Chapter 15:
Lucina
I walk through the palace, surrounded by the grandeur of giant crystal pillars that stretch toward the high ceilings.
Each pillar is meticulously crafted, reflecting light in a dazzling display of colors that dance across the marble floors. The crystals themselves seem to pulse with subtle energy, casting a gentle glow that bathes the corridors in soft, ethereal light.
Stacy, my ever-faithful companion, walks beside me. We follow a familiar path to the royal library.
I mentally go through the list of books I need to "borrow" for Nikolai. He's been making remarkable progress in his mage studies. I want to support his learning as much as I can. Perhaps a tome on advanced spellcasting or elemental magic will pique his interest.
Haroun would benefit from sword manuals. His dedication to knight training is commendable. I want to ensure he has the resources to excel. I make a mental note to find the best manuals available—ones that will challenge him and push him to improve.
Valendor is trickier. The royal library is vast, but it may not have much on nature magic specific to elves. I'll have to get creative. Search for ancient scrolls or hidden tomes tucked away in forgotten corners of the library.
I approach the grand library doors.
My heart sinks.
Prince Luan and Princess Stella stand there.
Luan stands there all tall and regal.
His royal attire exudes confidence and power. His silver-white hair catches the light, shimmering like moonlight against the dark backdrop of the palace.
I can't deny he is strikingly handsome. Sharp features. Piercing eyes that seem to see right through me.
Beside him, Princess Stella wears a lavish pink gown that practically sparkles with jewels. Her hair is intricately styled, piled high atop her head with curls cascading down her shoulders. The weight of her elaborate jewelry must be considerable.
I shudder at the thought of how uncomfortable it must be.
I briefly consider turning back. Hoping to avoid what I know will be a tedious encounter with the royal twins.
But before I can move, Stella's gaze locks onto mine.
Too late.
With a resigned sigh, I steel myself and continue walking toward them. Mentally preparing for the inevitable conversation.
As I draw closer, Luan's haughty expression softens slightly. A more neutral demeanor replaces it.
Stella maintains a polite smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes.
I greet them with a respectful nod.
I refrain from offering the usual formalities reserved for royalty. After all, we are all the same age—my birth in March, the twins born in August. Protocol requires respect only for the eldest son, Linus (twenty-two), and the second prince, Artem (nineteen).
"Stella. Brother Luan."
My tone is polite but lacks warmth. I don't need to pretend to like them. Especially not Stella, who barely offers a civil response.
"Lucina." Stella's reply is terse. Her expression chilly.
The feeling is mutual.
"Lucina." Luan leans forward and presses a kiss to the back of my right arm.
I suppress a shudder at the overly dramatic gesture.
Seriously. For a transmigrator, he seems a bit too enthusiastic about playing the role of a prince.
I try to maintain a neutral expression. I don't want to give Stella any more reason to dislike me. But her stink eye at Luan's greeting is hard to miss.
I inwardly sigh. Tension fills the air.
"Well, it was... nice to see you both." I make a subtle move to step away. "But I must be going. I have some... business to attend to."
As I make my escape toward the grand library doors, Luan's voice stops me.
"No need to be in such a hurry, Lucina." His tone is surprisingly polite.
"Please do join us for tea."
Stella, clearly unimpressed by Luan's invitation, mutters her agreement. Echoing my sentiments exactly.
Why is he inviting me? I have no desire to get involved with their drama.
"Brother Luan, I would love to, but I'd rather not intrude." I attempt to politely decline.
Hoping he'll take the hint.
"Rose will be joining us too." Luan's smile is blinding. "You wouldn't deny a brother the pleasure of spending time with his sisters, would you?"
I suppress the urge to roll my eyes.
With a reluctant sigh, I finally relent. "I suppose I can spare some time."
"Great!" Luan claps his hands together.
He turns. I reluctantly follow, silently cursing my luck.
*
In an elegant room adorned with intricate tapestries and ornate furniture, we sit at a round table.
The delicate aroma of freshly brewed tea fills the air. I take a sip, trying to savor the moment despite the tension in the room.
Stella sits across from me. Her gaze is sharp and calculating. I feel her eyes on me, analyzing my every move.
Unfortunately,Luan seems determined to engage me in conversation.
***
Luan
Mason Harrison has been living the dream ever since he transmigrated into his favorite novel, Riseof the Third Princeof Salona, as the main character, Prince Luan.
On Earth, he was stuck in a mundane life. Minimum wage. No luck in relationships.
But now? As Prince Luan, he has everything he could ever wish for.
A handsome appearance. Innate talent. The status of royalty.
And let's not forget about the women in this world. Mason can't wait to start his own harem.
He sits at the tea table surrounded by his beautiful sisters—the princesses.
Mason can't help but feel a surge of excitement.
Stella, his twin and a tsundere, is his personal favorite.
Then there's Rose, with her amplebosom. A close second.
But it's Lucina who truly captivates him. She is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen.
He steals glances at her. He can't resist.
Despite catching a hint of annoyance in Lucina's gaze, Mason brushes it off.
Why would she dislike me?
He continues with the generic conversation, reveling in the luxurious life surrounded by beautiful women.
This is truly a dream come true for Mason Harrison, now living as Prince Luan in Salona.
***
Lucina
The tea time ends.
I make a swift exit, eager to get to the library as I originally planned.
Throughout the tea, I couldn't help but notice how Prince Luan kept glancing at me. It made me uncomfortable.
Did he forget that we're siblings?
The worst part: how his eyes wandered to Rose's chest area. Her boobs. He was looking at his sister's breast.
Gross.
My blood boils. I silently wish I could gouge his eyes out.
There's also the ambiguous tension between Luan and Stella.
I know that royal families often engage in ...such... behaviors. But I don't want to dwell on it.
Besides he's a transmigrator, from Earth.
It's best to ignore those thoughts and focus on my escape plan.
With determination in my stride, I head toward the library.
My mind is set on leaving the palace as soon as possible.
I can't stay here any longer. Not with the unsettling dynamics among the royal siblings.
It's time to put my plan into overdrive.
Time to make my escape.