Chapter 7:
Lucina
So here I am.
Settled enough in this world to confidently say: I hate the palace.
The lessons. The rules.
I'm already tired of the royalty novelty.
Instead, I find myself daydreaming of a life in the countryside with three handsome men.
As I lose myself in my thoughts, Stacy interrupts with my daily slice of cake.
I enjoy the sweetness and start formulating a game plan.
*
I stand outside the Emperor's private office.
I take a moment to admire the view and architecture before the attendant announces my presence.
Soon, I'm allowed into the luxurious room.
"What brings you here, Third Princess?"
The Emperor's voice echoes in the opulent space. A sense of déjàvu washes over me.
Typical of him. Not even addressing me by my name. Just 'Third Princess.'
But this isn't a father-daughter novel, after all.
"I greet Your Majesty." I bow slightly.
I straighten my back and meet his eyes. "I would like to speak to Your Majesty in private."
I motion for his attendant and guards to leave the room.
The Emperor raises an eyebrow, his expression guarded.
"You can say anything you want here." His voice hardens. "I don't have time for games."
I hold his gaze. "Trust me. This is a conversation best had in private."
His grey eyes search mine for a moment, trying to discern my intentions.
Finally, he nods and gestures for his attendants and guards to leave.
The last person exits. The door clicks shut.
I turn back to the Emperor with a bright smile.
Ready.
***
Felix
Ever since the day the Emperor had a private conversation with the Third Princess, Felix noticed a significant change in His Majesty.
The Emperor who is usually composed and decisive,now seemed restless and preoccupied.
Felix couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had happened during that conversation. Something that left a mark on the Emperor.
Felix, a naturally curious and observant guard, couldn't help but notice the Emperor's demeanor. His Majesty would often pace in his private chambers, his brow furrowed in thought.
Felix even caught glimpses of the Emperor staring out the window, lost in contemplation.
*
One evening, Felix was on duty outside the Emperor's chambers.
He couldn't resist the urge to listen in on a conversation happening inside. He pressed his ear against the door.
"...difficult decision, Your Majesty," a voice said from inside.
The Emperor's voice responded, sounding weary. "I know. But it must be done. The future of the empire depends on it."
Felix's heart raced.
What decision? What could be so important that it weighs so heavily on His Majesty's shoulders?
The conversation continued, but the voices grew too muffled to make out clear details. Eventually, they faded.
Felix was left with more questions than answers.
Later that night, Felix couldn't sleep. His mind raced with thoughts of the Emperor's strange behavior and the mysterious conversation.
He knew he needed to find out more. To uncover the truth behind the Emperor's restlessness.
The next day, Felix made discreet inquiries among the palace staff, trying to piece together any information he could.
Rumors circulated.
Nothing concrete emerged.
***
Lucina
I grab my cloak and head toward the window.
Stacy watches me with a mixture of concern and understanding. She knows better than to try to convince me otherwise.
"I'm heading out, Stacy. Come up with an excuse if anyone asks about my whereabouts."
She nods. No questions.
I escape the palace through the familiar route—the overgrown maze. Soon, I'm outside the palace walls.
I pull out a communication crystal and contact Maverick.
Within minutes, the familiar Gilcha lizard appears. Maverick stands beside it.
"Do you have it?"
Maverick nods. He reaches into his inner clothing and produces a small black card.
I take it and inspect the card closely.
In elegant script, it reads: WhisperingBazaar.
My heart races with excitement and trepidation.
The Whispering Bazaar is renowned as an underground black market. A place where one can find anything and everything for the right price.
Yes. Anything.
Including people.
*
After a six-hour ride on the Gilcha lizard, we finally arrive at the bustling market.
Sights and sounds assault my senses as I step off the lizard. Odd contraptions line the stalls. Forbidden goods everywhere.
I scan the chaotic scene:
· Addictive drugs
· Poisonous pills promising temporary strength with dire consequences
· Love potions
Charming.
Maverick navigates through the crowded market and leads me to a tent tucked away in a quieter corner.
I step inside.
A chubby, short old man greets me, his eyes gleaming with greed.
"Anything I can help with, miss?"
I glance at him and walk further into the tent. "I'm looking for three 'goods.'"
His excitement becomes palpable. He gestures for us to follow.
---
We reach the back of the tent.
A teleportation circle awaits.
I step onto it without hesitation. A sudden rush hits me as the world shifts.
The next moment, I find myself surrounded by an acrid stench.
Sweat. Blood. Excretory waste.
The putrid smell assaults my senses. I look around and realize I'm in some kind of dungeon.
My heart sinks at the miserable conditions. Sympathy surges through me for the unfortunate souls trapped here.
Someday, I vow, when I care enough to take action, I'll shut down this entire operation.
The old man starts protesting about something. I wave him off.
"I'll inspect the 'goods' on my own."
Maverick follows closely behind as I make my way toward the rows of cells and cages in front of me.