Chapter 585

Lucia's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

Arthur had left. Things were quiet in the house as Ty and the others went back to training or working on something out of sight. A sigh left my lips as I sat in my room. We had just return and he'd just left immediately. It makes me wonder how much rest he gets. The fact that a diplomatic mission was considered a vacation for him wasn't promising. Hugging a pillow on my bed as I laid down was my closest comfort to having Alwin here.

A small sound went off in my room that caused my head to perk up from my bed. Maybe it was Alwin. "Hello, Lucia." What was initially vague interest, quickly became alarm as I snapped upright in my bed. Whipping toward the sound as her hands held her up, I saw Arceana in my room. "Nothing to say?"

The Priestess of Lestrania seemed to glide around the room carefree as she sat down at her vanity across the room. "Arceana." I greeted her evenly as I moved from my bed. "I must say, this is quite the surprise."

"It has been some time since we last spoke. Are you enjoying Arthur's home?" Arceana asked with a sneer.

My eyes narrowed. "It has been a nice feeling."

"And what feeling would that be?"

"Freedom." I quickly told her. "Going where I want, when I want. Not being used as a political tool. Being treated as an actual adult who can make their own decisions." My tone might've been a little too sarcastic. "Can you imagine what that's like?"

To my surprise, she merely hummed and crossed her legs as I stood across from her. "But do you really have any of those things?" Narrowed eyes turned into a glare, not that it would ever deter Arceana. "This freedom of yours… It seems nice, but it is no different than what you had when you were at the Temple."

I sputtered in disbelief. "You must be joking…" Her Aunt merely rolled her eyes in an annoyed manner. "Everything is different! No longer do I need permission to go anywhere! I'm not a tool to be used for some political gain and meant to be seen not heard."

"You are being ridiculous, Lucia." Arceana stood as she said the words so dismissively.

It was like a slap in the face. "Ridiculous?!" I repeated in disbelief.

"Do you really think I was unaware of Alwin Farro ferrying you down to The Slums?" Just the fact she referred to the Lowest Rung as such was revealing for me. "I kept you safe, raised you, bathed you, changed you, provided everything I possibly could for you." Arceana stepped in front of me as one hand came up to my cheek. "The only difference I can see between Arthur and I, is that I care more for your safety than he does."

Removing her hand made Arceana frown, but I didn't care. "You care more for my safety?" I scoffed mockingly as I stepped away from her. "What did you do when I was capture by the Succubae?" My head tilted as her frown deepened. "From what Ayda told me, you had no plans to send anyone to rescue me."

Arceana clicked her tongue at me. "You wished to go on that mission, and I allowed it, but I could not risk sending soldiers to scour the lands to find you."

Gesturing to her angrily, I hissed. "You could've come for me! You could have saved me!" My hand raised as I put my finger in her face. "But it wasn't you! It was Arthur who came for me! He saved both of us when you abandoned us!"

"And what would you have me do, Lucia, mmh?" She hummed out, annoyed. "Leave Helmsforth unprotected? March our forces into a possible trap? Elincia was gone, so it wasn't possible for one of us to come rescue you. Now you live with the same creatures that captured and tortured you." I waved my hands dismissively as I turned around and walked away from her. "As a ruler, I cannot risk our people just for a personal attachment."

That made me laugh almost brokenly as it came out shaky and similar to a sob. "A personal attachment…" I repeated. "I didn't know you cared so much."

"Will you stop being so dramatic."

My lips thinned at that and the sheer dismissiveness of her. "What do you want, Priestess Arceana Delmaris?" I glanced back at her.

The use of her full name and title made her eyes narrow at the sudden formality. "Come back to the Templ-"

"No."

Cutting her off made her lips thin in clear aggravation. "This isn't where you belong, Lucia."

"And being trapped inside your temple is?" Shaking my head, I replied. "I'm never going back there, and you can't make me. Arthur would never allow it."

Arceana's expression soured further. "Arthur Pendragon… That man…" Her chin raised as the Priestess looked down on me. "I've heard some rumors, but they're so unfathomable that I assumed no one else would believe them. Rumors of his claims of being your father, such a ridiculous claim, really." Her eyes homed in on mine. "Yet, it seems you were susceptible to his honeyed words."

"What do you want?!" I finally screeched.

"More than a girl who is so desperate to have a father that she'd throw away common sense!" Arceana yelled back.

"At least he cares about me!"

"I care about you!"

"Did you ever care to ask what I wanted!? Who I wanted to be!? Who I am!?" My hands pressed against my chest as I felt tears sting at the corner of my eyes. "You come here and don't even ask if I'm alright, or if I'm happy, but that I need to return to the Temple!" I spat. "What about me!? What about what I want!?"

"Oh, please!" Arceana shouted back as if she knew better. "You don't even know who you are yourself! How am I supposed to know?! Don't make me laugh."

"Maybe not," I admitted angrily, and my finger moved to her chest and poked her, "But at least I'm starting to figure that out! You've never told me anything about my past!"

Arceana slapped my hand away. "What do you know about who or where you came from!? Do you have any idea what I had to do to take care of you!?"

My arms spread out wide as my shoulders came up in a shrug. "How could I!?"

It didn't take long for the door to burst open with Breeze and Marina at the ready. Arceana's magic ignited in her hands as a burst of wind filled the room and water slowly began to trickle in from above them. She raised her hand in a threatening manner but made no further moves before her gaze slowly turned back to me.

"You make me out to be such a monster. Why are you so afraid of me?" The Priestess inquired with a raised brow and hushed tone.

My eyes hardened as I also lowered my voice. "You are not yourself." I answered. "If you were…"

She shook her head in annoyance as her throat created a low growl. "Think of me what you will. That's fine. I never expected my dedication to you to be returned to me like this, although, I cannot say I am surprised." Her hand lowered from Marina and Breeze. "Ask yourself this, Lucia, are you truly as free as you claim?" Backing away from the two in the doorway, Arceana kept her magic ignited. "Or has Arthur placed his own restrictions on you? Can you truly go wherever you wish? Do whatever you wish?" Without another word, she teleported away.

Marina slowly floated in on a miniature cyclone of water. "Bold of Arceana to do this. I'm surprised she would do it all." She looked at me with such a tenderness in her eyes that it reminded me of how Arceana used to be once upon a time. "Are you okay?"

Breeze quickly added, "We heard shouting."

"I'm fine." I told them.

Marina placed a comforting hand on my arm. "Why was she here?"

That was the question, wasn't it. Why was she here? "I'm not sure. Arceana spoke of my returning to the Temple, but it was odd."

Both guardians glanced at each other. "Why would she need you to return to the Temple all of a sudden?" Breeze inquired.

"I have no idea. She was strange, and I can't imagine Elincia was aware of this visit, nor was it timed so well for it to be immediately after Arthur left. Too many things don't add up." I admitted. Turning to them, I spoke in a low tone. "Inform those in the estate of Arceana's sudden appearance. Make sure they know that she somehow knew Arthur was gone."

"That means someone is still observing us, but who could figure out Father had portaled away?" Marina questioned out loud to no one in particular. "We'll need to be extra careful. I'll make sure everyone knows." She paused for a moment as she eyed me. "Lucia, if you don't mind, would you perhaps be willing to have someone with you at all times until we get this situated?"

A sigh escaped my lips. "That might be for the best."

Marina nodded. "Aydalia and Alwin should be returning soon. They've been gone for some time, but when Alwin returns, we'll make sure he's aware of what happened. Until then," I watched her turn to her brother, "Breeze, can you stay with her?"

"If she'll allow it." He glanced at me with a questioning expression. "And if I can take a nap. I'm still exhausted."

A giggle left my lips without my meaning to. "Of course. I was also resting until I was suddenly interrupted. We can talk as we wind down."

Breeze smiled. "I'd like that."

Marina left, no doubt it was to inform everyone about what happened, if they hadn't heard the shouting already that is. Breeze and I eventually fell asleep as we talked. It was a nice moment that we had yet to have. Sleep came easy since we had just gotten back from our talks with the Dwarves and Druids.

However, when I woke up, it wasn't to Breeze, but Alwin. His sleeping face greeted me, and it made me smile. His arms around me, his scent, his presence, all of it eased me immediately despite what happened. My arms crept up as my hands snaked around to his back and I held him in turn.

"Lucia?" He mumbled out. I hugged him a little tighter. "Are you okay? I heard about what happened with Arceana." Alwin rubbed my back as I mumbled into his chest causing him to chuckle. "Elincia and Arthur will help her. I know this is difficult for you, but I also know you still love her despite her change, just like Elincia does."

At least he understood that much. Although, that didn't mean it wasn't a frustrating situation to be in. "Where were you?"

Looking up at him got him to blush as he scratched his cheek shyly as he laughed nervously. "Oh, you know. With my mother." He chuckled at my flat look. "Okay, okay!" Alwin separated from me a little as he dug through one of his pockets and pulled out a small box.

"A present?" I asked, curious.

"Ah… Something like that." The Elf seemed more nervous than I'd ever seen him. "Would you like to open it?"

Nodding, he handed it to me as we lay on our sides on my bed. The miniscule wrapping paper was mostly a large bow, overly decorative, and easy to remove. I tried to pry the top open, as it should be separated from the top of the box from the bottom, but my eyes widened slightly when I noticed how it opened. A blush came to my cheeks as I slowly realized what this was and how obvious it was. To be fair, though, I just woke up not one minute ago.

Flipping it open, a ring with a beautiful pink diamond in the middle of it with several smaller ones circling around it in a whirlpool design. It was beautiful. Speechless, I slowly pulled the ring from the case as the silver shone brilliantly. This must've cost a fortune. Far more than a General should be able to earn. My eyes flicked up to Alwin who was watching me with a shaky smile.

"This isn't exactly how I planned this…" Alwin nervously spoke as a blush spread across his face. "However, given your recent run in with Arceana and other more important developments," I watched his eyes flicker to my stomach causing heat to creep down my neck and to my ears, "I think this might distract you enough-"

Without waiting for him to finish, my wings fluttered slightly as I shifted up toward him as my lips landed on his. He let out a startled sound into my mouth, one that was quickly silenced as he leaned into me. It wasn't a sexual, nor passionate kiss, but it was perfect.

"Yes!" I breathed out into his lips. "Mhyes!" It came out mumbled as I spoke against his lips once more.

Alwin pulled away from me for a moment with a goofy smile on his face. "I know you said yes, but I want to make sure it's to the correct question, so I don't get the wrong idea." Clearing his throat, he started, "Will you-"

"Yes, I'll marry you, you doofus!"

His smile widened. "But now, I'll be your doofus forever."

Kissing him with a laugh, I replied on his lips. "I can live with that."

The two descended into a fit of laughs, kisses, tears, and hugs. Despite everything that had happened to them recently, their almost dying, the torture, they were both still here. Alwin and I were still here and still in love, more so than before.

Everything seemed like a dream since I'd been rescued from both the Succubae and Helmsforth Temple. It was funny… I had thought about returning to the Temple from the very beginning, it was so natural, expected even. Yet, now, this was home. Arthur, Alwin, his family, the three guardians, and even the Succubae running around. All of it seemed like too much at times, confusing at others, but it was hers.

Still, Arceana had broached a topic that resonated with me… "Alwin, do you have any old maps?" I asked as we had finally settled down.

He blinked in surprise. "Uh, maybe?" Alwin was taken aback by the sudden question. "Did you want our wedding at a specific location not in Lestrania?"

"Huh?" My eyes narrowed in confusion. "Oh! No! I'm not thinking about that."

"Oh. Okay." I sat up and he watched me for a moment before doing the same. "Can I ask what this is about?"

"Arceana said something that…" A sigh left my lips. "It's just stuck in my head." Running a hand through his hair with a complicated expression. "Is something wrong?"

The Elf turned to me with a smile. "No no." He said in quick succession. "I was just thinking we'd tell my family about this and the others, you know?"

My gaze softened as I reached out to rest a hand on his cheek. "Would you mind waiting until Arthur returns? Telling them all at the same time sounds more fun to me, don't you think?"

"Sure. If that's what you want." His hand came back down. "I was just-" Another sigh came from him. "Guess I didn't distract you as much as I had hoped."

My thumb caressed his cheek. "You did that and more, Alwin. Don't ever think I'm not grateful, because I will forever remember this moment." Leaning towards him, I pecked him on the lips. "Waking up in your arms, floundering, our kisses… I love us."

A more genuine smile came to his lips. "Me too." He said with a nod before giving me a quick kiss in return. "But how do you know Arthur isn't back yet? We should go check."

"He's not." I told him quickly causing him to raise a brow at my words. "It-I…" The words eluded me for a moment. "I don't feel him, if that makes sense. Normally, I can tell when he's here, and I don't feel that. Who knows what came up if he's still gone, you know?"

Taking my hand from his cheek and holding it in his own, Alwin gave it a light squeeze. "Okay. So, what do you want some old maps for then?"

"Klasteris…" Even saying the name of it made me shudder. "I want to know where Klasteris is."

He blinked as he stared at me. "Klasteris? Where Arceana and Elincia found you? It's a destroyed Kingdom to the North, isn't it?"

I nodded as I squeezed his hand a little tighter. "It is, but something tells me I can find answers there. Maybe even in the ruins or just the area… It just feels like something is calling me there ever since Arthur mentioned it and I've wanted to visit…"

"But too many things have been happening one thing after another." Alwin finished for me.

"Mmh."

"And you don't want to bring this up to Arthur because…?"

"Because…" I trailed off as one of my hands came up to hold my other arm. No doubt my insecurity was showing about the topic, which caused Alwin's eyes to soften. "I'm afraid he'll say no and it'll be just like Arceana said. That I'm not truly free to choose."

Alwin's lips thinned for a moment before he sighed. "You're overthinking this. Arthur adores you. He'd never do that to you, especially if you pressed the issue, and if he did, I'm sure he'd explain why or at least go with you if you were adamant."

A weak shrug was all I could muster. "Perhaps. He does treat me well. Still, Arthur is keeping things from me, from all of us. I think he found a lead on my mother and has kept it to himself."

"If it turns out to be false, it would get your hopes up for no reason, and he probably wants to spare you that." My Elven General was so quick to defend Arthur as of late. "He's at least informed you of such, but I wouldn't put for information without a full investigation either."

"I know." I agreed. "Still, have you ever felt something in your very being, a calling, that you just know is meant for you."

To my surprise, Alwin smiled as he stared at me. "I have. For the last several years, I've felt a calling, and could only look at it from afar." My cheeks heated up at that. "And I would do anything for it. Even find a map of Klasteris, but I'm not sure we'll need to. Marina and the others might be able to help."

I'd thought of that too. However, she was more hesitant to do so because they'd tell Arthur. "What if they say no?"

"They can't force you to stay here, Lucia." He whispered. "All of them clearly care for you."

"Maybe so, but they could still alert Arthur."

"Who would probably be annoyed you were going behind his back." Alwin admitted. "But," I watched him grin, "I also know they have Arthur's orb that goes to his sword which is what saved us last time. Think of it as insurance that has saved both of us, and Marina, when we got into trouble." Then he leaned in a little bit more. "And she actually knows how to use it to signal him."

I rolled my eyes at that. "I suppose it couldn't hurt, but if they say no-"

Alwin gave my hand a soft squeeze to interrupt me. "If they say no, then I'll go with you. It's not like they can stop us from teleporting away." His grin fell and his expression turned flat. "My mother or sister on the other hand… They could…"

A mischievous grin came to my lips. "They can't watch us all the time…" I offered as I placed two fingers on his chest and slowly walked them up in a more playful manner.

He chuckled deeply at that. "No, I suppose they can't. So, we have a plan, but are you sure you don't want to wait another day or so for Arthur to return?"

"Mmm." I nodded. "Breeze can hopefully fly us there if they know where it is. Should we go ask them?"

"Lets, and if they don't want to help, then we'll teleport out and figure out where to go from there."

"And if that doesn't work, we find some old maps and look into it in the meantime." He looked at me surprised. "I'm aware this might not be realistic, and things might not go completely according to plan. This is just a plan C for if we can't find out where it was right away."

With a grin, he helped me up. "That's my girl."

Marina's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

I loved tea. It was nice, relaxing, and created an aroma meant to calm the drinker. Not that I could drink it very often with so much going on and having to keep track of who was in or near the estate… So, when Lucia and Alwin came down the following morning after Arceana's visit, I figured we could have a moment to sit down and talk. Enjoy the morning.

"Would you two like to join me for some morning tea?" I offered in a polite tone to the couple that was holding hands in front of her in kitchen with Rock towering over them from behind in the doorway. "It's Dwarven Sands mix that is just divine." With a little smirk, I continued. "Of course, I have another favorite, but it is nice being able to make tea so easily." My water danced around rather blatantly.

"Marina?" Lucia called out to me.

Taking a sip, I replied. "Yes?" Pinky up naturally for more civilized individuals.

Things quickly came crashing down as I finally understood my father's words when he said we can't have nice things. "Can one of you take us to Klasteris?" The Aridian asked.

My eyes widened as my tea fell from my hands causing the cup to shatter onto the floor. Not that I noticed since I was too busy feeling an icy sensation creep through my body. Lucia and Alwin were watching me with surprise at my reaction. Cursing internally, a weak laugh came from my lips at the question causing the girl's eyes to narrow slightly.

"I'm sorry…" Blinking as I tried to fully process what was happening, I spoke. "Can you repeat the question?"

"We're hoping you could take us to Klasteris." Lucia stated more firmly.

Rock's body grated as he backed up a little bit causing the two to turn to him as he was just as confused by the sudden request. "What brought this on?" I inquired as one of the children started to clean up the teacup I'd dropped.

Lucia was clearly on edge as she saw our reactions as she stepped back slightly. "Will you help us or not!?" The harshness in her tone surprised me and even caused me to wince.

Magic started to gather, and although her magic had yet to ignite in her hands, I could tell it was gathering slowly. After all, you didn't live in a magical forest with Aydan Farro as your creator for thousands of years without picking up subtle changes here and there. That's how I knew they were getting ready to flee.

"We will!" I cried out quickly before they could disappear via teleportation. "Breeze, Rock and I can take you there." My hand was reaching toward her to stop her from leaving.

"Really?" Lucia perked up.

"I've never lied to you, Lucia, and I won't start now. May we have a few moments to prepare for our departure?" I questioned. "I'd like to inform Camoa and Freya if I can. Ayda and her mother are both busy now, so they can be briefed later. Breeze is still sleeping, but I'll wake him up."

This was awful. Father had been very specific about keeping Lucia away from Klasteris. I wasn't told why, but he must've had his reasons. Reasons Lucia no doubt suspected. Why else would she do this while he was gone? She was a very intelligent girl, perceptive too, and it was clear she was set on this… But why? Did Arceana cause this?

Floating over to her with a smile on my face, I took her hands in mine gently. "We'll leave within the hour, okay?" A smile slowly came to her face causing me to wince internally.

"Okay!" Alwin smiled at Lucia's enthusiasm. I did too. On the outside, that was.

Rock was staring at me as Lucia and Alwin disappeared back upstairs leaving me confused. Arthur should've been back by now if nothing had happened, which was telling in itself. Part of me hoped he'd return in the next hour, since it would likely be all the time I could buy. Shaking slightly, I bit my lip as I eyed the familiar orb floating in my water. If I called him back now, Lucia would never forgive me. I'd be keeping Arthur's orb on hand at all times if he didn't return in enough time to stop Lucia himself. Although, somehow, she just knew he wouldn't.

With a short growl, I turned to Rock. "Can you go wake up Breeze? I need to speak with Freya and Camoa." He quickly rolled off to do just that as he trusted me.

Breeze might need to be convinced, but he would agree with this. Leaving the estate together, though… That made me uneasy. Especially with what Arceana just pulled, nor with the Succubae all here by themselves with Camoa as their only defense.

At that moment, Ty walked into the kitchen from the other door, covered in sweat from early morning training. "Morning, Marina."

"Ty!" I quickly said as I floated over to him and grabbed him by the arms.

His eyes widened as I invaded his personal space by moving my face mere inches from his face. "Whoa!" He gasped out.

"I need you to help me immediately!" If he could get a message to Cassidy, Greigh, or Elincia, they could watch over the Estate in our steady. Elincia would be the best choice at this point. Hopefully he'll be able to pull it off.