Chapter 10:
Lucina
Morning sunlight bathes the hotel in warm gold.
My three companions slowly wake from their slumber. I made sure to prepare a hearty breakfast for them. They need their strength.
They approach the table hesitantly. Hunger flickers in their eyes. The remnants of their past hardships still show in their cautious movements.
At first, they hesitate to eat. Their eyes dart around the room, as if expecting the food to disappear before them.
I speak in a firm tone. "Eat."
They relax a bit. Hunger wins over hesitation.
Soon, they devour the food like a pack of hungry wolves. The sounds of their eating fill the room.
*
After breakfast, I know it's time to leave.
I wrap myself in my cloak once more, concealing my silver hair from prying eyes. A hotel attendant arranges a discreet exit and leads us through a hidden door I never knew existed.
Maverick is indeed a valuable asset. His efficiency and resourcefulness prove invaluable.
Outside the hotel, Maverick waits with the Gilcha lizard.
I climb into the compartment. My companions follow and sit in front of me.
The lizard takes off smoothly. The familiar hum of its magic fills the air.
We soar through the sky.
An awkward silence settles over us. The weight of our circumstances hangs in the air.
"I'm Lucina Solana. Third princess of the Solana Empire." I break the silence.
"Good to meet you."
"Niko," the purple-haired one says softly. His voice is barely above a whisper.
He pauses. "Nikolai. I don't know my family name. I've been on the streets most of my life."
His gaze drifts distant, lost in memories of a past life.
"Vale. Short for Valandor." The elf speaks next. Sadness and longing creep into his voice.
"I lost my right to use my true name when I was kicked out of the GlimmeringGrove."
The Glimmering Grove. A large, dense forest on the outskirts of the empire where the elves make their home. A place of ancient traditions and untold secrets.
I wonder what led Vale to be cast out.
"I have no name." The raven-haired one's voice carries bitterness.
"No name I wish to keep. I've been at the underground fighting arena most of my life. Until I became a gladiator myself."
I ponder their words. The weight of their stories settles over me.
They are all broken in their own ways. Yet here they are, sitting before me, seeking refuge and a chance at a new life.
They've been through hardships I can't even begin to imagine. Yet they still have the strength to carry on.
"You're now called Haroun."
I give him a new name. A symbol of a fresh start.
He looks at me with surprise and gratitude. A glimmer of hope reflects in his eyes.
It tugs at my heart.
As we travel toward our destination, I can't shake the feeling that our paths are now irrevocably intertwined.
For a reason.
These three men have become my companions. I am determined to help them find their place in this world.
I sigh to myself.
*
In a charming residential area not far from the palace stands a quaint villa.
I instructed Maverick to acquire it at all costs. A four-bedroom house with a delightful garden. Plenty of space for my new companions to settle in comfortably.
We arrive at the villa. I step out of the Gilcha lizard and take a moment to admire the place.
It has a cozy feel. I can already picture the three of them making it their home.
Maverick stands by, looking pleased with his accomplishment.
Mental note: give him another bonus.
I enter the living room.
I want to linger longer in this cozy space. But duty calls. I need to return to the palace before Stacy starts fretting.
My companions stand awkwardly. Their gaunt figures are a stark reminder of the hardships they've endured.
I clear my throat.
"This is where you'll live from now on." I gesture around the room.
"I can't take you to the palace with me for obvious reasons. But this villa will provide you with a safe haven."
I emphasize the comfort and security of their new home.
"Each of you has a room here. Get comfortable. Rest. Focus on getting healthy. I'll arrange for a priest to come and check on your overall health soon."
Uncertainty flickers in their eyes. The weight of their past experiences still shows in their hesitant movements.
Before they can respond, I add, "Maverick will be back shortly. He's in charge of getting you anything you need. I'll visit when I can. But for now—make yourselves at home."
I make my exit quickly.
A wave of awkwardness washes over me.
These men have been through so much. And here I am—a princess with a grand title—trying to offer them a new beginning.
As I head back to the palace, I can't shake the feeling that I've taken on a responsibility far greater than I anticipated.