Once Upon a Story [ HIATUS ]

The Enchanted Triad

The dialogue from the prompt isn't in the text XD
Hope you enjoy this "side story" to The Knight of his Heart.

Prompt:
"We have five people trying to kill us right now, what are we supposed to do?"

"Actually, it's more like eight."

"Oh, sorry I wasn't specific enough!"

featuring my OC – Lapillus, and his friends: Myra and Solar

Word count: 2518
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It was past sunset in the Land of Crystals. The city was asleep, peacefully quiet. In the dimly lit halls of his estate, a young boy walked to the Duke's office, summoned for reasons unknown.

"Greetings, Sir," the boy bowed, entering his office.

"Good evening, Lapillus," the Duke replied, smiling at the young boy. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"You are my contractor. My duty is your bidding."

How cold, Xavier sighed, beckoning the boy to his desk. "Before we discuss work, how are you fairing since your last mission?"

"Myra and I have fully recovered," Lapillus replied. "Solar is healing well, but I'm afraid he will be unable to join us for a while."

"Unfortunately, I must be the bearer of bad news," Xavier announced. "The Emperor has assigned another mission to your team. It seems the group you met last time is active again."

"I felt that was the case, but I cannot deploy the team, Sir. Not with Solar in his condition."

"If it were up to me, I would allow you more time," he sighed, giving Lapillus the scroll. "The Emperor is growing impatient. These men have been causing problems all over the province."

"It's more complicated than he thinks," Lapillus started. "We may be dealing with a rogue group of mercenaries. And it appears we've met them before. Their leader seemed to know Solar personally."

Xavier understood that it complicated the situation, but they couldn't ignore a direct order from the Emperor. Despite their familiarity, laxity was something their ruler didn't tolerate.

"I'm afraid my hands are tied."

"I understand. I will prepare to leave with Myra, but we may need your assistance."

"I will be ready," Xavier replied. "Thank you, Lapillus."

He left the office once dismissed, running into the Mistress of the house: his teacher, Sir Madelaine, soon to be wed to the Duke.

"What brings you to his office so late at night?" he asked her.

"I was going to pull him to bed, but it seems he will need to stay awake for the night."

"I apologize."

"No need. Take care, Lapillus."

Parting ways, Lapillus thought of the mission, nervously rubbing his fingers together. He was mentally prepared to receive extensive injuries without his hard hitter.

Greeting the healers attending to his friend, he asked them his status.

"He's responding extremely well to the treatment. It should only take another night or two for him to be off bed rest. But he must limit physical exertion for a few more days."