Chapter 211: To the palace
The room they had claimed for themselves turned out to be as fine as the innkeeper had promised. Heavy curtains kept the chill away, a great feather-stuffed bed sprawled across the center, and a small table held a tray of dried fruits and bread. Yet none of these comforts mattered as much as the laughter that filled the chamber when Lucas and the three women collapsed onto the bed together. The drink still warmed their blood, and though exhaustion tugged at them, they lingered in soft conversation until sleep claimed them all, tangled together beneath the same quilt.
When dawn broke, faint golden light filtered through the curtains and stirred them awake. One by one they roused, stretching and murmuring. Nyx was the first to rise, padding across the floor with graceful steps to find the basin of water prepared the night before. She leaned over it, splashing cool water on her face before glancing back. "Up, the three of you. We look like vagabonds if we linger in bed all morning."
Selene groaned loudly and buried her face deeper against Lucas’s chest. "For once, I’d rather stay a vagabond," she muttered, making the others laugh.
Lucas chuckled as he sat upright, rubbing her hair. "You’ll complain now, but you’d complain even more if you missed out on fresh bread and hot water."
Reluctantly, the girls began to stir. They took turns at the basin and the bath, dressing in their finer robes that had been carefully folded away. The scent of soap and fresh herbs soon replaced the musk of ale and sleep. Lucas fastened his tunic last, his expression shifting from lazy amusement to one of quiet resolve.
"It’s time," he said finally, glancing at each of them in turn. "Today I meet the Empress. We’ve had our fun, but now the real business begins."
The mirth that had carried the girls through the morning dimmed at once. Lira crossed her arms, her lips pressed into a small pout. "Business. Always business. Couldn’t you delay it one more day, Master? The palace will still be there tomorrow."
Nyx shook her head, though there was reluctance in her voice as well. "You know he can’t. This is what he came here for. Still, I would rather spend another day exploring the markets."
Selene sat on the edge of the bed, tapping her foot with irritation. "And what do you expect us to do during this meeting? Smile politely while old men and women talk about kingdoms and alliances? It sounds dreadfully dull."
Lucas smiled at her impatience and crouched before her so their eyes met. "It might be dull for you, Selene, but this is why I am here. The alliance matters more than any tavern fight or parade through the streets. You don’t need to listen to every word...they’ll bore you half to death. Just enjoy the sights of the palace while I handle the rest."
Selene wrinkled her nose, though her shoulders eased at his tone. "Fine. But only because I want to see what an Empress’s halls look like."
Lira finally laughed, shaking her head. "It seems you will drag us into politics whether we like it or not. At least the palace will be grand. I suppose that is something."
Nyx’s lips curved into a faint smile as she adjusted the clasp of her robe. "Then it is settled. We go with him, even if the words will mean little to us. We will endure it, Xavier. Just do not expect us to hide our yawns if the Empress takes too long with her speeches."
Lucas grinned, standing tall again and reaching for his belt. "That’s all I ask. Stand with me, look beautiful, and let me worry about the rest."
The three of them exchanged glances, still not entirely thrilled, but there was no changing the course now. The alliance awaited, and though the weight of kingdoms pressed on Lucas’s shoulders, the only consolation for the girls was that the palace itself promised marvels worth seeing.
The moment they stepped outside the inn, the air was already alive with a sense of purpose. The guards who had accompanied Lucas stood in perfect formation before the door, their polished armor gleaming under the morning sun, their expressions were stern with discipline. Clearly, they had shaken off the merriment of the night before. Lucas observed them for a brief moment with a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"You’re sharper this morning," he remarked casually, his tone amused. "I trust the ale and women didn’t make you forget your duties."
The guard leader bowed his head, his voice steady. "We drank as you ordered, my lord, but we did not forget ourselves. We are ready to escort you to the palace."
Nyx smirked, leaning closer to Lucas as she whispered, "They look more loyal to you than to the crown they serve."
Lucas only gave her a knowing glance, slipping his arms loosely around the shoulders of Selene and Lira as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "Loyalty grows when you treat men as human rather than pawns. Come, let’s not keep an Empress waiting."
The carriage awaited them, As they approached, two guards opened the carriage doors, bowing deeply. Lucas guided the girls inside first, letting their silken robes sweep across the steps before settling down himself in the middle seat.
The carriage jolted forward and they made their way toward the palace. Inside, laughter mingled with awe.
"Look at those markets," Lira exclaimed, pressing her face against the window as stalls bursting with colorful fabrics and glittering trinkets passed them by.
Selene sighed but could not hide her own fascination. "Even their street lamps are adorned with carvings. It feels like this entire city is trying to boast of its wealth."
Nyx, calm as ever, folded her hands on her lap. "Boasting or not, the artistry is undeniable. I must admit, I am curious to see how far the splendor extends once we enter the palace itself."
Lucas leaned back lazily, his expression unreadable. "Let them boast. Grandeur without substance is like an empty vessel. What matters is whether the Empress has the strength to match these walls."
The girls exchanged looks at his words, their expressions mixed with amusement and curiosity.
After some time, the carriage slowed, and the sound of trumpets blared faintly in the distance. The heavy gates of the imperial palace loomed ahead, carved with golden reliefs of dragons and phoenixes intertwined. Massive walls of pale stone stretched into the sky, and banners of crimson and gold flapped proudly in the breeze.
When they crossed through, the true magnificence of the palace grounds revealed itself. Lush gardens with fountains spilling clear water lined the path. Exotic birds perched on marble railings. Statues of former monarchs stood tall, their gazes severe, as though silently judging all who entered.
The carriage rolled to a stop at the base of wide steps leading up to the main hall. Servants dressed in fine robes hurried forward, bowing low as the guards opened the doors.
The girls stepped out first, their eyes widening as they drank in every detail...the intricately painted ceilings, the polished floors that reflected like glass, the vast corridors echoing with a sense of authority. Selene gasped softly, tugging at Lucas’s sleeve. "This is beyond anything I imagined. Even Valerion’s palaces do not glimmer like this."
Nyx touched the stone banister as though to test whether it was real, whispering, "So this is the heart of Lechia’s power. I cannot deny, it is beautiful."
Lira clapped her hands together lightly, her voice bubbling with excitement. "I could spend days here and not see everything."
Lucas, however, remained focused. He adjusted the folds of his cloak, stepped past the marveling girls, and walked with deliberate calm toward the steward who was waiting at the top of the steps. His voice carried with steady authority as he spoke, every word sharp with intention.
"I come representing Valerion," Lucas said, pulling forth the emblem of his kingdom, the polished crest gleaming in the morning light. He held it forward for all to see. "I ask for an audience with the Empress. Tell her that I request her presence to grace me with her company."
The steward bowed deeply, eyes flicking confidently between the emblem and the young man who bore it with such boldness. Around them, the palace guards straightened further, the weight of the moment pressing into the very air.