_________
Lucina
I pressed my hands together, my heart still racing from the little elf's startling revelation. The possibility that someone had used my likeness for a sinister purpose made my chest tighten. I couldn't let my thoughts wander too far before dealing with the here and now.
KNOCK KNOCK.
The sound shattered the silence like ice breaking on a frozen lake. My pulse jumped.
"My Lady, Adar has come to see you."
The little elf, who had been hovering nearby, froze mid-air. His wings trembled, then, with a flash of shimmering green light, he vanished. A tiny green bird fluttered upward with a nervous chirp.
"I should get going," he squeaked. "Don't tell anyone about this just in case! That includes Hakan!"
Before I could respond, he disappeared out the window, leaving the room feeling suddenly empty and cold.
"Lucina?" The voice outside startled me again, softer this time, but carrying the weight of familiarity. My silver hair bounced as I spun toward the door.
"P-Please come in!" I called, smoothing my dress and trying to mask the racing of my heart.
The door opened, revealing Adar, her presence calm and dignified. She stepped inside, giving me a warm smile. "It has been a while."
I blinked, caught off guard. Why had she come now, unannounced? Anxiety and curiosity battled in my chest as I moved aside, gesturing for her to sit.
"I'm sorry for showing up at your doorstep so late without any notice," she said, her voice soft but firm. I noticed a slight flush on her cheeks, a rare vulnerability from someone usually so composed.
"N-not at all. You can come and visit whenever you like," I stammered, my words spilling out too quickly, betraying my nerves.
Adar's shoulders relaxed, and a gentle chuckle escaped her lips. "Thank you, I appreciate it," she said, settling gracefully into the chair opposite me.
We sat in a brief, comfortable silence, each of us collecting our thoughts. Then she leaned slightly forward, her expression sharpening with purpose.
"Anyway, the reason I came to visit… is because I wanted to give this to you."
She extended her hands, sliding a thick, leather-bound book across the polished surface of the table toward me. The book was clasped shut with a delicate metal strap, adorned with a violet flower etched in intricate detail.
My fingers trembled as they brushed against the leather cover. "What is it?" I asked, my curiosity barely contained.
"I've been researching the risks that a Draconian child poses to their mother," Adar revealed, her eyes locking onto mine with grave concern.
My stomach dropped. The visit wasn't a casual one. This was no gift of friendship or politeness. It was a warning, and it concerned my unborn child.
I sat there, frozen for a moment, the weight of her words pressing down like a physical force. My gaze stayed fixed on the book, as though its secrets had already begun to seep into my mind.
"Now that I think about it, you're right," I mused, the little elf's warning still lingering in my mind, when a sharp KNOCK KNOCK echoed through the room.
"My Lady, Adar has come to see you."
The little elf, who had been listening intently, froze for a moment before transforming in a sudden POOF of shimmering green light. A tiny green bird fluttered upward nervously.
"I should get going," he chirped. "Don't tell anyone about this just in case! That includes Hakan!" With a quick FLAP, he slipped out the open window, leaving the room feeling emptier than before.
"Lucina?" The familiar voice startled me. I quickly rose, my silver hair bouncing as I dashed across the room. "P-Please come in!" I called, trying to regain composure.
Adar entered gracefully, her presence calm yet dignified. "It has been a while," she said warmly. I returned her kind SMILE, though a mix of anxiety and curiosity made my heart pound.
"Why has she suddenly come to see me?" I wondered, my mind racing.
"I'm sorry for showing up at your doorstep so late without any notice," Adar said, her tone carrying a rare hint of nervousness.
"N-not at all. You can come and visit whenever you like," I assured her, rushing my words in my eagerness to ease her tension.
Adar chuckled softly. "Thank you, I appreciate it."
We sat down on the plush chairs, and she wasted no time getting to the point. "Anyway, the reason I came to visit… is because I wanted to give this to you."
She reached forward and slid a thick, leather-bound book across the table toward me. The cover was clasped with a delicate metal strap, adorned with a violet flower etched in exquisite detail.
"What is it?" I asked, my fingers hovering over the book, curiosity and apprehension mixing in my chest.
"I've been researching the risks that a Draconian child poses to their mother," she revealed.
My eyes widened as I slowly lifted the cover and began to FLIP through the pages. The script was dense and intricate, filled with arcane symbols, diagrams of herbs, and delicate illustrations that spoke of painstaking research.
"I was hoping this would allow future Queens to give birth to Draconian children safely," Adar explained, a shadow of disappointment crossing her features. "But it seemed that Giaret was opposed to this idea."
A chill ran through me. I knew the Queen, Giaret, to be dangerous, but to sabotage research that could save lives…
Adar's expression hardened. "I imagine that is what ran through her head: 'If everyone can safely give birth to Draconian children, it puts my position as Queen at risk.'"
Her voice dropped to a whisper, tinged with regret. "Giaret most likely used black magic… to suspend my research."
I looked down at the book in my lap, feeling a pang of sympathy and outrage. "I can't believe she used black magic for so long just because of something like that."
Adar met my gaze, pleading silently. "I wish I could continue my research now, but I don't think that will be possible. This research might be incomplete, but I still want to pass it on to you."
I tightened my grip on the leather cover. The effort, the risks, the devotion… Adar had poured everything into this work, only for it to be halted by the Queen's ambition and jealousy.
"She worked so hard on this research…" I thought, the weight of that effort pressing on my chest. A fierce, protective urge surged within me, pushing aside fear. "I want to help her."
I looked up at Adar, determination strengthening my voice. "I-I'll continue the research for you."
Her eyes widened in surprise. "You will?"
"Yes," I confirmed firmly, dipping my head in solemn promise. "I… also hope… to use this information to protect myself and my baby." The words felt like an oath, binding me to both her legacy and my unborn child. "I'll do my best to finish the research you started. So please leave this to me."
Adar's hands reached for mine, giving them a gentle SQUEEZE. "Thank you," she whispered, deeply moved. "But please don't push yourself too hard."
"I don't want to burden you," I insisted softly, though I knew the weight of this knowledge—and the responsibility—was now mine.
My heart pounded with determination, though a tremor of fear ran through me. "I-I'll continue the research for you," I said, looking at Adar.
"You will?" she asked, surprise coloring her voice.
"Yes," I confirmed, my voice steadier now. "I... also hope... to use this information to protect myself and my baby." My resolve hardened. "I'll do my best to finish the research you started. So please leave this to me."
Adar's eyes glistened with emotion. "Thank you," she whispered softly. She reached out and gave my hands a gentle SQUEEZE. "But please don't push yourself too hard."
"I don't want to burden you," I insisted, feeling the weight of responsibility settle firmly on my shoulders.
Soon after, Adar departed, leaving me alone with the leather-bound book in my hands. The palace outside gleamed in the sunlight, gilded and distant, yet somehow menacing. Could this be my mother's research? The thought connected my present to a past I barely knew, making my chest tighten.
I barely had time to dwell on it before Hakan entered. His eyes immediately fell on the book in my hands and the serious expression on my face.
He took the book gently and read a passage. "I had no idea she was doing this..." he murmured, concern furrowing his brow. He looked up at me. "But are you sure you want to continue her research, Lucina?"
I clasped my hands to my chest, a small, proud smile touching my lips. "Yes! I can read everything in this notebook now," I said, thinking of my newfound ability to read as a gift meant to be used.
Hakan still looked uncertain. "Will you be okay?" he asked, stepping closer. His imposing figure radiated worry. "You might be able to read and write now... but researching medicine for pregnant women isn't easy, even for those who've been studying for a long time." His words made me feel a slight DROOP of disappointment.
"Really? I was going to do my best..." I replied, feeling a little discouraged.
He immediately softened, reaching out to wrap his powerful arms around me, giving my hands a comforting SQUEEZE. "It's not that I don't think you can do it, Lucina," he said gently. "I'm just concerned you'll push yourself too hard while pregnant."
He continued, his voice serious, making my eyes widen. "Draconian children tend to develop faster in the womb… and your body will soon feel heavier as well. I can't help but worry about you, Lucina."
I nestled closer to him, thinking hard. "That's why I've been doing some thinking, Hakan," I told him.
"What do you mean by that?" he asked, pulling back slightly to look at me.
"I was going to ask Gillai to help me with the research," I revealed, my mind set.
Hakan's brow furrowed. "Gillai?"
"I heard that no one else has studied for as long as Gillai has," I explained, gesturing toward the research book. "I'm confident the research will proceed more smoothly and swiftly with his assistance… which would ultimately help to ensure the safety of the Tayar tribe." The stakes were too high to rely solely on myself.
Hakan's expression darkened. "But he's a criminal who used forbidden magic." The risk was undeniable.
"There's no way to guarantee he won't do that again," he continued, his gaze serious.
I met his eyes, my hands pressed over my heart, completely resolved. "I'll make sure he doesn't." My eyes shone with fierce determination.
I spoke with the full weight of my commitment, staring into his eyes. "I give my word as the future Queen of Tayar." This was a promise not just to him, but to the tribe whose safety now depended on my choices.
Hakan studied me for a long moment, the determination in my gaze finally swaying him. He gave a soft CHUCKLE. "If you're going that far, then I guess I don't have a choice," he conceded. "I'll send Gillai to the Queen's palace soon."
A few days later, the sun hung high over the palace. I stood at a window, watching Hakan, draped in a richly colored robe, stride across the courtyard with two other men. His gaze was sharp, scanning every corner as they moved toward the place where the prisoner, Gillai, was being held.
The research—Adar's legacy, my greatest hope for a safe delivery—was about to begin. The fate of the Tayar tribe, and my own, rested on a criminal's knowledge and my solemn vow.
A few days later, I watched from the palace window as Hakan, draped in his dark robe, strode across the courtyard. His eyes scanned the surroundings sharply, every step deliberate. He was on a mission to retrieve Gillai, the convicted criminal whose brilliance in research made him indispensable despite his past transgressions.
The heavy dungeon doors creaked open, and Hakan, flanked by a guard, escorted a man out.
"This is... Gillai!"
The air seemed to thrum with tension as they brought him forward. I stepped onto the palace grounds, the open sky and bright sun at odds with the gravity of the moment.
"There you are," I said, offering a faint smile as I approached, clutching Adar's book.
"Lucina…?" His dark eyes flickered with confusion and surprise, as though he recognized me in that instant.
I returned a gentle SMILE. "Were you the one who asked to see me?"
He inclined his head slightly. "Yes," he murmured, his tone cautious.
I held out the research materials—a thick parchment filled with Adar's meticulous notes. "It seems like… Lady Adar was developing a medicine that would allow women to safely give birth to Draconian children."
Gillai took the papers, our fingers brushing briefly. His eyes scanned the familiar, intricate script, tracing the lines of careful study.
"However… Adar is no longer able to continue this research," I said, lowering my gaze to convey the gravity of her forced suspension. "S-so I want to help her..." I squeezed the notes he held (SQUEEZE). "...But I can't do this alone."
I looked up at him, vulnerability and resolve mingling in my expression. "I was wondering… if you'd be willing to help me."
Gillai's gaze dropped to the documents, then back at me, his face shadowed with doubt. "Why me…?" he asked, shifting uneasily. "Do you still trust someone like me?"
I met his eyes with a firm, genuine smile, my voice steady despite the tension. "Of course I do. I want you to help me."
Hakan, who had remained silent nearby, stepped forward. "His Majesty said he would prepare somewhere for you to carry out this research as well," I relayed, ensuring the terms were clear.
Gillai's expression remained somber, and Hakan immediately added a non-negotiable condition. "Although… you will be placed under constant supervision."
There was a tense pause as Gillai weighed the terms. Finally, resignation and a glimmer of hope softened his features. "Fine, I'll help you."
"R-Really?" I breathed, relief washing over me, my smile growing.
"Feel free to tell me if you need anything for the research," I urged him, the weight of the hardest part now lifting.
Gillai gave a quick NOD NOD. "His Majesty has already prepared a place for you to work. Do you want to go there now?"
I nodded, anticipation rising. "I want to start the research as soon as possible."
He inhaled deeply, conviction in his voice surprising me. "If I complete this research…" His eyes drifted past me, toward the sunlit palace. "...then I'll be able to see Lucina's smiling face again."
I watched as Hakan escorted Gillai toward the newly prepared research facility, a mixture of hope and cautious vigilance settling in my chest. The research was in motion, and the first step toward protecting my future—and that of the Tayar tribe—had begun.