Heart of a Hero: Somehow I've become the Vampire Queen?!

Chapter 39 - Crossing Mages

Ambra draped her cloak over her shoulders, the fabric heavy but comforting, like a warm hug that promised protection. She adjusted the clasp, a small silver moon that matched her silver hair, and smiled, readying herself.

"Ready for a new day?" Lune floated by her side, her light flickering in excitement.

"As ready as one can be," Ambra said, her eyes meeting Lune's beautiful glow. "New day, new possibilities, right?"

"Exactly!" Lune chirped. "And breakfast! Don't forget breakfast!"

Together, they descended the creaking staircase to the first floor of the Aegis' lodging. The comforting scent of freshly baked pastries and brewed tea wafted through the air as they made their way down. It was an aroma that always made Ambra feel as though she was wrapped in a warm blanket of some semblance of home, even when she was far from it.

As they reached the first floor, the sight that greeted them was a scene of chaotic familial warmth. Grant stood near the hearth, tightening the straps of his powerful armor and shield while chatting with Emil, who was also getting ready. Meanwhile, Laura was slumped over the table, eyes barely open, as she listlessly chewed on a pastry.

"Ah, there you are!" Grant boomed, turning towards Ambra with a hearty smile. "I was worried you'd sleep the day away, but here you are, bright and early!"

"Laura, on the other hand," he chuckled, glancing at his sleep-deprived sister-in-arms, "needed a little... coaxing."

Laura responded with a mere grumble, her eyes narrowed as she took another bite of her pastry. "Books wait for no one, unlike some people."

Grant laughed, unfazed. "Aye, but you need to be up, or else you'll miss work!"

"Just like how your shield will miss its protection if you don't keep practicing," Laura shot back, but her tone was more teasing than annoyed.

Lune floated over to the spread of breakfast foods and grabbed a small pastry for herself. "These look delicious!" she declared before munching away.

Ambra settled into her seat and gently cradled the cup of fruity tea that Grant's mother had prepared. As the sweet scent filled her senses, she took a whiff and felt the flavors bloom on her nostrils.

"So, Ambra," Emil began, wiping his mouth with a cloth after a hearty bite of bread, "how did the meeting with Lady Camila go?"

"Oh, it actually went quite well," Ambra replied, putting down her cup. "She's a very nice girl. We had a good conversation.

Laura, who had been quietly listening, rolled her eyes, looking more tired than ever. "Nice? Camila? The same girl who acted like an absolute brat at the reception?"

Ambra chuckled wryly. "Well, people can surprise you. She's not at all what I expected for a princess of Altura."

"Which is?" Laura pressed, taking another sleepy bite of her pastry.

"I guess I expected a more... conceited child? Someone wrapped up in the illusions of grandeur that come with the title," Ambra explained. "But Lady Camila was different. She seemed acutely aware of her own situation and what needs to be done to ensure her safety, even if she's a bit misguided in how to go about it."

Emil looked pensively at his cup as he swirled the remaining liquid. "It's interesting that you mention that. Lady Camila doesn't really hold much political or social weight in Altura. She's the last heir, and, from what I've heard, she doesn't even have a close relationship with her own family. That's somewhat unorthodox for Alturan royalty."

Both Lune and Ambra looked intrigued. "Really?" Lune floated a bit closer to Emil, her light flickering like a candle flame in the wind.

"Yeah," Emil nodded. "So, most people tend to write her off. But every person has a role to play, even if it's not obvious at first."