The Lengkawi

Chapter 4: The Elaria Kingdom

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One week had passed since Princess Lyra was brought back to the Elaria Kingdom, and her once vibrant spirit was now broken. She lay curled in a fetal position on her bed, a heavy chain clamped around her ankle to prevent any further escape attempts. The room was dimly lit, cold and silent-nothing like the warmth of the Lengkawi ship that had become her home for the last month.

Lyra's heart felt as heavy as the chain. She was defeated, not just physically but emotionally. Her desperate search for her elder sister had ended in failure, and being captured by the Elaria soldiers only deepened her sorrow. Her thoughts lingered bitterly on her father, who hadn't even shown the slightest concern for her return. There were no warm embraces, no comforting words-only a cold and calculated punishment. They had locked her in her room, shackled, like a prisoner in her own home.

She pulled her knees closer to her chest, her face buried in her arms as she tried to block out the pain. Her mind drifted to the memories of the Lengkawi ship, of Talaku and the other strange, wonderful beings who had taken care of her. They had welcomed her into their world, offering her protection and friendship. Talaku, her first true friend, had trusted her, and she had left without a word of goodbye.

Tears slipped down her cheeks as the guilt and sadness consumed her. "I should have listened," she thought, her heart aching with regret. "I should have stayed. I miss them..." The soft, metallic clink of the chain echoed in the room as she shifted, a cruel reminder of her captivity.

The longing for freedom, for the mysterious Lengkawi who had shown her kindness, overwhelmed her. She had made a promise to keep their existence secret, and now she was trapped in a kingdom that felt more like a cage. All she could do was hold onto the hope that one day she might find her way back to Talaku and the world she had come to love, though it felt so distant now.

The silence in the room weighed heavily on her, amplifying her loneliness. Lyra closed her eyes, her body exhausted from the emotional torment. All she wanted was to escape-to be free again, to be with those who cared for her. But for now, all she had was the cold reality of her kingdom and the unforgiving chain that bound her.

The sound of a key turning in the lock echoed through the room, breaking the heavy silence. The door creaked open, revealing a young maid named Elysia. She stepped inside quietly, carrying a tray of food in her hands. Elysia was a kind soul, with soft auburn hair pulled back into a neat bun and gentle green eyes that often glimmered with warmth. She had been assigned to look after Princess Lyra ever since her return, though Lyra had hardly spoken a word to anyone since.

Elysia glanced around the room, her eyes falling on the untouched meal from earlier. She sighed softly as she made her way to the table, setting down the fresh tray of food. She took the untouched dish away with a quiet clatter of porcelain, but her movements slowed when she saw Lyra, curled up on the bed, looking as defeated as ever.

The sight of the once-bright princess in such a sad, lifeless state tugged at Elysia's heart. She set the empty tray aside and took a moment to gather her thoughts. Then, with a deep breath, she walked over to the bedside and knelt down beside the princess.

"Princess Lyra," Elysia said softly, her voice kind and soothing. "You haven't eaten in days. I'm worried about you." She waited for any response, but Lyra remained silent, her face hidden in her arms.

Elysia sighed again, her green eyes full of concern. She reached out gently, placing a hand on Lyra's arm. "I know things have been difficult," she continued, her tone even softer, "but you don't have to go through this alone. It's alright to feel sad... but you mustn't let it consume you. There are people here who care for you."