Master's Little Pet

Chapter 16

A flashback From Luther, Let's dive into Luther's memories:

I'm a little boy, no more than six years old, playing in the palace gardens with my best friend, Kayla. She's a year older than me, with a wild tangle of curly brown hair and a mischievous grin. We're chasing each other around the fountain, laughing and shrieking with delight.

As I run, the sunlight catches Kayla's eyes, making them sparkle like emeralds. She's my partner in crime, my confidante, my sister in every sense but blood.

We collapse on the grass, panting and giggling. Kayla picks a daisy and begins to tear off its petals, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Luther, I'll tell you a secret," she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

I lean in, my heart racing with excitement. "What is it?"

Kayla's grin widens. "We'll be together forever, Luther. Nothing will ever tear us apart."

I smile, feeling a sense of certainty. "Forever and always, Kayla."

But as I look up at Kayla's face, I see a flicker of something in her eyes - a hint of sadness, of longing. And then, it's gone, replaced by her usual mischievous glint.

*************

The battlefield is ravaged, the air thick with the stench of blood and smoke. Kayla's parents, the Duke and Duchess of Ashwood, lie wounded and dying. They cling to each other, their eyes fixed on their young daughter, Kayla.

"Please," the Duchess whispers, her voice barely audible. "Take care of our Kayla. Protect her..."

My father, kneels beside them, his face etched with sorrow. "I swear it, my friends. I'll raise Kayla as my own. She'll be safe with me."

The Duke's gaze falls on my father, his eyes pleading. "Keep her away from the politics, my friend. Give her a chance at a normal life..."

My father nods, his jaw clenched. "I'll do everything in my power to protect her. You have my word."

As the Duchess's eyes close, Kayla's parents share one final, tender moment. Then, with a last glance at their daughter, they're gone.

My father scooped up Kayla, now an orphan, and holds her close. "You're safe now, little one," he whispers. "You're part of our family."

Kayla, just a child, buries her face in my father's shoulder, tears streaming down her face.

" I'm sorry I couldn't protect you my friends, I came late, I should've known better, please forgive me, I'll make it up to you ", my father said taking one last look at Kayla's parents.

I remember the day my father brought Kayla to the palace, her eyes red-rimmed from crying, her small body shaking with sobs. She was a shadow of the lively, mischievous girl I'd known.

I tried to approach her, to comfort her, but she pushed me away. "Leave me alone, Luther!" she shouted, her voice cracking.

I was taken aback, but I didn't give up. I kept trying to reach out to her, to make her smile again. I brought her favorite toys, told her silly stories, and even shared my own secrets. But nothing seemed to work.

Days turned into weeks, and Kayla's silence persisted. She'd sit in the gardens, staring blankly at the flowers, her eyes empty of their usual sparkle. I'd sit with her, trying to break the silence, but she'd just push me away.

My father tried to reassure me, "Luther, she's grieving. It'll take time." But I couldn't help feeling helpless, watching my dear friend suffer.

One day, I decided to try a different approach. I sat beside her in the gardens, not saying a word, just being present. And then, I began to draw, sketching the flowers and trees around us.

Kayla's gaze flickered to my paper, and for a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of interest. But she quickly looked away, her face returning to its usual mask of sorrow.

Still, I kept drawing, hoping that somehow, someway, I could reach her. And then, one small gesture changed everything...

One day, I decided to try a different approach. Instead of trying to make her laugh or talk, I simply sat with her in silence. We were in the gardens, watching the sunset paint the sky with hues of pink and orange.

I pulled out a small, delicate box from my pocket and began to assemble a tiny wooden bird. Kayla's eyes flickered towards me, and for a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of interest.

As I worked, I whispered a gentle melody, one my mother used to sing to me when I was scared or sad. The words were meaningless, but the tune was soothing, and I hoped it would reach Kayla.

Slowly, without looking at me, Kayla's fingers began to move. She started to weave a small flower crown, her hands trembling at first, then growing steadier.

The silence between us was no longer oppressive, but companionable. We worked together, lost in our own thoughts, yet connected in a way that transcended words.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Kayla's fingers brushed against mine. It was a fleeting touch, but it was enough.

"Luther," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

My heart leapt with joy. "Kayla," I replied, my voice equally soft.

The ice had broken, and our friendship began to heal.

As the days turned into weeks, Kayla's silence gave way to laughter and conversation. We'd spend hours playing in the gardens, chasing each other around the fountains, and having picnics under the willow trees.

We'd share secrets, stories, and dreams, our bond growing stronger with each passing day. I loved hearing about Kayla's adventures in the Duke's castle, and she'd listen with wide eyes as I told her about my father's battles and conquests.

Our meals together became a highlight of the day. We'd sit at the table, Kayla and I, and try to outdo each other with silly faces and jokes. My father would watch us, a warm smile on his face, his eyes shining with happiness.

He'd often say, "Luther, you've taken Kayla under your wing, and it warms my heart to see you two together." And Kayla would look up at me, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.

As the years passed, our friendship deepened. We'd help each other with our studies, explore the palace secrets, and share our fears and dreams.

My father would often remark, "Kayla, you're a true member of our family. Luther, you've got a sister in every sense but blood."

And I knew, deep in my heart, that Kayla was more than just a sister – she was my best friend, my partner in crime, and my confidante.

The memories flood my mind, and I'm transported back to a time when life was simpler, yet richer in joy and laughter.