So, what do you all think of the story so far? Too slow? Too fast? Need more character development? How should we move forward? I genuinely want to know your thoughts, guys.
let's make this the greatest story it can be.
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Chapter 111
The corridors of the royal palace were quiet in the afternoon light. Lucas moved slowly, his steps measured, his body still heavy from the battle. He had let Kaya fuss over him until Austin dragged her away to see the kitchens. But there was something he needed to do before he left this kingdom.
He found the door easily enough—the guards had recognized him, had nodded him through without a word. It was a heavy door, dark wood banded with gold, and before he could knock, he heard it.
The violin.
The music was soft, melodic, weaving through the wood and stone like something alive. He recognized the song—the same one Elizabeth had played in the garden, the day he had first heard her play. It was slower now, gentler, as if the instrument itself was being careful.
He knocked.
The music stopped. A moment of silence, then Elizabeth's voice, light and warm: "Come in."
Lucas pushed the door open.
The room was large but not grand, filled with the comfortable clutter of someone who lived in it. Books stacked on side tables. Flowers in a vase by the window. A fire burning low in the hearth. And in the center of it all, a large bed with silk hangings, and in that bed, propped against a mountain of pillows, Ashely.
Her face was pale, her pink hair loose around her shoulders, her hands resting on the coverlet like she didn't have the strength to lift them. But her eyes—her pink, knowing eyes—were sharp as ever, fixed on him the moment he entered.
Beside her, Elizabeth sat on the edge of the bed, her violin lowered to her lap. She wore a simple dress today, no crown, no jewels. Her hair was loose, her face open, and when she saw him, something in her expression shifted—relief, happiness.
"Lucas," she breathed.
He crossed to the bed, his steps careful, his body protesting with each movement. Ashely watched him approach, and her lips curved into something that was not quite a smile.
"Should you be walking?" she asked.
Lucas waved a hand, a lazy gesture that made Elizabeth laugh and Ashely's eyes narrow. "I'll be okay."
"You were unconscious yesterday."
"And now I'm awake." He stopped at the foot of the bed, looking down at his teacher. "How are you feeling, Master?"
Ashely studied him for a long moment. Then she sighed, settling back against her pillows. "I'm fine, The healers say I'll recover." She paused. "I would love it if you rested more."
Lucas smiled. "I think the same for you."
She laughed, a soft, tired sound. "We're a pair, aren't we? The boy who won't rest and the queen who can't."
Elizabeth set her violin aside, rising from the bed. She moved to Lucas's side, her hand finding his arm, her touch light, as if she was afraid he might break.
"You're leaving," she said. It wasn't a question.
Lucas looked at her. Her pink eyes were bright, her lips pressed together in a line that was trying very hard to be brave. "In two days," he said. "The team is returning to the Hidden City of Sky."
She nodded slowly, her hand tightening on his arm. "I know."
From the bed, Ashely watched them both. "Then we have time," she said. "One more lesson, before you go. Tomorrow, If you're well enough."
Lucas turned to her, surprised. "Master—"
"I said I'm fine." Her voice was firm despite its weakness. "And I won't have my last student leaving without a proper goodbye." She smiled, and for a moment, she looked almost like herself. "One lesson, then you can go back to your hidden city and your secrets and your war."
Lucas opened his mouth to argue, then closed it. He bowed his head. "I would be honored."
Ashely nodded, satisfied. "Good, Now both of you leave. I want to sleep before the healers come back with their tonics and their fussing."
Elizabeth laughed, crossing back to the bed. She leaned down, pressing a kiss to her mother's forehead. "Rest," she said.
Ashely caught her hand, squeezing it once. "I will."
Lucas moved toward the door, but Elizabeth lingered, her hand still in her mother's.
"Elizabeth," Ashely said, her voice soft. "Walk him out."
Elizabeth straightened, her cheeks flushing slightly. She looked at Lucas, then back at her mother. Ashely was already closing her eyes, a small smile on her face.
"I'll come back later," Elizabeth said.
"Okay," Ashely agreed. "Now go."
Elizabeth took Lucas's arm as they left the room, her hand fitting into the crook of his elbow like it belonged there. The door closed behind them.
They walked in silence for a moment, their footsteps echoing on the stone.
"You're really leaving," Elizabeth said.
Lucas looked at her. She was staring straight ahead, her profile sharp against the light from the windows. "I have to."
"I know." She stopped walking, turning to face him. Her hands were clasped in front of her, her fingers twisting together. "I just—" She stopped.
Lucas waited.
She took a breath. "You said you would come back. Before, When we first talked about this."
"I said I would."
"Then I will see you in some months." She said.
Lucas reached out, catching her hands, stilling them. "If you're willing to wait."
Elizabeth looked down at their hands, then up at his face. Her eyes were bright, but she was smiling. "Always."
The word was quiet, simple, and it settled in his chest like something solid.
He pulled her closer, his forehead resting against hers. "Then I'll come back."
She laughed, a soft, wet sound. "You better."
He kissed her. It was soft, brief, a promise more than anything else. When he pulled back, her cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright, her smile wide.
"I'll hold you to that," she said.
"Good."
They walked the rest of the way to his room in silence, her hand in his, the afternoon light painting the corridors gold. At his door, she stopped, pulling her hand free reluctantly.
She pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Rest," she said. "You look terrible."
He laughed, "Okay,"
She grinned, already backing away down the corridor. "Someone has to tell you."
She disappeared around a corner, her laughter trailing behind her like music. Lucas stood in the doorway for a long moment, watching the empty corridor, her warmth still lingering on his skin.
Then he went inside, and let himself rest.