As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the city of Karalina in warm golden hues, Marcus, Empress Valdrianna, and Dark Elf Queen Elandra arrived at the designated meeting spot—a sprawling park filled with fountains, lush greenery, and bustling vendors. Marcus carried only a small bag, while the two queens strolled confidently, radiant in their new jewelry.
“Where are they?” Elandra asked, looking around the crowded park.
Valdrianna stretched her wings slightly. “They’re probably still shopping. Poor Sam must be buried under their purchases by now.”
Marcus smirked. “If he survives, he’ll learn to tease me less.”
Moments later, the group spotted Sam shuffling toward them, utterly exhausted, with an unholy number of shopping bags hanging from his arms. His legs wobbled with each step, and beads of sweat dripped down his face. Behind him, Alara, Aislin, and Seraphine walked leisurely, chatting and giggling as if they had no care in the world.
Sam finally collapsed onto a park bench, dropping the mountain of bags with a heavy thud. “Kill me... just kill me now,” he groaned, slumping back.
Aislin rolled her eyes playfully. “Oh, stop being dramatic. It’s not that bad.”
“Not bad?” Sam wheezed. “I carried half the store!”
Alara plopped down beside him and patted his shoulder. “You’re such a trooper, though. Look at all the amazing things we found!”
Seraphine sat on the other side of him, smirking. “You should feel honored, Sam. Not every man can say he carried a queen’s shopping bags.”
Marcus chuckled as he approached, arms crossed. “Having fun, Sam?”
Sam shot him a glare. “You did this on purpose, didn’t you?”
“Maybe,” Marcus replied with a grin.
Valdrianna laughed softly and leaned toward Sam. “You do look rather heroic under all that strain. Perhaps you’re tougher than we thought.”
“Heroic? No. Dead? Yes,” Sam mumbled, leaning his head back.
Once everyone had regrouped, Marcus suggested they head to the hotel to rest before exploring more of the city tomorrow.
Sam groaned as he was forced to pick up the bags again. “Why can’t we take a taxi?”
Aislin smiled sweetly. “Walking builds character.”
“I have enough character!” he protested, stumbling slightly under the weight.
Valdrianna and Elandra walked alongside Marcus, who glanced at the towering pile of bags Sam was carrying. “You really didn’t hold back, did you?” he asked Alara.
She grinned mischievously. “Hey, you gave me the coins. Blame yourself.”
Elandra smirked. “At least Sam’s suffering provides excellent entertainment.”
Marcus shook his head, trying not to laugh.
When they finally reached the hotel, Sam practically collapsed in the lobby, the bags spilling onto the polished floor. “I’m done,” he declared. “Leave me here. Let the bellboys deal with it.”
The receptionist raised an eyebrow but said nothing as Marcus stepped forward to check them in.
“Come on, Sam,” Alara said, tugging him to his feet. “Just a little further.”
“Further? You’ve killed me already,” he groaned, dragging his feet.
Once they reached their rooms, everyone began to settle in. Valdrianna and Elandra immediately claimed the plush chairs in the corner, admiring their new jewelry under the soft glow of the lights.
YOU ARE READING
A general born to rule
FantasyA general from the year 2129 reborn into a fantasy world with his past life knowledge and his best friend who was a military builder what would happen well let's say modern military vs a medieval world it went about as expected
