The Revolution (WMMAP reader insert/OC)

Part 20

"It's a pleasure to receive an invitation from you, Princess Anastasia," bowed Alas, his voice polite and calm.

The girl instantly turned toward the familiar voice and lit up the moment she spotted his soft grayish-purple hair.

"Alas!" she beamed.

The boy smiled warmly as the young princess dashed toward him. He opened his arms just in time for Ana to pounce on him with a tight hug.

"I missed you! So did Jessica!" she cried, snuggling against him.

Alastair chuckled and gently patted her head. "I missed you too, Ana."

She pulled away with renewed energy, grabbed his hands, and immediately began dragging him along the marble path that led to the flourishing garden, where Athy and Lucas were already waiting for the tea party to begin.

"Let's go!"

"Gladly," he said with a small, affectionate smile.

Still a knight-in-training, Alastair felt a chill crawl up his spine—an ominous sensation, like a wave of bloodlust was directed straight at him. He tensed, but the feeling vanished as quickly as it came when Ana tugged him around the corner with a carefree laugh.

Far across the grounds, from the balcony of the Emerald Palace, Emperor Claude and Felix observed the reunion.

Claude scowled as he watched the young man hold one of his daughters.

Felix, on the other hand, smiled fondly. "Ana's lucky to have such a friend," he commented to no one in particular.

Claude released a sharp tsk, fingers unclenching from the fist he hadn't realized he'd made. His knuckles returned to color as he turned away. But even as he stepped back into the palace, the air around him remained heavy and tense, filled with unspoken warning.

Felix, still standing by, blinked as Claude addressed him.

"Felix."

"Yes, Your Majesty?" the knight replied, straightening up.

Claude's eyes remained fixed ahead, a storm brewing behind them.

"Watch my daughters. Make sure those other brats don't upset them."

Felix gave a closed-eyed smile, sweat forming at his temple. "Understood, Your Majesty."

Claude gave a slight nod before disappearing into the halls of the palace. He'd wait for Felix's report later. For now, he needed to prepare... for something.

Felix exhaled slowly and turned his face toward the sky. The sun bathed his features in golden warmth, and he closed his eyes, feeling the moment pass gently over him.

"His Majesty truly cares for his daughters," he murmured.

He glanced once more, from the emperor's retreating figure to the children laughing in the distance, seated under parasols and flower arches, the air thick with the scent of spring.

"He just doesn't realize it yet."

His gaze softened, and his tone turned somber.

"Lady Diane... I hope you guide him back to the light. The light you once gave him... may it help him live again."

With that prayer whispered to the sky, he returned to his duty—his smile back in place—as he made his way toward the children he had long watched over with quiet devotion.

"HEY THAT'S MINE!"

Felix blinked as he watched the scene unfold in the distance—Princess Anastasia chasing the young magician, who was gleefully sprinting away while holding a jar of buttered cookies.