The hours had passed quietly, the steam and warmth of the morning bath long behind him. Lucas now stood in his chamber fully prepared, dressed in fresh robes that carried the clean fragrance of cedar and herbs. His hair was neatly tied, his presence calm yet dignified. The time had come. Today was the day he would step into a new responsibility, one that carried the weight of the king's trust. He gathered the last few things that Lira had carefully laid out and checked that nothing was left behind. She moved about the room like a gentle breeze, folding, arranging, and ensuring everything he might need for the journey was in order.

"You look ready," she said softly, watching him fasten the last clasp of his belt.

Lucas gave her a small smile and nodded. "Thanks to you. Without your hands here, I would still be fumbling for a clean sash."

Lira shook her head, her lips curving faintly. "It is my place to make sure you are prepared. But more than that, I want to see you succeed. You are about to step into something larger than either of us could have imagined."

He reached out and rested his hand on her shoulder, his grip warm and reassuring. "And I won't forget that you are the one who steadies me, no matter how far I go."

She nodded gleefully, proudness swelling in her heart, she was so happy she meant a lot to Lucas.

Lucas turned and left the chamber, as he turned a corner, however, he suddenly stopped. There, standing with a light in her eyes and a radiant smile on her lips, was Nyx. The princess wore a robe of soft blue that caught the sunlight, making her seem almost ethereal. She had clearly been waiting for him, and the moment her eyes landed on him, she broke into an elated expression that warmed the air between them.

"Xavier!" she called softly but with uncontained joy as she stepped toward him. She was joyous because she had goodnews but then she remembered last night, she had laid with Lucas and it's something she would never forget...she loved it and she wanted more of him. She couldn't help but be shy a bit.

He arched a brow, curious at her excitement and shyness. "You look as though the sun itself has given you good news. What is it?"

Nyx clasped her hands together, her smile widening. "The king has given me permission," she said, her voice trembling with happiness. "I will be going with you to Lechia."

Lucas blinked, surprised at first, but then relief and joy spread across his features. "Truly? He allowed it?"

"Yes," she answered quickly, nodding with enthusiasm. "I went to him this morning, and though I half expected him to refuse, he granted me the freedom I asked for. I will travel at your side, Xavier."

He studied her closely, the sincerity in her eyes shining brighter than any jewel. "I am glad," he said softly, his smile breaking through as well. "More than glad. You love freedom, and you love the call of adventure. To keep you behind palace walls would only dim your light. Now you will see the world, and it will see you as you truly are."

Her eyes shimmered, and she stepped closer. "You understand me better than anyone else," she whispered. "That is why I wanted to go with you. I could not bear to stay here while you shouldered such a burden alone."

Lucas gave a short laugh, though it was filled with warmth. "Alone? With you by my side, Nyx, how could I ever be alone?"

She pressed her lips together, her smile deepening, and for a brief moment she simply looked at him, as though storing the sight of him in her heart. "Then it is settled. We go together. No matter what waits for us in Lechia, we face it side by side."

He inclined his head slightly in agreement. "Side by side," he echoed.

They began walking together through the halls toward the king's chamber.

When they reached the king's chamber, Lucas and Nyx found the place empty, . A steward, noticing their puzzled expressions, bowed quickly and explained that the king had gone to the throne hall earlier than expected. He had been engaged in long talks with the Rus emperor and his delegates about pressing matters of the realm.

Lucas exchanged a glance with Nyx, who lifted her shoulders slightly in a silent gesture that said they had no choice but to go there. Together, they turned and made their way down the grand corridor.

As they reached the wide double doors, the guards crossed their spears in acknowledgment and then parted the way.

At the far end, on the elevated dais, sat the king himself in his ceremonial seat, his bearing calm yet watchful. Beside him stood senior advisors, and before him sat the Rus emperor, his presence commanding the space, though his expression was strained and edged with displeasure. His delegates whispered amongst themselves in hushed tones, their discontent almost palpable.

Lucas strode forward, his head bowed respectfully, and when he reached a proper distance he went down on one knee. "Your Majesty," he said firmly, his voice steady, "I am here as you commanded. I am ready to leave as soon as you give the word."

Nyx, who had walked in alongside him, paused a few steps back and respectfully stepped aside, lowering her gaze. She knew this was not her moment to speak, though her presence there was strong enough to draw the eyes of more than a few courtiers.

The king leaned forward slightly, his stern expression easing just enough to show approval. "You have prepared yourself well, Xavier. I expected nothing less of you," he said, his tone measured but warm.

Lucas bowed his head again, speaking with humility. "It is by your guidance and your trust that I am able to stand here. I will not fail you, sire."

The king gave a single nod, then gestured to one of the servants standing nearby. A velvet cushion was brought forward, and upon it rested a scroll bound with royal seals of crimson wax. Taking it in hand, the king held it out with deliberate gravity. "This letter is for the Empress of Lechia herself," he said, his voice carrying across the hall. "It bears the seal of Valerion and my own words of goodwill. You will deliver it into her hands, and no one else's."

Lucas rose to his feet and came closer, bowing deeply as he accepted the sealed letter with both hands. He held it with the respect of a man who knew its value was greater than gold or steel. "I understand, Your Majesty. It shall not leave my keeping until it is placed into the empress's hands. You have my word."

The king's eyes softened, pride flickering in them for a moment. "I trust you," he said simply, yet the words carried weight.

A low grunt from the other side of the hall drew attention. The Rus emperor, seated heavily with his arm resting on the chair beside him, did not bother to hide his displeasure. His face was a mask of restraint, but his eyes were sharp, and his mouth pulled into a thin, hard line. The sight of the sealed letter and the mention of Lechia's name had soured his expression even further.

Lucas noticed it, as did Nyx from her place at the side, but neither spoke. It was the king who addressed the silence, though without turning his head. He continued with a tone of formal closure, "With this, Xavier, your task is clear. Go forth as my envoy and return with what will strengthen Valeria."

Lucas bowed deeply once again. "As you command, sire."

The king's eyes lingered on Nyx for a long moment, then he said, "Xavier, there is one more charge I lay upon you before you depart. My daughter will travel with you. She wished it, and I have permitted it, for I believe it is time she learns more than books and chambers can teach her. She must see the world with her own eyes, must know its weight and its dangers."

Nyx's heart leapt in her chest. She stepped forward, bowing lightly to her father, her voice soft but certain. "Thank you, father. I will not take your trust lightly. I will learn and prove myself worthy of the place I hold."

The king nodded gravely, then turned back to Lucas. "Protect her as you would protect the blood in your own veins. She is my daughter, no harm must befall her while she walks by your side. I grant her to you not only as a companion but as a student of the world's truths. See that she returns wiser, stronger, and unharmed."

Lucas pressed his fist to his chest and bowed deeply. His voice rang with a quiet firmness, steady and without hesitation. "Your Majesty, I promise that I will guard her with my life. No danger will touch her so long as I draw breath. I will be her shield, her guide, and her sword if the need arises."

The king's expression softened, and though his throne-bound dignity never left him, there was something in his eyes that spoke of a father's gratitude. "I have chosen well," he said, his words carrying warmth beneath the formality. "I know the strength of your resolve, Xavier, and I trust that you will not falter. May the gods watch your steps and guide your path."

The king raised his hand, as though in blessing, his deep voice carrying through the hall. "Then go. May your journey be safe, may your purpose remain true, and may you both return to Valerion stronger than when you departed. The fate of kingdoms may rest upon your shoulders, but I believe in you."

Lucas bowed once more, his head lowered in deep respect. "We will not fail you, Your Majesty."

Nyx followed suit, bowing gracefully, her voice steady this time. "We will make Valerion proud."

The king inclined his head, the blessing sealed by his silence as much as his words. He gestured to the guards and attendants waiting by the doors. "See them to the carriages. Their journey begins this day."

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