The Lost Mage's Journey

Chapter 15: Healing and Uprising

Scene 1: A New Life in Lusitania

It has been several days since Lyka officially accepted her role as the Crown Princess of Lusitania. The once-lonely girl, lost and broken, now finds herself living in the grand castle, surrounded by comfort and love. Her new life is filled with daily routines, but there is a warmth in the palace that makes her feel at home. One person who plays a crucial role in her newfound happiness is her attendant, a kind and spirited maid named Mira.

Though she is a princess now, Lyka doesn't treat Mira like a servant. Instead, she treats her as a friend—something that Mira, initially startled by, comes to cherish.

Mira (teasing, as they walk through the palace gardens):
"Your Highness, you're going to get me in trouble with the head maid if you keep sneaking into the kitchens for snacks!"

Lyka laughs, her spirit lighter than it has been in months.

Lyka (smiling):
"Mira, I told you not to call me 'Your Highness.' It feels so strange. Just call me Lyka, please!"

Mira grins, shaking her head with playful exasperation.

Mira (teasing):
"If I get caught being so informal with the Crown Princess, I'll be scrubbing the floors for weeks."

Lyka (laughing):
"Then I'll help you scrub them. We'll be in trouble together."

They both laugh, and for a moment, Lyka feels like a normal girl again—just Lyka, not a princess, not the girl who lost everything. The gardens are filled with the scent of flowers, and the palace feels like a peaceful sanctuary where she can breathe again.

But even in these lighthearted moments, there are shadows from her past that still cling to her heart. Every night, when she's alone in her room, she feels the weight of her trauma—the memory of her parents' deaths, the feeling of helplessness, and the dark power that erupted inside her.

Scene 2: The King and Queen's Summons

One morning, as the sun rises over Lusitania, King Elric and Queen Alicia summon Lyka to the throne room. The grand hall is filled with golden light, the towering columns casting long shadows across the polished floor. As Lyka enters, her heart flutters with a mixture of nervousness and curiosity. She kneels respectfully before her adoptive parents.

King Elric (smiling warmly):
"Rise, Lyka. There's no need for such formalities between us."

Lyka stands, and the warmth in Elric's and Alicia's eyes eases some of her nerves.

Queen Alicia (softly):
"My dear, now that you've settled into your new role, there's something we need to discuss. As the Crown Princess, it's important that you have someone by your side—a knight who will protect you, as all royals do."

Lyka's breath catches in her throat. The word "knight" sends a shiver of unease through her. The memory of her parents' execution—how a knight had placed the nooses around their necks—flashes through her mind, bringing back the sharp pain of that moment.

She lowers her eyes, her hands trembling slightly.

Lyka (whispering, with fear):
"Mother, Father... I... I can't. I can't choose a knight yet. I'm not ready. Please forgive me."

There's a long pause, but when Lyka dares to look up, she doesn't see disappointment in their faces—only understanding. Alicia reaches out, gently taking Lyka's hand.