Introduction

The morning sun bathed the hotel in a warm golden light as my three companions slowly woke from their slumber. I had made sure to prepare a hearty breakfast for them, knowing they would need their strength . As they hesitantly approached the table, I could see the hunger in their eyes, the remnants of their past hardships still evident in their cautious movements.

At first, they were hesitant to eat, their eyes darting around the room as if expecting the food to disappear before their very eyes. But when I spoke in a firm tone, urging them to eat, they seemed to relax a bit, their hunger getting the better of their reservations. Soon enough, they were devouring the food like a pack of hungry wolves, the satisfying sounds of their eating filling the room.

After breakfast, I knew it was time to leave the hotel. I wrapped myself in my cloak once more, concealing my silver hair from prying eyes. With a discreet exit arranged by one of the hotel attendants, I led my companions out through a hidden door that I hadn't even known existed.

It was clear that Maverick was indeed a valuable asset, his efficiency and resourcefulness proving to be invaluable.

Outside the hotel, I found Maverick waiting for me with the Gilcha lizard. I climbed into the compartment, and my companions followed suit, sitting in front of me. The lizard took off smoothly, the familiar hum of its magic filling the air. As we soared through the sky, there was an awkward silence that settled over us, the weight of our circumstances hanging in the air.

"I'm Lucina Solana, third princess of the Salona Empire. Good to meet you," I introduced myself to them, breaking the silence that had settled between us.

"Niko," the purple-haired one said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Nikolai, I don't know my family name. I've been on the streets most of my life," he added after a moment, his gaze distant as if lost in memories of a past life.

"Vale, short for Valandor… I lost my right to use my true name when I was kicked out of the Glimmering Grove," the elf spoke next, his voice carrying a hint of sadness and longing.

The Glimmering Grove, a large dense forest on the outskirts of the empire where the elves call home. It is a place of ancient traditions and untold secrets, and I couldn't help but wonder what had led Vale to be cast out from such a place.

"I have no name, no name I wish to keep. I've been at the underground fighting arena most of my life, until I became a gladiator myself," Haroun, the raven-haired one, said with a hint of bitterness in his voice.

I pondered their words for a moment, feeling the weight of their stories. They were all broken in their own ways, yet here they were, sitting before me, seeking refuge and a chance at a new life.

It was clear that they had been through hardships that I couldn't even begin to imagine, and yet they still had the strength to carry on.

"You're now called Haroun," I said to him, giving him a new name that I hoped would symbolize a fresh start for him. He looked at me with a mixture of surprise and gratitude, his eyes reflecting a glimmer of hope that tugged at my heart.

As we traveled towards our destination, I couldn't shake the feeling that our paths were now irrevocably intertwined for a reason. These three men had become my companions, and I was determined to help them find their place in this world. I sigh to myself.

*

In a charming residential area not far from the palace, there stood a quaint villa that I had instructed Maverick to acquire for me at all costs. It was a four-bedroom house with a delightful garden, offering plenty of space for my new companions to settle in comfortably.

As we arrived at the villa, I stepped out of the Gilcha lizard and took a moment to admire the place. It had a cozy feel to it, and I could already picture the three of them making it their home. Maverick stood by, looking pleased with his accomplishment. I made a mental note to give him another bonus for his efficient work.

Entering the living room, I found myself wanting to linger a bit longer in this cozy space. However, duty called, and I knew I had to return to the palace before Stacy started fretting. My companions stood there awkwardly, their gaunt figures a stark reminder of the hardships they had endured.

Clearing my throat, I addressed them, "This is where you'll be living from now on. I can't take you to the palace with me for obvious reasons, but this villa will provide you with a safe haven." I gestured around the room, emphasizing the comfort and security of their new home. "Each of you has a room here. Get comfortable, rest, and focus on getting healthy. I'll arrange for a priest to come and check on your overall health soon."

I could see the uncertainty in their eyes, the weight of their past experiences still evident in their hesitant movements. Before they could respond, I added, "Maverick will be back shortly, and he's in charge of getting you anything you need. I'll visit when I can, but for now, make yourselves at home."

With that, I quickly made my exit, feeling a wave of awkwardness wash over me. These men had been through so much, and here I was, a princess with a grand title, trying to offer them a new beginning. As I headed back to the palace, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had taken on a responsibility that was far greater than I had anticipated.