Chapter 16:
Lucina
I sink into the luxurious bath.
The warm water envelops me in comfort. I close my eyes and let out a contented sigh. Stacy, ever the diligent attendant, stays nearby.
I reach for a bunch of grape-like fruits and pop one into my mouth. The burst of sweetness spreads across my tongue.
This, I think, is the life of royalty.
The decadence. The comfort. The indulgence. It's all here, right at my fingertips.
I relax further into the bath, feeling the tension melt away from my muscles. I enjoy this moment of blissful tranquility.
My tranquility shatters.
A maid rushes in, an urgent look on her face.
"Your Highness! The Empress is in your quarters."
My heart sinks.
Why is she here?
With a resigned sigh, I nod to the maid. She scurries out to give me privacy.
I rise from the bath. Stacy assists me, wrapping me in layers of soft silk robes. The fabric glides smoothly against my skin as she hastily dries my hair.
I make my way to my room. My mind swirls with questions and growing dread.
Today seems filled with nothing but bad luck. First the encounter with Luan. Now his mother's unexpected visit.
*
Empress Grace sits on the edge of my bed, looking every bit the regal empress she is.
Her presence alone commands attention. A pang of apprehension tightens my chest.
I take a deep breath to steady my nerves. I approach her with a respectful bow.
"I greet Your Majesty, the Empress."
My voice is calm and composed despite the tumultuous thoughts swirling in my mind.
Empress Grace acknowledges my greeting with a regal nod. Her piercing gaze fixes on me. Tension fills the air. I feel the weight of her scrutiny as she studies me.
"Lift your head, Lucina."
Her voice brooks no disobedience.
I comply, raising my head to meet her gaze. Her eyes are sharp and assessing, as if searching for something in the depths of my own.
I resist the urge to fidget. I maintain a neutral expression.
"You have been quite busy lately."
Her tone is unreadable.
I nod. "Yes, Your Majesty. I have been attending to my duties diligently."
The Empress's lips quirk slightly. A hint of amusement flickers in her eyes.
"Duties indeed." She murmurs, more to herself than to me.
Silence stretches between us.
The tension thickens with each passing second.
What has brought her here? What does she want?
Finally, she speaks again. Her voice is soft yet commanding.
"I have heard reports of your activities outside the palace, Lucina. Visits to the Whispering Bazaar. Clandestine meetings. This villa you have acquired."
A bead of sweat forms on my brow. But I hold her gaze steady.
"I apologize if my actions have caused concern, Your Majesty. I assure you—everything I do poses no harm to the empire."
The Empress studies me for a long moment. Her expression is inscrutable.
"You are a capable young woman, Lucina. But do not forget your place. You are a princess of the Salona Empire. Your actions reflect upon the royal family."
"I understand, Your Majesty."
My voice is steady despite the rising tension.
"Good." She nods. "I trust you will conduct yourself with appropriate decorum in the future."
"I will, Your Majesty."
I bow once more to show my respect.
With a slight nod, the Empress dismisses the previous tension as if it never existed.
"That aside." Her tone lightens. Becomes less imposing. "Your seventeenth birthday will be in a month."
I offer a polite smile. Inwardly, I dread the grand affair that is sure to come.
"I appreciate it, Your Majesty."
"As royalty, I will prepare a fitting birthday ball for you." Her voice takes on a more formal tone.
"It will be a celebration worthy of a princess of Salona."
I resist the urge to sigh. I maintain a composed expression.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I am honored by your efforts."
"That is all."
The Empress rises gracefully, indicating the end of our conversation.
I bow respectfully once more. Relief and apprehension wash over me as she leaves.
The prospect of a lavish birthday ball is daunting.
But oh well. Such is royalty.
As I watch the Empress depart, I wonder what other challenges and responsibilities await me in the days leading up to my seventeenth birthday.
Stacy rushes to my side to dry my still-damp hair.
The weight of the encounter lingers. I feel mentally exhausted.
I long for the comfort of a friend.
As Stacy tends to my hair, I think of Kai—the half-elf owner of 'Elysium of Petals'.
He may not know it yet. But in my mind, we're best friends again.
*
The following morning, I instruct Stacy to prepare a royal carriage for my outing.
The Empress knows about my outdoor activities now. No need to sneak out anymore.
I exit my wing of the palace. A luxurious carriage waits for me, perched on the back of a large Gilcha lizard.
This lizard was clearly raised by the royal family. Its condition is impeccable. Its appearance is regal.
I admire the craftsmanship as I approach, appreciating the attention to detail.
I board the carriage.
The interior is immediately impressive. Plush, comfortable seats adorned with intricate embroidery fit for royalty. A food compartment stocked with an array of fruits and pastries.
A stark contrast to Maverick's carriage.
He needs to upgrade to something like this.
---
The royal carriage arrives at the villa.
Maverick waits for me.
I step out. A brief but noticeable tension hangs between Maverick and the man who brought me from the palace. Some unspoken rivalry or animosity.
I choose to ignore it.
"Thank you, Maverick."
He nods. A slight smirk plays on his face, as if he's pleased to have bested the other man in some way.
"You can head back now." I dismiss the carriage driver. "I will return with my own arrangements."
"As you wish, Your Highness."
The driver bows and turns to leave. The Gilcha lizard disappears in a beam of light.
Maverick and I stand outside the villa.
I glance at him. Confident stance. Subtle smirk.
He enjoys these little victories, even if they're just minor competitions.
"Shall we?"
I gesture toward the villa.