Alepou and Elafi hastened to the Vasilias Duchy as the Duchy boasted highly talented medics that were skilled in treating patients using both magical and non-magical methods. They made it just before the rainfall got heavier. They entered the Vasilias Residence where they met Martin, the family butler. "Second Young Master and Heir Apparent Fotia, welcome....." he greeted by he was ignored as both the men rushed up the stairs. Martin was stunned. "Martin, please summon Healers Lis and Drys quickly, we have a young man in danger. Hurry !" Elafi screamed with urgency in his tone. Alepou shouted "Inform the Duke and Ducal Consort as well as Chrysos too." Martin nodded and hastened his way to summoning the healers as well as informing the Duke.
Elafi and Alepou entered the guest room close to Elafi's room. Elafi gently set Soleil on the bed. Alepou stood near the door, giving space and thus ensuring that Soleil need not worry about anyone suddenly dropping in. Soleil's eyes flashed with gratitude at the unexpected gesture. He never felt like this in both of lives.
Alepou and Elafi noticed the emotions in Soleil's eyes and felt their hearts ache at the pain he went through. They both wanted to hit Gerald Keyes and the Asteri Family for putting the man through so much. A loud knock sounded. Alepou opened the door slightly and then pulled it wide. Three people trooped in. Two men about the same height as Elafi with the same long platinum blond hair and green eyes. Soleil recognised the Duke and Heir Apparent however his eyes were drawn to the Ducal Consort. He was around the same height as Soleil with silver grey hair and vivid amethyst eyes, fair skin with a mole under his left eye. Soleil couldn't help but feel familiar with him which puzzled him.
A sudden wave of pain crashed over Soleil causing him to grip the sheets and grit his teeth to prevent from screaming. Elafi caught the painful look on his face. "Soleil, are you okay ? Where does it hurt ?" he asked. Soleil mumbled "Back....Whip scars.....Brand..." those words horrified all the people in the room. The door opened again and in trooped Martin with the healers. "Master, I have bought the healers." The Duke nodded. "We should let them look after Soleil. Let's give them the room." Alepou and the rest left but Elafi stayed. "Elafi, the healers will be careful around him. Let's go." came the voice of the Ducal Consort.
The voice was very familiar to Soleil and he racked his brain trying to remember where he heard it before. A memory suddenly came into mind. It was the 7 year old him running around a garden filled with roses and baby breaths. Laughter coloured the air as he ran to the gazebo in the middle. A pair of hands grabbed him and lifted him up in the air. "Little sun, come here and meet your future diplomat to Skia, Lucian Royale." In came in..... and the person who came out was the same person he just saw.
"No. I will stay with him, brother-in-law. He needs someone familiar with him." Elafi argued. Just as things were going to get heated, Soleil decided to cool the tempers down and respond "Second Young Master Elafi....not supposed...to stay.....due....confidentiality" he trailed. Elafi stared and then gave a resigned sigh. He turned to the Ducal Consort. "Brother-in-law, please stay ?" he asked. The Consort nodded. "I will stay. Don't worry, I will look after him." Elafi nodded, squeezed Soleil's hand one last time and left the room.
The healers swiftly got into action. They gently and calmly stripped the clothes off him. The Consort's eyes flew wide open and he covered his mouth in horror just as the healers had. Soleil's skin was covered in all kinds of bruises and scars. Some looked old and while the rest looked relatively new. They all stared. Soleil, feeling uncomfortable, started fidgeting which caught the Consort's attention. He made his way over and gently wrapped his hand around Soleil's hand and squeezed it, convey the silent message of support. Soleil gave a grateful smile. The healers shook of the trance and started treating his wounds. Time passed by as the treatment began.
Sometime later, they wrapped Soleil up in bandages and turned towards the Consort. "DUcal Consort, we have handed the prescription over. The bandages must be changed twice a day, he must take the medicines every day after food during lunch and dinner. We shall come back next week and check on him." the healers said. "Thank you, we shall follow the prescription and set up a meeting next week." the Consort told. "Thank....you..." Soleil croaked out hoarsely. The healers nodded and left the room.
"I shall bring Elafi and Alepou. They must be worried about you." the Consort said. Just as he turned, suddenly Soleil stretched his hand towards the door. The door shut and locked itself. The Consort was very surprised and turned back to face Soleil. "Is something the matter ?" he asked. Soleil showed his palm facing upwards at the Ducal Consort. The Consort was confused but put his hand in Soleil's palm.
Soleil wrapped his fingers around the wrist and gently tugged the arm towards the necklace he was wearing. "Do you want to remove it ?" the Consort asked. Soleil nodded. Soleil knew that he was taking a huge gamble. He knew that the Royales sided with the Ouranios Family and him. They hated the Lumen Faction very much. He sat there with bated breath wondering if the Consort would help him.
The Consort gently removed the necklace and put it on the side table next to the bed. He turned to look at Soleil when he froze in shock. The man before him had transformed. Gone was the brown hair and olive skin. The man before him has fair skin, champagne gold eyes and deep bronze hair with rose gold streaks on the bottom of his hair. He had the aura of a prince around him. The Consort was stunned silly looking at the man.
"It is good to meet you again, Lucian Royale - Envoy of the Ilios Empire to the Skia Kingdom. I missed you." Soleil greeted him. Soleil began to grow nervous at no display of reaction when all of a sound a pair of arms were wrapped around him. "Welcome back, Your Royal Highness. This subordinate has missed you." Lucian choked out the words. He couldn't believe that the Crown Prince of Ilios was right under his nose. He felt arms snake around and hug him gently. "En, it is good to see you." Soleil mumbled into his neck.
They hugged each other. Lucian knew that it was going to be a long story but he was willing to wait since he had already sworn allegiance to Soleil. He promised to help him out and get the revenge Soleil wished for. He swore to protect him this time. He would do whatever it takes to fulfil the wish and help him.