Chapter 11
Two weeks pass since Lucina's eventful trip to the Whispering Bazaar, where she acquires her three new companions.
In the bustling corridors of the palace, she is swamped with royal lessons, courtly etiquette, and the myriad responsibilities that come with her title as the third princess of the Solana Empire.
But amidst the official duties and formalities, Lucina also finds herself delving into her own research.
***
Maverick
I step out of the motel and admire the new attire the princess provided through her more than generous pay.
Her Highness may be many things, but being stingy is definitely not one of them.
I look like one of those cocky noble lord's aides now. I can't wait to show off at the local pub tonight. A smirk crosses my face as I imagine the looks of surprise from those who knew me before.
I walk through the back garden and make my way to the Gilcha lizard. I pat her head affectionately. She looks plump and happier now, thanks to the care I've been giving her.
I climb onto her back. We take off toward my babysitting duty.
After a few minutes in the air, we arrive at the villa.
I dismount and head toward the front door.
Nikolai greets me—the purple-haired one. Now that he isn'tgaunt, I can see why the princess chose him.
"Mr. Nikolai, how do you do?" I greet him politely.
"Just call me Niko, please." He smiles warmly.
I refuse.
I grumble to myself.
Leaning against the wall, arms crossed, is Haroun.
Sitting with a cold look on his face is Vale, the elf.
I give a slight bow to both of them before turning my attention back to Niko.
"She's not here again." Haroun's frustration is evident.
"I only follow orders, Mr. Haroun." I head into the kitchen to check the food reserves. I make a mental note of what needs restocking.
I return. "Anything you need?"
No response.
I shrug to myself. Done my job.
Just as I turn to leave, a soft voice calls out.
Vale.
This is surprising. First time he's spoken to me.
"I'm not asking you as Her Highness's employee." Vale pauses.
"I want your individual opinion. Her Highness bought us and left. We've just been here. I don't know about the others, but I'm sitting on pins and needles. I don't know what to do."
I sigh.
I turn to look at the others. They're eagerly waiting for my answer.
I straighten my coat.
"Her Highness doesn't need me. There are millions of other people who would kill to have my job. I'm still here because I want to be. I do everything to still work for her."
I look at each of them.
"Looking at you three, I'd say the only thing that attracted her to you was your physical appearance. But remember—there are many other guys as attractive as you. So think about what will make you stand out. What will make you useful. What are your unique talents?"
I turn to head for the door.
My words will linger with them. I looked cool, didn't I?
I snicker to myself.
"I'm sure you all know the reason why you're here."
I open the door to leave.
Just as I step out, the communication crystal in my inner pocket lights up. I pull it out and receive a burst of information directly into my head.
"It seems Her Highness wishes to see you all tomorrow."
I finally leave the villa.
***
Nikolai
After Maverick leaves, the other two attempt to leave as well.
"Sit down."
My voice is firm.
Valandor thankfully obeys and takes a seat. But Haroun, stubborn as ever, resists.
"Why should I?" He crosses his arms defiantly.
I sigh inwardly. A headache brews behind my eyes.
I wish I could just zap him into pieces. Unfortunately, that isn't an option.
"We need to talk." I keep my patience.
Haroun opens his mouth to protest.
Valandor intervenes. "Haroun, please."
Valandor casts a pleading glance at his companion.
Haroun begrudgingly takes a seat on a nearby chair. Annoyance twists his expression.
"You must understand how lucky we are." I look at each of them in turn. "I appreciate that fact, unlike the two of you. I begged the master to take me with her. I'd like to stay with her."
Silence.
"Since neither of you have decided to take on this role, I have appointed myself in charge." I pause.
"Any problems?"
They look at me blankly. Unsure what to say.
---
I walk over to a chair and take a seat. I gesture for them to do the same.
"I was a slave in a noble house a few years ago. A local noble lord—clearly no one as majestic as Her Highness. But he had a boatload of concubines. Male and female."
My voice carries the weight of past experiences.
"Let me tell you. It was brutal."
Valandor's eyes widen. "You don't think Her Highness—"
"I'm not saying Her Highness will do anything like that." I cut him off.
"Hell, we're a bunch of slaves. We might never have an official title. But Her Highness might acquire other slaves. Or worse—what if they're not slaves?"
I let the question hang.
"Guess who will be an eyesore?" I point at us. "Us."
"In any situation, Her Highness might be married off to a foreign prince or high noble." I keep my voice steady. "And we'd be disposed of. Or worse—sold off again."
The gravity of the situation sinks in.
"I don't know about the two of you, but Her Highness gave me the first taste of acceptance and kindness in my life." My voice softens. A vulnerability I rarely show slips through.
"I'll do anything to keep it."
"Agreed." Valandor's eyes reflect determination.
"Seeing you two be greedy..." Haroun shrugs. "I can't help but be greedy too."
A hint of vulnerability colors his voice.
I clap my hands. "Great. Now let's get our roles settled."
As we discuss our roles and responsibilities, a sense of camaraderie begins to form among us.
Despite our different backgrounds and circumstances, we are united by our loyalty to Princess Lucina.
In our eyes, she is more than just a princess.
She is a beacon of light in our darkened pasts.