Lucia's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

Their talk continued. “Father, you cannot protect her from everything. You saw something in your vision. Don’t give yourself an impossible task when you know she might be hurt.”

Arthur sighed but said nothing in response. “…”

“I will move on from this topic. It has made you uncomfortable. Instead, Breeze wanted me to inform you there have been a few rats sneaking around as of late.” Marina told him.

“I’m aware.” He told her.

“Breeze wants to know if you want anything done with them or should he continue to leave them?”

“He doesn’t need to do anything. Most are Elves. They’re likely here for Arceana.”

Marina didn’t seem convinced. “All of them?”

“Maybe no all of them. There is one that I felt that gave me pause. I’m waiting for it to appear again. I catch the others; I might lose that one.”

I didn’t understand. I’m assuming rats meant spies, but I was unsure why Arthur was keeping an eye out for one in particular. “One of them is problematic?” Marina questioned.

“…” Arthur was silent for a moment. “One of them appears to be a Ghoul.”

“Breeze would’ve-“

“Was Breeze looking specifically for Demons or was he more focused on Elves?” Arthur asked as he cut her off.

That seemed to unsettle her. “I’ll speak to him.”

“There’s no need. Whoever it is seems adept at teleportation. They appear and disappear in short blips that even I can barely feel.”

“That is… Concerning. I thought you took care of all the Ghouls in most of Lestrania?”

“I did. Even the ones she sent afterwards to Helmsforth to keep an eye on me.”

“And this is different?”

He hummed an affirmative. “It is.”

Deciding now would be a good time to ‘wake up’, I began to stir. “Ugh.” Left my mouth as I started to shuffle in the bed.

“Lucia!” Arthur’s voice called out in concern. “Slowly!” I opened my eyes and saw him beside me in mere moments. “Careful” He chided, worriedly.

Sitting up, I looked at him. “There’s a Demon?” I mumbled out.

He looked surprised at that. “No. You’re safe. Don’t worry about that.”

Marina quickly spoke as she gently placed a hand on my forehead. “Inform Aydalia so she can tell Alwin and find Ayda or Camoa. Both will be helpful.” She told him immediately. Arthur looked like he wanted to argue, but she insisted. “I’m with her. She’ll be fine for a few minutes without you. It’s in the middle of the night, so it’d be best for you to wake the others.”

The man appeared frustrated at that, but he just gave my hand a squeeze before he moved to leave. “I’ll be back soon.”

When he left, Marina’s gaze immediately turned back to me as she removed her hand from my forehead. “You’ve been awake for a while. How much did you hear?” At my surprised look, she giggled. “I noticed when I sat on your bed. Father has been too anxious, so I don’t think he realizes it.”

I looked down at that. “You’re not mad?”

She looked amused at that. “Why would I be? Every child enjoy hearing about their parents. Father is… Special. Just keep this to yourself, and I will do the same.”

“Is there really a Demon poking around?”

“I wouldn’t worry. Father knew about it before any of us. He must’ve been keeping an eye out across Helmsforth. However, it would appear it has made repeated attempts to observe him, which gives me pause.”

Our eyes met as I spoke. “You’re stronger than a Ghoul, right?”

She giggled at that. “We are. I’d like be able to face both Priestesses if I were in my natural environment. So do not be afraid. You’re perfectly safe here.”

“And the other spies?”

“I’m sure Father will take care of those as well. Are you worried about Arceana?”

I nodded. “A little. After hearing about what she did… I know it’s not her fault entirely, but…”

She brushed my hair as she helped keep me steady. “It was still a betrayal of someone you trusted.” I gave another nod. “Well, you learned a valuable lesson from that. Even those we trust with our lives may not deserve the trust we place in them.” The door burst open and Alwin rushed to my side.

He grabbed my hands, carefully as he looked me over while others followed behind him. “How is she?” The Elven General asked as he looked me over.

Marina moved away with a smile as I she answered. “She appears to have made a full recovery. A few more days of rest, and she should be fine to move about wherever she wishes.”

Alwin hugged me, and I returned it with a small smile on my lips. He shook as he held me. Looking over his shoulder, I saw Camoa with Ayda and her mother. With her hair coming back, they were starting to look almost identical once again. Past them was Arthur who watched from a distance. His eyes focused on me with such an intensity that I was a little unnerved, but it passed when I saw a hint of wetness in his eyes.

“Arthur?” I called out to him.

He smiled at me. “I’m glad you’re okay, Lucia.” Was all he told me in response.