The Revolution (WMMAP reader insert/OC)

Part 17

"I will be here as Princess Athanasia and Princess Anastasia's playmate starting today. I'm looking forward to spending time with you, princesses," beamed Lucas in his child form. Imagine bright lights and a rosy background blooming around him. With a closed-eyed smile, he introduced himself as the two princesses' new playmate.

What now? Sounds kind of like his own harem, if you ask me.

Both girls stood side by side, Felix behind them. "I recommended the young warlock since I thought he would be an adequate playmate for the princesses," he explained.

Athanasia gawked at the magician, while Anastasia looked like she was about to jump from excitement. Felix continued, pointing out, "You did say that you would prefer the warlock rather than Alpheus' son, right?"

"Why does HE have to be our supposed friend around our age?!" Screeched Athy towards her sister.

Anastasia pouted when Athy turned to Felix and exclaimed, "Athy does not need a new friend! All I need is Felix!"

The knight smiled warmly at the small girl. "Thank you, princess, that makes me very happy."

"But I think it would be good for you if you two met a friend around your age."

Anastasia opened her mouth and added, "But I have Alas though..."

The red-haired knight hummed in agreement. "Well, you can still make this a chance to have more friends than one, right?"

Felix continued to gently explain the value of friendship, while Athy remained stubborn, even bringing up their father as a reason to object.

Ana turned her attention to Lucas, who had been watching the scene unfold with mild boredom.
"So... you're gonna be our new playmate, huh?"

Lucas looked at the girl with a sly smile, mischief gleaming in his eyes. "Seems like it is, princess. I'm definitely looking forward to playing with you."

Ana blinked, and just as she was about to respond, Lucas spoke again.
"Your Raven is particularly cute today, princess," he said, conjuring the poor creature out of nowhere, holding it delicately in his hands. With a smile, he added, "He's so small, he's practically bite-sized."

Athy froze in her tracks and stared at him.

Lucas glanced down at the tiny creature, his ruby-red eyes gleaming with playful menace. "How adorable..."

Ana snickered quietly as she watched her sister and Raven stare wide-eyed in horror at the young warlock. Lucas turned to the snickering little girl, catching her amused expression, and simply grinned, saying nothing, but clearly enjoying himself.

The three... kids sat in a room, gathered around the couch. As always, Ana and Athy were sitting side by side, while Lucas took the seat across from them.

Athanasia, curious as ever, leaned forward slightly and asked, "How old are you exactly?"

Lucas answered casually, "Just consider me around your age. We're stuck growing up together now anyway."

It was Ana's turn. She tilted her head and asked, "Are you still able to go back to your old self, right?"

Lucas gave a shrug. "Pretty much."

Athy crossed her arms and added, "If you're going to be our friend, at least introduce yourself properly."

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "You know my name, you know my age. What else do you need to know? Every other thing that could define me has already disappeared."