Forever Synth

Chapter 1.2: Journey Into The Unknown

It was only two days left for our expedition day. The day is early and the sun is shining brightly. I had made the preparations and chose to not wear the usual royal attire. The housemaids considered me to keep my formal appearance as a status symbol to the people of Lucidia.

I disagreed, rejecting their idea of status. I wanted this trip to be the trip of a lifetime. So I had the housekeeper find a suitable outfit for me.

What they brought back didn't disappoint. As the servants dressed me, ensuring everything fit tightly and cozily. My outfit consists of a hazelnut brown leather tunic, wrapped around with cyan cloth of Lucidia's colors. Strapped onto my right shoulder was a russet leather shoulder plate held tightly by metal clamps. Underneath the protective armor, was a navy blue and cyan combat robe covering my arms and light-gray pants. The right side of the torso had engravings of royalty, stitched with silver threads. A light-gray hood in case it rains, saddle tan leather greave, and steel boots. I was covered head to toe with maximum protection. Tight gloves protected my palms, only my fingers revealed themselves to the elements.

A tight belt wraps around my waist allowing me to carry small pouches. After they had finished dressing me, I looked at the sword on my wall. The sword that was given to me last year. It was handcrafted from the finest blacksmiths. It was also a peace offering from the neighboring kingdoms to my dad.

I pulled it off the wall, inspecting the leather scabbard with gold engravings of all human kingdoms. A symbol for unification if possible. Using the leftover leather strips, I chose to tie it on myself.

After everything was checked, inspected, and finally completed, I looked at myself in the mirror. The brown flowing bangs covered my forehead with the hazel color eyes. I still appeared very young but was starting to form a sharper face. I wouldn't call myself handsome, however, the maids ensure I look as best I can.

But with this expedition on its way, and me leading it, I noticed the smile peeking across my lips. Not wanting to hold back, I rushed out of my room, passing the housekeeper and everyone. I couldn't stop the racing feeling in my heart as reached the front door of the palace.

Halting and gathering my breath. This is the first time in my entire life, that I would be the one to open the door with my hands alone. Both palms were firmly leveled, and the cool feeling emanating from the wood and metal left me nervous.

Taking a deep breath I pushed the door, and the brightest light shined for a mere second to reveal the blue sky and the puffiest clouds. The full view of the clouds filled me with awe.

Descending the stone steps, I saw Rosaria. She was dressed to the nine in her sky-blue dress with golden tracing and pink rose decals. She looked up at me, giving a faint grin with her bright red lips.

As I approached her, she couldn't help but wrap her arms around me and hugged me tightly. I immediately returned the favor and hugged her back.

When we separated, she asked me, "You're going out like that?" whilst brushing a few light golden blonde locks away from her left eye.

I told her, "It's a special occasion, I want to be prepared for anything."

Watching her roll her deep green eyes. It must be hard for her to always be sophisticated. Her clan has so many expectations placed on her, just as the entire kingdom looks up to me.

She weaved her fingers around my hand and held it tightly. I looked down at our joined hands, then back at her. Even with all the hardship we both have to deal with, she seemed very excited to join me on this trip. I couldn't help but smile in return.