Chapter 27:
Lucina
My head pounds as I sit in my chambers, snacking on grape-like fruits to soothe my stomach. Stacy massages my temples as she catches me up on all the palace gossip.
Apparently, Rose is engaged to a foreign prince from a neighboring kingdom. I make a mental note to send her a congratulatory message later.
As for Artem, my second brother? Nothing new to report. Not surprising. He always stays out of the limelight.
The real drama centers around Linus, my older brother and the current heir to the throne. His faction is on edge due to Luan's growing influence and popularity.
Luan recently achieved a breakthrough in his swordsmanship—reaching four stars. It has caused quite a stir.
To add to the intrigue, Luan is engaged to Lady Starforge, a close friend of Stella's. But there's also talk of Luan being quite friendly with a female knight. It has raised some eyebrows.
I find it all quite interesting. Though I can't help but feel detached from the palace politics.
I stroll through the halls of my modest palace. Frustration and resignation mix in my chest.
Compared to the grandeur of the other massive palaces in the empire, mine is a sad example. Only three floors. My room sits on the second floor, along with five additional rooms—three bedrooms, one bath, and one drawing room with a balcony.
Small and quaint.
But it's home.
Then again, what would I do with a very big palace?
I pass by the guards stationed outside my room.
Disappointment sours my mood. They are a sorry excuse for guards—more like decorations than protectors.
I shake my head and continue downstairs.
The ground floor consists of a small dining area, a cozy living room, a compact kitchen, and the servants' quarters.
Today, I've called for all the servants to gather.
They look fearful. Still haunted by the memory of the last time I gathered them like this.
"Please, don't be afraid."
I try to reassure them. But their fear remains palpable. I have no intention of harming anyone today. They don't know that.
"Anyway, you're all fired."
I cut straight to the point. Their expressions shift from fear to confusion and shock. Some look like they want to protest. I raise my hand to silence them.
"Don't say anything. Just leave. I expect you all gone by noon tomorrow."
My tone leaves no room for argument. I turn and make my way back upstairs.
Upstairs, the guards still loiter.
It seems they didn't get the memo.
"What are you doing here instead of packing?"
I eye Mr. Big Forehead and Mr. Big Nose with a raised eyebrow.
"Didn't you just request for the servants to leave?" Big Nose's tone borders on insolence.
"I'm clarifying right now. You too. Out."
I cross my arms over my chest.
Time to clean house.
*
I gaze at my reflection in the vanity mirror.
Surge of satisfaction.
My curls cascade elegantly around my shoulders. My night attire, though simple, exudes subtle grace.
"Your Highness."
Stacy's voice interrupts my reverie. I reluctantly tear my eyes away from my reflection.
I make my way downstairs. The soft fabric of my night attire swishes around my legs.
As I descend, I spot Haroun struggling with an armful of luggage.
A mischievous idea forms.
"Haroun!"
I pretend to trip on the stairs and tumble forward.
In a swift movement, he catches me just before I reach the bottom.
"Are you okay?" Concern fills his voice as he holds me in his arms. His chest presses against mine.
"I'm fine. I just missed a step."
I take advantage of the situation to press closer to him. I not-so-subtly grope his chest just because I can.
He flusters. He quickly sets me back on his feet and rushes off to retrieve the rest of the bags.
Oh, he's too cute when he's flustered.
A mischievous grin spreads across my face.
Why not bring my boys here? Who's going to stop me?
I dare them.
Valendor is the first to start decorating. He places large potted plants in strategic corners of the palace. His green thumb works wonders—instantly bringing life and freshness to the space.
Nikolai weaves his magic. Quite literally. With a flick of his wrist, furniture pieces float into place. Curtains dance through the air. Bags unpack themselves.
A mesmerizing display of his mage talents.
Even Maverick joins in. He carries bags with surprising ease. I chuckle at the sight—not used to seeing our trusty steed doing work outside driving his lizard.
Stacy, after gaping, leads him to the servants' quarters.
The palace transforms around us.
A sense of contentment washes over me.
I run my fingers through the array of dresses and fabrics in my new and improved closet.
A familiar voice startles me from behind.
"Kai sends his regards. He says he's waiting for his 'official invitation' to the palace."
Nikolai's voice fills the room. His presence brings warmth and affection.
I turn to face him.
He stands there in his glasses. His violet eyes fix on me with adoration. His gaze makes my heart flutter.
I feel undeserving of such affection.
"Last chance, you know." A playful smile tugs at my lips. "I wouldn't want to keep the genius of the magic tower with me against his will."
"You wouldn't keep me away, even if it was your order."
He takes my right palm and brings it to his lips. A gentle kiss presses into the center of my palm.
I raise an eyebrow teasingly. "What happened to obeying all my orders, huh?"
"All orders except the one that requires me to leave you."
His charming smile returns. His eyes sparkle with mischief.
I look up at him.
Nikolai towers over me now. His presence is commanding yet comforting. He's undeniably attractive—and he knows it. But what's more, he uses that charm and magnetism against me.
I find myself completely under his spell.
I reach up to touch his cheek softly. Warmth radiates from his skin beneath my fingertips.
"You're too much, Nikolai."
I can't tear my gaze away from his mesmerizing eyes.
He leans down. His lips hover just inches from mine.
"And you're irresistible."
He whispers. Then he closes the distance between us.
I stop him with my palm covering his lips.
He looks at me. Resigned.
Such a flirt. How sneaky.
***
In a small, dimly lit servants' quarters nestled away from Selene's grand palace, a group of maids chat amongst themselves.
"I saw Mary head out," one maid whispers, her voice barely above a murmur.
"She just arrived and fired all her staff," another maid adds, her eyes wide with gossip.
"Shhh, guys. I heard something."
A third maid interrupts, drawing the attention of the others. They lean in closer, eager to catch every word.
"I heard something from Peter, who works at the entrance." Her tone is hushed with secrecy. "He said that the reason those three attractive men left the Gilcha lizard exclusive to the princess—was because of the princess herself."
She pauses for dramatic effect.
Her words hang in the air. Gasps and surprised murmurs fill the room.
"Why do you think she wanted the privacy of the palace to herself?"
The maid's eyes widen with excitement.
---
The revelation spreads like wildfire.
A frenzy of ridiculous rumors circulates throughout the palace the following morning.
Whispers of secret rendezvous, clandestine affairs, and forbidden love fill the halls. All stemming from the innocent departure of the three attractive men from the princess's private quarters.
The maids can't help but speculate. Their imaginations run wild with possibilities.
Meanwhile, Selene remains unaware of the swirling rumors surrounding her. Too preoccupied with her own thoughts and the newfound joy she has found in the boys' presence.
Little does she know—her innocent actions have sparked a storm of gossip that will soon reach even the highest echelons of the palace.