Chapter 9:
Lucina
I remove my cloak, letting my silver hair catch the luxurious lighting.
I walk to the kneeling boys and stand before them.
"I have just one question for you. I expect an honest answer."
I lock eyes with each of them in turn.
I squat down in front of them. "I'll be frank with you. I spent a considerable amount on you three. It was rather impulsive, I admit."
I rise and walk back to my seat. I continue munching on the delicious pastries.
"You may think you're invaluable. But I'm royalty. I can easily replace you. What's a few gold coins to me, after all?"
I shrug.
"I'll give you an hour to decide. If you wish to stay with me, you're welcome. If not, feel free to leave. I won't hold it against you. I'll consider it my loss."
I grab the tray of pastries and head into the bedroom, leaving them to ponder their decision.
*
I lose myself in the comfort and indulgence of the luxurious room.
The pastries are delicious. I lose track of time.
A soft knock on the door startles me.
Has it been an hour already?
"Come in."
The skinny, purple-haired man enters and kneels at the edge of the bed. His posture suggests he's a trained slave.
The thought doesn't sit well with me.
But I'm drawn to the intelligent gleam in his eyes. I make a mental note to address his status later.
I tap the space beside me. He climbs up and settles next to me.
"So. Have you made your decision?"
He nods.
"Words, little one." I want to hear his voice.
"I wish to go with you."
"Hmm. But why? You could be free."
I reach out to tuck a stray strand of purple hair behind his ear.
He blushes.
Endearing.
"I don't really have anywhere else to go." His voice is soft. "The most likely outcome is I'll be caught as a slave again."
"You have the potential to be a mage. You could seek refuge at the mage tower."
I notice his initial fear. Then it subsides.
"I just want a home." He looks at me. "I feel like you could be my home."
He drifts off to sleep.
I gently pull the covers over him. His light frame makes it an easy task.
Just as I'm helping the purple-haired man into bed, the green-eyed beauty walks in.
"I didn't want to intrude." His voice is soft.
I gesture to the space beside me on the bed. He joins us.
"I need to go with you."
The word need sticks in my mind.
"You cost me over a million gold." I smile. "The moment we made eye contact, you were mine, princess."
He smiles back.
Soon, he drifts off to sleep.
After they are both asleep, I quietly leave the bed.
I send a pulse of divinity into them.
The goddess granted me this power—a unique advantage as her saint. Among other things, it allows me to put people into a peaceful slumber.
I think back to my conversation with the Pope. The threat I subtly made to the Emperor.
I smirk.
Being the goddess's chosen one has its perks.
*
I leave the room and close the door with a soft thud.
I walk down the hallway.
The raven-haired boy sits on the floor. He looks lost and forlorn.
Why is he sitting there like a homeless man?
"I thought you left." I stop in front of him.
He looks up at me. Then down again.
"You know the hour is up and done, right?"
I sit down next to him. A pang of sympathy stirs in my chest.
He looks at me with desperation and vulnerability. It tugs at my heart.
"I... I don't know."
I remain silent, letting him gather his thoughts.
"I have nothing to offer you." His voice cracks. "Nothing to offer anyone. But I'm too greedy to leave. So I don't know."
I sigh. The weight of his words settles over me.
"I get to decide what is useful to me. Okay?" I look at him directly. "So what do you want?"
"I just want somewhere to rest." His gaze drops. "I dare not wish for more."
I reach out and gently lift his chin, meeting his eyes.
I use my divinity.
He joins the others in bed. He gets the rest he desires.
*
I look at those peaceful sleeping faces.
I may have been way in over my head.
I sigh.
I look at them and realize: they are people with trauma, fears, thoughts, and opinions. They've never had anything.
Taking advantage of them leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
Whatever will happen, will happen.
This is a realm full of handsome men. I'm sure I can manipulate—I mean, convince—men into being my harem.
I think evilly.
I close the door behind me.
I feel like a mother hen.
I never expected that having these men would mean I'd be the one taking care of them. Not the other way around.
I might have gotten myself into something troublesome.
But at least they'll be nice to look at.