there is a way to shield a child—from cruelty, from despair, from becoming the very monster that haunts him."