Chapter 12:
Lucina
I decide to sneak out of the palace once more to visit my three babies.
I follow my usual routine. Skillfully navigating through the overgrown maze in the palace's backyard, I make my way to the wall and climb over it—just as I've done before.
At our usual meeting spot, Maverick waits for me.
I notice that both Maverick and his Gilcha lizard look healthier since the last time I saw them.
I climb into the compartment on the lizard's back. We set off toward the residential area where the villa sits.
*
We arrive at the villa.
The three of them wait outside. Their attempts at bowing are the clumsiest I've ever seen.
I stifle a laugh as I walk past them and enter the villa.
Maverick decides to wait outside.
Inside, I make myself comfortable in the living area. I sit on one of the chairs and drape my cloak over it.
The men stand awkwardly before me.
"How have you been?"
Silence.
"Nikolai. Come here."
I motion to him. He approaches and kneels at my feet.
A rush of power goes straight to my head. I try to ignore it, but... a girl could get used to this.
I lift his chin to examine his face. I notice slight improvements from eating healthier food.
Lost in my scrutiny, I realize I've been staring too long when his face flushes red.
I release him.
"I see you've all been well." I clear my throat. "Anyway, I'm here to give you something to do."
They look at me uncertainly.
"Relax. It's nothing too difficult. Every Monday evening, you'll have noble etiquette lessons. At some point, I may ask one of you to accompany me somewhere. It would be unfortunate if you weren't familiar with proper behavior."
I stand and motion for them to follow.
We head outside and climb onto the Gilcha lizard.
"Niko and Haroun. Where we are going, you will not mention who you actually are. You are commoners with no relation to me. Understood?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
They respond in unison.
As we ride, awkward silence fills the air.
I hope that one day we can ride together and the journey will be filled with lively conversation.
After four hours of travel, we arrive at our first destination.
I ask the men to wait inside the Gilcha lizard while I prepare for our meeting. I drape my cloak around me and head out. Maverick follows closely behind.
In a secluded corner shrouded in shadows, an older man in his fifties waits.
"I'm sorry to keep you waiting."
"No need for apologies, my lady." The man bows slightly.
I motion for Maverick to hand the man a small pouch. He eagerly checks it. A smile creeps onto his face—one he tries unsuccessfully to hide.
"He can start any day. Don't worry, my lady. I have everything sorted out." He bows again.
I gesture for him to follow me back to the Gilcha lizard.
Haroun waits inside.
"Haroun."
He emerges from the compartment and stands next to me.
"This is Elder Calein. The vice dean of one of the best knight's academies in the capital."
I introduce the man to Haroun.
"Pleasure to meet you." Haroun bows clumsily.
"No need for formalities, my boy." Elder Calein chuckles and pats Haroun on the back. He hands him a token. "Use this when you get to the academy."
Haroun looks flustered and dazed as Elder Calein takes his leave.
We return to the compartment. Haroun's companions look at him curiously.
I close my eyes and allow myself a moment of rest as the Gilcha lizard continues its journey.
The weight of responsibility is heavy on my shoulders. But seeing the possibilities unfold for these young men makes it all worthwhile.
---
Two hours later, we arrive at our next destination.
I disembark with Maverick following closely behind, playing the role of my protective shadow.
I chuckle at the image of him as a bodyguard.
We find ourselves in a small, secluded forest. A surprising oasis within the bustling city of Lumine.
I lean against a tree and wait. I don't need to search.
"You have item."
A voice suddenly speaks from the other side of the tree.
"You first."
I motion for Maverick to step forward.
Clothes rustle as Maverick approaches. He hands me a token.
I inspect it briefly. Satisfied with its authenticity, I reach into my cloak and retrieve an ancient-looking book. One I "borrowed" from the palace library. I know its value.
I hand it to Maverick. He presents it to the unseen man.
A startled gasp. The careful flipping of pages as the man examines the book.
"It's been a pleasure."
He suddenly disappears into thin air.
Mages.
I close my eyes once again as we head toward another destination.
Back in the compartment of the Gilcha lizard, I hand the token to Niko.
He receives it. The token begins to glow softly in his arms.
He gasps in awe.
"Is this...?"
"Yes. It took quite an effort to acquire." I smile. "If you want to thank me, just don't make me regret my decision."
What I gave Niko is a token for the Tower of Magic. A coveted item that grants access to the prestigious tower.
Getting into the tower is no easy feat. It rarely happens without insider connections. Mages keep to themselves, secluded within the confines of their tower.
I watch as Niko stares at the glowing token in wonder and disbelief.
A rare opportunity.
I hope he makes the most of it.