The imperial family makes an effort to dine with each other at least one evening every week. Although Tommy has nothing preventing him from making it, he understands that his family are not so fortunate. Philza and Kristin are the rulers of an expansive empire filled with problems that require their steady hands and thoughtful minds to solve. Wilbur attends classes, some to prepare him for his life as the tsesarevich and his future as the tsar. Even at eight-years old, Techno is training his mind and body with diligent practice. With such busy schedules, it is little surprise that they must take their meals whenever they can, usually at different times. It is for this reason that the precedent was set that they would try. Usually, one of them is unable to arrive on time, but they will come as dessert is being served.

Today was one such occasion. Tommy was the first to arrive in the dining hall, but he usually is. He frequently takes his meals in his room, but when the imperial family wants to gather together, his minder dutifully sits him down at the large table right at the minute the family is meant to arrive. Kristin usually arrives a few seconds later, a perfectly punctual person. Techno arrives after a few more minutes because he needs to wipe his sweaty face and change his clothes. Wilbur will come next, humming a melody since the last class of his day is music. Philza is always the last one to arrive, mainly because he tries to get as much work done as possible within a day. By doing this, he is able to fully enjoy his meal without worry and start collecting free minutes that can be used later.

Philza did not come after the appetizers or the main course. He came when the servants were presenting the family with a slice of  apple cake. One servant is pouring wine in Kristin's glass, and they pivot immediately to start pouring Philza's glass. He waves them away before they can finish filling the glass up. Tommy grabs onto his fork, peering up at his father as the man settles at the head of the table. A light wind brushes through the room, a sign that Sneeg is hanging around invisibly, probably examining the perimeter. Philza sighs heavily, lowering his head into his hands. Kristin takes the open invitation to ask him, "What is ailing you, my dear?"

"It is nothing I did not fear would happen. I have received several letters from the nobility asking if we will be attending the upcoming Summer Hunt. Although they phrase it as questions, I understand that they are frustrated with our lack of attendance," Philza explains, gesturing to his entire family even when he meets Kristin's eyes. Tommy tilts his head to the side. He knows what the Summer Hunt was. It was one of the first events Ranboo attended in the Ender Prince. Around the summer solstice, members of the nobility and knights will hunt monsters around the capital. At its core, it is an extermination, but it has become so much more over the years. It is used to forge connections. It is used to prove one's strength. It can even become the perfect venue for a young maiden and sir to cement their romance. The book describes it as a dreadful affair, but that was only because Ranboo was the protagonist. From a bystander's point of view, the Summer Hunt is a fun event.

"Have you reminded them of Theseus' age? He is only three years old. He is not suited for a journey like that, nor would it be acceptable to bring him to a forest full of deadly monsters," Kristin responds, looking at Tommy. He stares back at her unflinchingly. For the past three years, the imperial family has not gone to the Summer Hunt. They use the same excuse every year: Theseus is too young. They completely disregard that the Summer Hunt is full of qualified fighters and defensive measures to protect those incapable of fighting.

"I have. Some are sympathetic, but I cannot pretend that I do not understand what they mean. With the recent happenings around the empire, we should show the people that we are not weakened and the nobility that we are not to be trifled with," Philza explains softly as if his children do not know what he is referring to. Wilbur would know from his studies, Techno would know from his involvement in the empire's security, and Tommy knows because he has knowledge of the future. The rebellious group that would later kill Kristin are beginning to form right now. They do not have a large following nor do they pose much of a threat, but they are a sneaky group that will avoid being captured for a long time. It is only after Kristin dies that they are all brought in. One of Philza's last acts as a being capable of human emotion was to order the torturing of the rebellion leaders and the execution of everyone else. The only reason Tommy knows that fact is because Theseus once brought Ranboo down to the dungeon to reveal the rebellion leaders. It is quite remarkable what healing magic and alchemical potions can do to keep a person alive.

"I can stay home," Tommy tells his family. He smiles reassuringly at them. He is still too young to make a difference, so attending the Summer Hunt only sets him up for failure. He needs to wield a little political power before he attempts to stand toe-to-toe with the other nobles. It will take several years for him to do that. For now, he will bide his time in the palace. He has plans to acquire a tutor soon. In a few months, the spearmaster who Tommy wants to become his instructor will arrive. Tommy will make a good impression when they first arrive, and hopefully this positive start will amount to good relations later when Tommy needs it most. Until then, Tommy must wait.

"I would never ask that of you, Theseus," Philza says kindly with a sympathetic expression on his face. His wings twitch, revealing more of his emotions. Tommy does not look away. He keeps an innocent mask on his face.

"We will figure this out," Kristin promises her son. Tommy is not quite sure. He knows how temperamental and proud the nobility can be. They will get the answer they want one way or another. It would be easier for his family to realize that he is one of the most secure locations in the world. There is only one weakness in the otherwise impenetrable defense, and since Tommy knows it, he cannot be surprised.

"I volunteer to stay behind with Theseus," Wilbur pipes up, finished with his apple cake. He smiles at his parents. Tommy eyes his older brother warily. He doesn't know when Wilbur's amorality started. Could he be acting right now, or is he being genuine?

"You love the Summer Hunt," Techno reminds his brother as if Wilbur wouldn't know what he does or does not like.

"I do enjoy the lively party that marks the end of the event, but I do not mind missing it if I am able to spend more time with Theseus," Wilbur explains, turning to point his warm smile at Tommy. The blonde's mouth falls open slightly. How could he ever think that Wilbur was faking? The boy sitting across from him is nothing but childish innocence and pure adoration. Tommy supposes his suspicion came from his own unfamiliarity with the emotions than knowledge of what Wilbur could become if Tommy isn't careful. "In any case, you three are far more suited for a monster hunting expedition than I am. I would even wager to say it is necessary that the three of you attend."

Tommy laughs underneath his breath. The imperial family is composed of many extraordinary individuals. Despite his young age, Techno is on track to become a grandmaster of the sword. He will soon contract with the Water Elemental King, and just the potential to contract with an elemental king is enough to set someone above their peers. Kristin brings with her magic from another realm. With Raven, she can freely manipulate darkness, and she uses this as her main weapon against anything that would struggle against her. Even without Raven at her side, Kristin is a capable mage with access to destruction magic. Standing above them all is Philza, the tsar and the contractor of the Air Elemental King. He is frequently referred to as the Angel of Death with his large wings and impressive swordsmanship. He is a grandmaster, one that even Techno admires even when he's older. The three of them are more than capable combatants.

Wilbur, on the other hand, is- in simple terms- mediocre. He is decent with a sword, no better than the average knight. When he contracts with Sally, he can be quite clever with his fire elemental abilities. Sally herself is a warrior when she really wants to fight. Compared to his family, however, Wilbur is nothing special. He shines in a political landscape when he is able to manipulate the minds of others with carefully selected words and twisting threats. Those skills will serve him well as a tsar, but not so much as someone meant to hunt down monsters in an expedition.

"If you truly wish to stay behind with your brother, we will not stop you," Philza relinquishes, seeing reason in his son's words.

"Thank you, Wilbur, for doing this for us," Kristin adds.

"I will bring back the head of the biggest monsters for the both of you," Techno promises, completely serious as he glances between Tommy and Wilbur. His twin smiles awkwardly at the proposal. Phil laughs openly at his son's eagerness. Kristin sighs with a soft smile. Tommy does not show any expression, and he thinks Techno notices.

—

"Must we really attend?" Ranboo asks, closing the bag. He shuffles on his feet, looking over at his roommate.

"We are servants of Prince Theseus. Where he goes, we must follow," Tubbo replies. He reaches for a pillow, and he tosses it up into the air. Ranboo frowns at the bored action.

"I know that... I just don't know what we're going to do there," Ranboo sighs, sitting down on his bed beside his bag.

"We are going to attend to every one of Prince Theseus' whims. We will present him with food and drink when he hungers or thirsts. We will become entertainment for the nobles he wishes to impress. I am certain he will even force us to follow him into the forest as he hunts down monsters," Tubbo explains to him. Ranboo startles at the blatantly honest answer. It is completely different from what the head maid told him earlier when he inquired about the Summer Hunt. Ranboo pushes down his surprise. He should have known that Tubbo would be brutal.

"At least I am aware of how capable Prince Theseus is as a fighter," Ranboo exclaims, finding the silver lining to the dreary storm cloud. He has seen instances of Theseus' magic and sword skill first hand several times, so he knows how safe he will be. Theseus isn't going to kill Ranboo- at least, not while Ranboo is still a usable pawn.

"Oh, no, I am sure we are in for quite the sight. Theseus will pulverize any mob who stands in his path with lightning, and if another hunter should set their sights on Theseus' prey, they will be driven mad by his illusions," Tubbo remarks, letting the pillow he was throwing fall onto his chest.

"It is not like we haven't seen it before," Ranboo attempts to laugh before realizing that his attempt at humor was not well-received. At least someone knocks on the door before he can make more of a fool of himself.

Ranboo rushes to the door, opening it up. Niki stares at him for a long moment. When neither of them utter a word, she sighs, pushing him out of the way. She slams the door shut with her heel. She does not show a modicum of hesitance when she rests at the foot of Ranboo's bed. She glares at Ranboo's bag. "I have spent the last few hours packing for that spoiled brat. He isn't even indecisive. He merely wishes for me to suffer."

"Watch it. Those are words that can get us all executed," Tubbo practically growls. Ranboo shifts. While he doesn't disagree with Niki's sentiments, he knows where Tubbo is coming from. As much as Ranboo cares about Niki, he does not wish to be punished right beside her. He will if it comes down to it, but he will not actively allow that fate to befall them.

"Death would be too much of a mercy for us. Prince Theseus will surely torture us," Niki grumbles, lowering her chin to her palm. She looks up at Ranboo with a thoughtful frown. "At least, Tubbo and I will be tortured. Prince Theseus likes you too much to do anything to you."

"Prince Theseus doesn't like me," Ranboo quickly asserts. He isn't sure Prince Theseus likes anything except power. Some days, Ranboo believes Prince Theseus doesn't even like himself, but uttering such a thought out loud will surely create a situation that Ranboo does not wish to be a part of.

"He doesn't like you in the way Niki and I like you, but I can see it in his eyes. He thinks you're special. He despises you, yes, but there is something about you that intrigues him. As long as you remain mysterious and infuriating, you'll be kept alive. The worst you'll experience are his games," Tubbo expresses, rising up to his elbows. His eyes narrow at Ranboo in realization.

"Uh..." Ranboo hesitates, letting the words merge with his understanding of his place in the palace.

"I do not envy you. I would rather get tortured than be part of Prince Theseus' stupid mind games. There is no way to win," Niki remarks, rolling her eyes.

"I don't know. I think Ranboo might have a chance at finding a loophole," Tubbo smiles fondly at his roommate. Although the friendly smile makes Ranboo feel comfortable, he realizes immediately that Tubbo does not see him as a person. While he is not as cruel as Prince Theseus, Tubbo is looking at Ranboo like he's an amusing twist, the same way Theseus looks at Ranboo.

"I guess we'll see at the Summer Hunt," Niki shrugs. She looks at Ranboo like he's nothing at all. Ranboo frowns. He closes his eyes, trying to remember his homeland. Pieces of it are starting to come back to him, but not enough for him to realize why he decided to come to this frozen wasteland of mortal chess pieces and bemused players.

—

Tommy sits in his parent's private chambers. He swings his legs over the side of their huge, fluffy bed, feeling like he's going to sink all the way through. He looks around the room at every detail. Although expected, this room is far more lavish than Tommy's quarters. He guesses that managing an entire empire and risking your life allows for some luxuries to be enjoyed, but gosh, there is so much golden in this room. The walls are blue, but the cornices are a gilded color. The furniture is made from blue velvet, and the throw pillows are all golden with shimmering tassels. The comforter on the bed is a dark golden color, but Tommy will admit that it is very soft.

Kristin stands beside the bed. She is surrounded by traveling boxes full of clothes for both herself and Philza. Since the Summer Hunt lasts around three weeks, she must pack a lot of clothing and be prepared for a variety of situations. The maids are the ones who do most of the packing, but Kristin likes to make sure. Tommy doesn't know if this is just a facet of her personality or she harbors distrust of the maids because of her past. Either way, Kristin wears an extremely thoughtful expression as she mouths the necessary garments and sets out to find them in whatever box they might reside in. Tommy watches her with mild interest. He doesn't have anywhere else he needs to be, after all. Who knew being the third prince and an adult in a child's body would be so boring?

"Are you certain you are okay with me, Philza, and Techno leaving?" Kristin asks, immediately turning to him from the center of her boxes. Tommy's eyes widen. He was not expecting that question. It has been days since this was decided at the dining table. No one has really made mention of it yet.

"I will," Tommy promises. The name he is supposed to call her rests firmly on his tongue. He knows that his promise would mean so much more if he could just force the word 'mother' from his tongue. Anything similar to that, even. He already knows that people are talking. Kristin doesn't seem upset that he cannot. She's merely worried, and her patience is refreshing but demoralizing. Tommy fears that he will never consider Kristin his real mother if she does not force him to. Tommy wishes he did not remember his previous life. He would rather just remember what happens in the Ender Prince. Why must he carry worthless memories of useless times unnecessary to his survival? Especially when they only seem to hurt him and his new family? If he didn't have those memories, he wouldn't see his former mother when he looks at Kristin. He could call Kristin, sweet and kind and loving Kristin, his mother without any hesitation. Instead, he can only stare at her, trying to reconcile that someone this lovely would give him the time of day.

"What makes you so certain?" Kristin asks softly, stepping away from the boxes. As she stands right in front of him, she squats down. Her dark blue gown pools around her, spreading out like the petals of a flower. She slowly removes the white gloves from her hands, and she sets the gloves beside her on the gown. Tommy imagines the gloves are like bugs, waiting to reach the heart of the flower to get some nectar and float away with pollen against their body.

"Wilby will be with me! And my family will come back to me!" Tommy expresses, tilting his head to the side.  For a moment, pain flashes across Kristin's face. Tommy pretends not to notice. He forces the word 'mother' back onto his tongue, simply waiting for it to fall out accidentally.

"You're right, Theseus. Family will always stick together, no matter what," Kristin explains, nodding sagely. That simply isn't true, not in the world or the previous. Tommy's original parents hated him, and he's seen plenty of other classmates deal with the aftermath of their families falling apart for one reason or another. The Ender Prince presented a lot of families torn apart by politics or interpersonal relations. Even the family Tommy is in now, for as caring as it is, will fall apart. Kristin will die. Philza will retreat into himself. Wilbur and Theseus will devote themselves to tearing each other down for the throne. Techno spends all his time on the battlefield, ignoring his family until the world forces him to pay attention again. But maybe the family wouldn't have fallen apart if Kristin had simply lived. Maybe she could have saved them all, held them together.

"Why do you wear such expressions, Theseus?" Kristin whispers, raising a hand up to touch his cheek. Tommy blinks. He has gotten so good at schooling his expressions. He's surprised that one managed to slip through his defenses. Before he can place a childish smile on his face, Kristin's eyebrows knit together in worry. She raises her thumb to his forehead, brushing away what must be worry lines. "I fear what troublesome thoughts may linger in your mind. Sometimes I fear that I am looking at a prisoner awaiting execution instead of my beautiful son."

"I miss you already," Tommy lies to avoid explaining that he really is like a prisoner awaiting execution... except he isn't lying. He realizes as the smile he was preparing slips off his face. Even with how busy the imperial family are, he still gets to see them fairly often. Even if he cannot see them, he can feel their love in other smaller ways, like the soft details of a painting only an expert can notice. Even though he cannot audibly say it, he does love this family that has been given to him. He loves them even knowing that if he makes one too many wrong moves, they will very well one day be the death of him. He loves them even knowing all of their flaws, both current and future. He loves them because they love him, and he doesn't know what he's going to do without that reassurance constantly being presented to him.

Kristin wears a surprised expression, wiping away the tears that start to fall unrestrained from Theseus' cheeks. She wraps her arms around his shoulders, pulling him closer to her chest. He falls off the bed into her hold. He closes his eyes, enjoying the soft moment. Kristin whispers, "I already miss you, too."

—

"Do you have a mother?" Theseus whispers, his words almost lost to the wind.

"I-I do not know... I don't remember," Ranboo admits. He brings his hands to his chest. From up close, he can tell that his earlier assumption was right: Theseus is drunk. He is holding a nearly empty wine glass, but the scarier fact is that the wine bottle on the table is almost empty, too. Ranboo knows for a fact that Wilbur recently bought it because it's the one he went with Wilbur to get. Part of Ranboo worries that Wilbur will grow upset upon finding his alcohol taken, but he is far more preoccupied with the drunk prince sitting in the cold.

"Of course you have a fucking mother, Ranboo. You came from something, didn't you? Enderian creatures don't come from the void. They come from sex just like humans and animals and hybrids and other species I can't be bothered to name. Well, I guess elementals don't come from fucking, but that's neither here nor there," Theseus says with a soft laugh. Ranboo takes an entire step back. He has occasionally heard a cuss word come from Theseus, but never this much vulgar language in a short amount of time. He also doesn't believe Theseus has ever called Ranboo by his real name when they are alone. It is alway some demeaning nickname like 'rat.' If he's this drunk, his health might be in danger. "But you don't remember her, huh? Is that worse, I wonder? You have no idea if she abandoned you or hated you or died or whatever the nether became of her."

Ranboo closes his eyes, pressing against the oblivion that holds his memories hostage. He remembers bits and pieces. He knows he comes from the End. He knows that he used to eat chorus fruit. He remembers the void, the coarse texture of the islands, and the feeling of falling. He remembers a few basic facts, but not really the moments when he realized them to be fact. He does not remember his family. He does not know if he has one. No mother, or father, or siblings, or cousins, or grandparents, or anything of the sort. He has no knowledge.

"I remember my mother. I'm sure you've heard her name before... Kristin. I told you about her, didn't I?" Theseus asks, slumping in his chair. He tilts his head back to look at the stars, completely exposing his neck as if he no longer carries any fear. "My mother was a wonderful woman. Not because she was brilliant or beautiful or compassionate to all. She was these things, of course, but her greatest strength as her ability to hold this shitshow together. My father used to smile... Can you believe it? Yeah, he would laugh like a fucking child. He would take walks with her through the garden. I don't think he goes there anymore. You do. You take the same course they used to. The next time you go, take my father with you. Force him to get fresh air. He seems to care more about your requests than mine. He wouldn't walk with me unless our destination is the guillotine."

Ranboo opens his mouth to refute Theseus, but the prince is not done speaking. "Wilbur didn't drink. He wouldn't touch liquor at all. Now, I'm stealing the good shit from him. He bought this with you, right? If you were the one to pick it out, you have shit taste. This is garbage. I don't know why Wilbur drinks so much. It pisses me off, you know? It really does. Alcohol will make him die quicker. It also makes him so godsdamn messy. We should make him sleep in the fucking pigsty if he isn't going to clean up his own damn mess. The maids are busy enough as it is trying to keep up with his bullshit. Mother would have never let this happen. She would have confiscated all his alcohol and made him clean his room. I tried doing that once. I only ended up fighting with him. Since he was drunk and I was angry, it got physical. I still have the scar. Don't worry, he has a scar, too. We didn't stop until he passed out from drinking too much. I kicked him once when he was down, but I couldn't bring myself to do more than that. I left the alcohol in his room. If he wants to throw his fucking life away, fine by me. Makes it easier to get the throne, I guess."

Theseus shifts, sitting back up. He hunches his back over his knees. He cradles the wineglass between his palms. He rolls it back and forth. Ranboo fears it will shatter when Theseus' shaking grows worse. Theseus looks up at Ranboo with hazy, unfocused eyes. "Techno was different, too, when she was around. He became the perfect soldier only after her death. She was his humanity. Without her, he saw no reason to love or laugh. It was only about protecting the imperial family. Techno smiles around you, though, so I guess you wouldn't notice it. She wouldn't hate what he's become, but she'd be disappointed."

Theseus places the glass on the table. He picks the bottle up as he stands. He stumbles forward, and Ranboo remains frozen as Theseus chugs the rest of the wine. When he's done, he lowers the bottle with misty eyes. "She would be fucking disappointed in me. But it doesn't matter, does it? She's dead. She-"

She sighs, deleting everything she wrote. She doesn't like it. She doesn't want Ranboo to know the dirty laundry of the Craft family so soon. She guesses she could write something similar to this later.