Regrets And Grudges

After Ser Alanis had secretly returned Princess Felissa to her hidden chambers within the palace, he made his way to the Queen's chamber to report her safe return.

Meanwhile, in her own room, Princess Felissa sat on her royal bed, lost in her own thought.

She replayed the events of the day in her mind, from the moment she had wanted to intervene and help the woman and her daughter, to the heroic stranger with magical abilities who had saved them.

She thought about the captivating bracelets she had purchased before Ser Alanis had interrupted her. Felissa recalled the bump she had taken on her forehead from colliding with someone's necklace, which lay on their chest. It dawned on her that it might be the same person who had come to the poor Woman and daughter aid.

In a contemplative tone, she mused, "Could he be the one? even though I did not see his face when I bumped into him, I remember seeing briefly the same necklace I saw before he left the scene and when I bumped into him. Could it be the same person, or do mine eyes deceive me?", she shook her head in frustration. "I can not possibly be seeing things; I am not that old."

As she continued her internal dialogue, she heard her mother's footsteps approaching. Felissa recognized the distinct sound of her mother's entrance.

Although she did not particularly fear her mother, she had an aversion to her excessive reprimands. Not wanting to engage in any such conversation, Felissa quickly feigned sleep as she heard her mother opening the door.

Queen Amarissa entered the chamber, seeing her daughter asleep.

The room was dimly lit as the mother sat by her daughter's bedside gentling stroking her hair, thinking she was asleep. The daughter kept her eyes closed, but her mind was racing,

Mother: (whispering) "You know, my dear, I have always loved you more than words can express. You are my greatest treasure, and my purpose in life has been to guide and protect you."

The daughter lay still, silently absorbing her mother's heartfelt words.

Mother: "Life is not always fair and easy, and sometimes, I know you may not agree with the decisions I make or the things I say. But please understand, it all comes from a place of love. I see so much potential in you, and I have faith in your ability to make the right choices."

The room fell into a solemn silence as the mother continued.

Mother: "Even when you are upset with me, remember that my love for you remains constant. We can face any challenge together. Your future is bright, and I'll always be there for you. The time for your revealing is near, I promise you". "I really love you from the bottom of my heart".

The mother leaned down and kissed her daughter's forehead gently before getting up to leave the room.

As the door closed softly, the daughter slowly opened her eyes, feeling a mixture of emotions. She realized the depth of her mother's love and concern for her.

As Queen Amarissa returned to her chambers, her eyes welled up with tears. She felt a deep sense of remorse for being tough on her own daughter.

As she stood in her room, her tears silently flowed, and she found herself replaying the events that had led to Felissa's birth. In her heart, she couldn't help but think, "My daughter would not have had to hide if I had not fall in love with her father.

She could have led a normal princess life." A profound sense of guilt washed over her as she whispered, "I'm sorry, I'm really sorry. It's my fault," while trying to stifle her sobs with her hand.

...

Meanwhile, Lucian lay on his bed, his thoughts consumed by the quest for the elusive Arcane Compass the next day.

However, his mind briefly wandered back to the girl who had bumped into him earlier in the day. He found her behavior a little strange.

Also he could not shake the feeling that he had seen someone in black attire and a black hood twice during the day, almost as if the person had been following them.

Uncertain of the significance of these unconscious remembrance, he dismissed the thoughts and closed his eyes, preparing to rest for the night.

• The Royal Palace •

(• The next day •)

The next morning, Princess Felissa woke up with a smile on her face. She had been dreaming about the mysterious stranger who had saved the woman and her daughter.

It was a peculiar feeling since she had not even seen his face, and she could not explain why she was so captivated by him. With a sense of bemusement, she muttered to herself, "What am I even thinking? I have not even seen this man's face, and I am already dreaming about him.

Am I supposed to find him or get to know him? What is this strange fascination all about?"

.......

Meanwhile, Brendan had been waiting for Lucian in front of the inn. When he saw Lucian, he greeted him with a cheerful "Good morrow." Lucian, focused on his quest for the Arcane Compass, merely nodded in response.

As they continued their search for the elusive compass, they arrived at the third antique shop of the day, Mythos Relics and Artifacts.

Lucian could sense a strong magical presence emanating from the shop even before he entered. Stepping inside, the magical aura intensified, making him acutely aware that something significant awaited him within these mystical walls.

Unbeknownst to Lucian, an old adversary named Starael had been shadowing him ever since he left Eldermoor.

Their ongoing feud originated from Lucian's actions that had humiliated Starael and rendered him irrelevant in Eldermoor. Fueled by a deep and burning grudge, Starael relentlessly pursued Lucian with the intent to exact his revenge.

Starael had followed Lucian to the first inconspicuous inn, initially planning to end his life there. However, his plan was thwarted by the presence of the intruder, and he had to abort.

He continued to tail Lucian, observing every move he made. He watched as Lucian saved the woman and her daughter, and he witnessed the encounter when Lucian bumped into the mysterious girl.

Starael was there when Lucian entered the new, more conspicuous inn, but he refrained from taking action to avoid causing a scene.

Now, as Lucian and Brendan entered the last antique shop named Mythos Relics and Artifacts, Starael saw this as the perfect opportunity to settle the score.

A sinister smile played on his lips as he thought to himself, "Lucian, today is the day I shall end you, "his heart brimming with murderous intent.