The Lost Mage's Journey

Chapter 14: The Crown Princess of Lusitania

Scene 1: Lyka's Journey of Despair

The harsh, unrelenting sun beats down on the barren desert as Lyka trudges forward, her body moving on instinct alone. Her face is gaunt, her lips cracked and dry from months without water or food. She doesn't know how she's still alive. In fact, part of her doesn't want to be. Every step she takes feels pointless, as if she's walking endlessly toward a destination that doesn't exist.

Her memories of that night—her parents' execution, the King and nobles' cruel laughter—are foggy, but the pain in her heart is vivid. She can't remember what happened after their deaths. All she knows is that she wants to die. She wants to join her parents, to escape the unbearable guilt that weighs her down. Yet her body refuses to let go, her cursed immortality keeping her trapped in this endless limbo.

Narration (Lyka's thoughts, fragmented):
"I... killed them... didn't I? It's my fault. If I hadn't asked to go to that Academy... they would still be here... they'd still be alive."

The endless desert stretches before her, a mirror of her inner emptiness. There's no life here, no sound but the wind howling around her. And yet, she keeps walking—hoping for death that never comes.

Finally, her body, too tired to continue, gives out. She collapses onto the sand, her vision fading into darkness. The last thing she sees is the massive stone wall of a kingdom looming in the distance—a wall she didn't even realize was there.

Scene 2: The Kingdom of Lusitania

It's a quiet morning outside the gates of Lusitania, and the King and Queen are walking the perimeter, enjoying the peace of the early hours. King Elric is tall and strong, with kind eyes that betray the weight of his responsibilities. Queen Alicia walks beside him, her delicate features and soft, regal bearing giving her an air of both gentleness and quiet strength.

As they walk, King Elric spots something in the distance—a figure lying on the ground near the walls. His heart clenches at the sight, and he immediately rushes forward, fear flashing in his eyes.

King Elric (urgently):
"Someone's collapsed! Bring a healer quickly!"

When he reaches the figure, his breath catches in his throat. It's a young girl, barely fourteen, her body frail and emaciated. Her face is gaunt, her hair matted and tangled, and her skin is as pale as death. She looks like she hasn't eaten or slept in months. But despite her condition, she's still breathing, though faintly.

King Elric (softly, shocked):
"She's so young..."

By the time Queen Alicia arrives at his side, healers are already rushing forward, casting healing magic over Lyka's fragile body. But despite their efforts, Lyka doesn't wake. No matter how much healing they attempt, her body remains unresponsive, as if her mind is trapped somewhere far away, refusing to return.

They carry Lyka to the palace, placing her in a special room once reserved for their daughter, who passed away years before. The room is filled with warmth, soft light filtering through the windows, and delicate tapestries adorning the walls.

Scene 3: The King and Queen's Discussion

Later that evening, in the royal chambers, Queen Alicia and King Elric sit together, both of them deeply affected by the sight of Lyka lying unconscious in their daughter's old room. The memories of their lost child hang heavy in the air, and Alicia's heart aches as she looks at the fragile girl who now lies where her daughter once slept.