Hakan
STEP STEP
The soft rhythm of my bare feet against the polished stone floor guided me through the quiet halls. A faint, melodic GIGGLE caught my attention, delicate and innocent, threading through the sunlight spilling from the high windows.
I paused just outside the golden, latticed screen, taking in the scene. The morning light painted everything in hues of white and gold, turning the room into a vision almost too perfect to be real.
She sat on a low, cushioned chair, a figure of serene elegance. White cloth draped over her, soft and flowing, framing her delicate form. Her silver-white hair cascaded over her shoulders, catching the sunlight like liquid moonlight. A slender, kind-faced attendant knelt behind her, carefully tending to each strand.
HA HA
A laugh—clear and light as chimes—broke the silence, and warmth pooled in my chest.
Then she noticed me. Her eyes, wide and crystalline, met mine.
PAUSE
"HAKAN!"
"HERE YOU ARE." I stepped fully into the room, the lush greenery of the surrounding garden visible through the open windows, framing her as if she were part of a living painting.
She hastily gathered the white fabric around her chest, a delicate blush coloring her cheeks.
"I'M SORRY ABOUT YESTERDAY. I MUST HAVE DRIFTED OFF WITHOUT REALIZING." Her voice carried a soft sheepishness that made my heart tighten.
"IT WAS NICE TO SEE YOU SLEEPING SO PEACEFULLY," I said, my tone gentle. I reached out, my hand—large, rough from years of labor—brushing over her head. Her hair felt like silk beneath my fingers.
The young woman who had been tending her hair stepped back, curtsying with impeccable grace.
"YOUR HAIR STILL FEELS A LITTLE WET. WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO DRY IT FOR YOU?" she asked.
"HERE YOU GO, YOUR MAJESTY," she added, her respect evident in every word.
Then, a tiny, energetic figure burst into view. Dark-skinned, hair in neat braids, the little one executed a deep, formal bow that somehow made her more endearing than regal.
"CALL ME IF YOU NEED ANYTHING," she chirped, bouncing on her small feet before scampering off.
My gaze lingered on her retreating form. "TITI..." I murmured, a smile tugging at my lips. The morning had begun, and with it, a gentle warmth that filled the edges of my mind.
---
With a soft CREAK, I lowered my formidable frame onto the chair she had just vacated. The weight of my presence made the cushions protest slightly.
FLOP
"COME AND SIT HERE, LUCINA." My voice carried a quiet command, yet there was no harshness in it.
Her eyes flicked around the opulent room, pale cheeks tinged with pink. Still wrapped in white cloth, her silver hair brushed her shoulders, and her lips parted as if she were searching for words.
"OH, UM… WHERE?" she asked, uncertainty woven through her tone. "I DON'T SEE ANOTHER CHAIR…"
I couldn't suppress a small smile. Her innocence, even in moments like this, was disarming.
"YOU CAN JUST SIT ON MY LAP."
Her eyes widened, shock painting her expression, and a soft blush spread across her face as she hesitated.
…!
She lingered for a heartbeat before cautiously moving toward me. Her movements were tentative, almost fragile, as she lowered herself onto my lap. The white cloth draped around us, mingling with the morning light.
I drew her closer, my arm wrapping around her waist. The strength in my muscles contrasted sharply with the smallness of her form. A gentle SQUEEZE reassured both of us, a wordless comfort.
TAP
Leaning in, my gaze met hers, intense yet soft. "OR IS THAT UNCOMFORTABLE FOR YOU?" I tilted my head slightly, studying her reaction.
She shook her head, barely audible. "YES..." The whisper sent a ripple through the quiet air, her hair swaying with the motion.
I knew the meaning behind "yesterday" now. "YOU MUST HAVE HAD A SERIOUS HEADACHE AFTER DRINKING SO MUCH. ARE YOU ALRIGHT?"
"I FEEL MUCH BETTER AFTER BATHING IN THE HOLY WATER," she admitted.
I chuckled, recalling her bright enthusiasm from the previous evening. "TAYAR WINE IS MADE FROM WILD GRAPES THAT ARE HIGH IN SUGAR. IT HAS A WONDERFUL, SWEET FLAVOR WHEN I DRINK IT… BUT I REGRET IT THE NEXT MORNING WHEN I WAKE UP." I brushed her cheek lightly with my thumb, the corners of my lips tugging into an amused smirk. "HOWEVER, AFTER A FEW DAYS, I DRINK IT AGAIN LIKE A FOOL BECAUSE I CAN'T FORGET THAT SWEET TASTE."
Her eyes sparkled with understanding—or perhaps embarrassment—and the morning seemed to grow warmer, golden light wrapping around the two of us like a promise.
---
The wooden chair groaned under my weight as I lowered myself onto it, the soft CREAK echoing slightly in the sunlit room. My eyes found hers immediately, holding a playful command, unspoken but undeniable.
"COME AND SIT HERE, LUCINA."
Her gaze darted around the opulent space, pale cheeks tinged with pink. "OH, UM… WHERE?" A wave of HESITATE lingered in her voice. "I DON'T SEE ANOTHER CHAIR…"
I couldn't hide the small, teasing smile that tugged at my lips. "YOU CAN JUST SIT ON MY LAP."
The words landed between us like a tangible pulse. Her eyes widened, and a vivid BLUSH spread across her delicate features.
…!
Slowly, deliberately, she moved toward me, each careful step making my pulse quicken. She perched herself carefully on my lap, the white fabric of her garment pooling around us. I wrapped my arm around her waist, securing her gently but firmly, the heat of her body pressing lightly against mine.
TAP
I traced her cheek with a finger, my touch feather-light. My head tilted slightly as I leaned closer. "OR IS THAT UNCOMFORTABLE FOR YOU?"
Her head shook, and the motion made her silver hair shimmer and shake over her shoulders. "YES…" she whispered, barely audible, her voice fragile and soft.
I studied her face, the subtle curves of her expression, the shy way she avoided my gaze. "YOU MUST HAVE HAD A SERIOUS HEADACHE AFTER DRINKING SO MUCH. ARE YOU ALRIGHT?"
"I FEEL MUCH BETTER AFTER BATHING IN THE HOLY WATER," she admitted, her voice gaining a little strength.
I let out a soft breath, amused, my thumb brushing over her cheek. "TAYAR WINE IS MADE FROM WILD GRAPES THAT ARE HIGH IN SUGAR. IT HAS A WONDERFUL, SWEET FLAVOR WHEN I DRINK IT…" My gaze held hers, intense and unwavering. "…BUT I REGRET IT THE NEXT MORNING WHEN I WAKE UP. HOWEVER, AFTER A FEW DAYS, I DRINK IT AGAIN LIKE A FOOL BECAUSE I CAN'T FORGET THAT SWEET TASTE."
I drew her closer in a soft, careful HUG. My chest pressed gently against hers, the warmth of her body seeping into me. "LUCINA." I lowered my voice, the tone intimate and serious, letting my words linger against her ear. "THAT'S HOW YOU MAKE ME FEEL."
Her heart beat fast against my chest, a quick BA-BUMP BA-BUMP, and the silence of the room filled with the sound of her rapid pulse. The sensation was intoxicating—the sweetest taste I had ever known.
I couldn't help but think of the night we had shared, the closeness, the unspoken trust. Even the moment she leaves my sight, I start missing her. I want to be drunk on her love all day long.
Her gaze met mine, soft and breathless, and I felt my heart swell. I leaned in, careful and deliberate, and pressed my lips to hers.
"ME TOO," she whispered against my mouth, her words trembling, fragile and warm.
A deep, rumbling chuckle escaped me. My mind, for the briefest instant, wandered: I wonder if the reason she opened her heart to me so quickly, despite the fact that I brought her to a foreign land, is because she endured such a harsh life in Velk…
But there was no room for doubt, no room for distraction. My immediate duty was to her. I held her tight, my resolve hardening: I don't want her to suffer any more. I need to tell her everything.
I stroked her cheek with my thumb, gently lifting her face to meet mine. "CAN YOU COME TO MY CHAMBERS THIS EVENING, LUCINA? I WANT TO FINISH TELLING YOU EVERYTHING THAT I COULDN'T SAY YESTERDAY. THIS TIME, LET'S SKIP THE WINE AND TALK WITH A CLEAR MIND."
Her eyes held a mixture of curiosity, trust, and quiet anticipation. I could feel the weight of the promise between us, and in that moment, nothing else existed but the two of us, the golden morning light, and the unspoken truths waiting for the evening.
The cool marble pressed against my bare feet, each step echoing softly in the vast, golden hall. STEP… STEP… The rhythm of my own heartbeat seemed to mingle with the echo, a steady drum carrying both anticipation and apprehension. Lucina walked beside me, ethereal in her white gown, silver-white hair cascading over her shoulders like moonlight spilling over dark water. In the past, my gaze upon her had been calculated, measured—but now, each look carried a desperate, almost reckless affection, as though I were trying to memorize her presence before it could slip away.
We reached the privacy of my chambers, the heavy wooden doors closing with a soft thud behind us. I reached out, cupping her cheek gently, my thumb brushing over the softness of her skin. Her eyes, wide and glimmering with a mix of curiosity and trust, held me captive.
"Can you come to my chambers this evening, Lucina?" The words were simple, but the meaning beneath them was anything but. I was asking for her heart, her presence, her forgiveness—and perhaps most of all, her trust in me, not as a ruler, not as a conqueror, but as the one who had caused her pain yet now wanted to shield her from all suffering.
I held her closer, the impulse to protect her a living thing coiling within me. My gaze drifted over the distant, golden spires visible through the window. I needed her to understand, needed her to know everything I had withheld—the fears, the truths, the dangers I'd tried to shield her from. I had faltered yesterday, my words muddled by wine and hesitation. Today, clarity would reign.
"I want to finish telling you everything that I couldn't say yesterday," I said softly, earnest. "This time, let's skip the wine and speak with a clear mind."
She paused, hesitation mingling with trust, then gave a small, graceful nod. Relief and anticipation flitted across her features. My chest tightened—this fragile, trusting creature had allowed herself to open her heart to me despite the strangeness, despite the distance.
I ran a hand through my long hair, the knot of guilt in my chest stubborn and constant. Did she allow herself to lean on me so quickly because her life in Velk was so harsh? Did I simply become a convenient refuge, an escape from suffering rather than a true companion? It was a bitter thought, but it only strengthened my resolve. She would suffer no more—not under my watch. I would be her safe harbor, her constant, her choice.
Later, having spoken some portion of my truth, I found myself back in the bright hall, addressing those who served her. My gaze settled on a maid, Titi, standing with quiet dignity. The girl had been more than a mere attendant—her small efforts, her care and patience, had helped build a bridge between Lucina and this foreign land.
"Are you Lucina's personal maid, Titi?" I asked, my voice carrying a tone of genuine approval.
The young woman bowed deeply, a serene smile lighting her face. "YES, YOUR MAJESTY."
I nodded, acknowledging her dedication. "I heard that you put in a lot of effort as Lucina's speaking partner. You have served her well." The loyalty she had shown was not in tasks completed, but in compassion extended—the kind of service a ruler should always recognize.
Titi lowered her head further, humility and pride mingling in her expression. "I'm honored to hear that, Your Majesty."
A small smile tugged at my lips. This is a king's duty, I thought. To see the effort that matters, the hearts that care, and reward them accordingly.
"I wish to reward Titi," I said firmly. "Give her a gold nugget." Let the court see that kindness and loyalty, when true, were not overlooked. Lucina's happiness was reflected in this small acknowledgment, and that was the greatest treasure I could hold.
I looked once more at Titi, noting the shock and joy washing over her. The sound of her small gasp, the deep bow she offered afterward, all of it was confirmation that even the smallest gestures of recognition mattered deeply.
Turning back to my steward, I issued the next step. "Lucina will be coming to my chambers tonight to dine with me." I let the words hang in the air, deliberate and weighty. "I'd like her to join me every night from now on where possible."
The steward bowed deeply. "Of course, Your Majesty!"
I shifted my gaze back to Lucina, taking her delicate hand in mine. A reassuring SQUEEZE, a silent promise, and then I pressed my lips gently to the back of her hand. The gesture was intimate, public, and deliberate—a declaration of affection and intent.
"Now then, Lucina," I murmured, letting the warmth of my voice settle between us, "I'll see you in the evening."
As we departed, the courtyard murmurs of the courtiers began to ripple outward. Titi, speaking to a handsome guard, could barely contain her astonishment, hands flying to her face in disbelief at the gold reward and the King's open declaration of nightly dinners.
Elsewhere, two palace workers whispered among themselves, shaded by palm fronds. "Did you just say the King wishes to dine with that human every day? In his personal chambers?" one asked, eyes wide.
"I doubt they'll just be dining," the other replied, voice hushed. "He'll be spending every night with her from now on, mark my words."
I allowed myself a subtle, internal smirk. Let them gossip, let the palace understand: Lucina was no longer merely a ward, but the center of my world. My queen in all but name, and soon to be the queen of my court as well.
Lucina
The Emperor's words echoed in my mind long after they had left my ears. The command that I join him for dinner—not just tonight, but "every night from now on where possible"—hung in the air like a promise I could scarcely believe. And then there had been the kiss, the gentle press of his lips against my hand, sealing the commitment for all to see. My chest felt light, almost dizzy, as if the golden light of the palace had infused itself into my very being.
I watched him walk away, the weight of his presence lingering even in his absence. A swirl of joy and nervous anticipation clung to me, each heartbeat reminding me that my life in this palace, my life near him, was changing irrevocably.
Titi's Triumph and My Gratitude
My attention was immediately drawn to Titi, who had been standing with a guard moments before. Her eyes widened, then sparkled with utter disbelief as she realized the reward the Emperor had bestowed upon her.
"TAKE A LOOK AT THIS! THIS GOLD NUGGET IS THE SIZE OF AN EGG!" she exclaimed, holding it up like a treasure beyond imagining. Her entire being radiated joy, and for a moment, I forgot my own nerves as I shared in her happiness.
She spun around, imagining the possibilities the gold would bring: "I can pay for all of my younger siblings' tuition fees! I could die without any regrets!" Her words tumbled over themselves, and I couldn't help but CLAP CLAP for her, my laughter mixing with hers. "I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU, TITI!" I cried, sharing in the simple, profound delight of the moment.
Then, her focus shifted back to me, eyes bright with encouragement. "You were great yesterday, Lucina! You managed to keep your composure in front of so many people!" she said. Her hands found mine, squeezing them gently, a steady reassurance. "I'M SURE YOU'LL BE FINE WHEN YOU DINE WITH THE KING TONIGHT! I'LL HELP YOU!"
Her confidence was a balm to my nerves, a reminder that I was not alone in this strange, foreign court. "YOU'RE RIGHT. THANKS!" I replied, my voice steadier than I had expected.
Getting Ready
The preparations began immediately. Titi rummaged through my clothes, her eyes alight with ideas. "LET ME SEE… WHAT SORT OF CLOTHES WOULD LOOK GOOD TODAY? WHY DON'T YOU TRY WEARING A NECKLACE?"
I paused, trying to consider her suggestions, when she let out a soft sigh. "OH, I WISH ADI LITA WAS HERE!"
"ADI?" I asked, curious about the unfamiliar term. Titi's face softened as she explained, "IN TAYAR, THAT IS THE WAY TO ADDRESS AN OLDER WOMAN."
The memory stirred something within me. I remembered a kind, elderly woman who had aided me briefly in the past. "COME TO THINK OF IT… I WONDER WHO THAT OLD LADY WAS?" I murmured, a trace of longing in my voice. "I WANTED TO THANK HER…" The thought faded as quickly as it came; tonight was about the Emperor and me, not distant mysteries.
My Little Helper
A familiar sound caught my attention—a tiny flap and a cheerful TWEET. My heart lifted as I spotted my little companion. "Puka!" I whispered. "I'M SURE I LEFT IT AROUND HERE SOMEWHERE!"
The small bird flapped and TAPped over to me, landing delicately on the edge of my table. I quickly produced a small sack of nuts I had set aside. "I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU," I whispered, holding it out. "HERE YOU GO! TA-DA."
Puka chirped happily, pecking at the nuts with delight. I watched, feeling a quiet happiness settle over me, a moment of peace before the evening's anticipation. "THANKS FOR HELPING ME!" I whispered, stroking its tiny feathers. Holding the small creature, bathed in the golden light streaming through the window, I felt a deep sense of calm.
"I'M SO GLAD I CAME TO THE TAYAR…" I murmured, letting the words escape into the stillness of the room.
A fleeting memory drifted across my mind—a dinner long ago where a woman had suddenly left after finishing her food. The recollection was brief, almost irrelevant, fading under the weight of what mattered most: tonight, it would be the Emperor and me, and nothing else.
Authors pov
The morning after the Emperor's bold declaration, a bright sense of optimism filled the palace. I could feel it in the warm sunlight spilling across the marble floors, in the gentle flutter of the curtains, and in the joyful energy that radiated from Titi.
Titi had just received a reward from the Emperor—a gold nugget so large it was described as "THE SIZE OF AN EGG!" Her eyes sparkled as she held it aloft, disbelief mingled with joy. I clapped my hands with genuine happiness. "I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU, TITI!"
Titi's gratitude was overwhelming. "I can now pay for all of my younger siblings' tuition fees! I could die without any regrets!" she exclaimed, spinning around in sheer excitement. I could see her imagining a future free of worry, and my heart swelled for her.
Then, with the same warmth she had always shown me, Titi praised my own efforts. "You were great yesterday, Lucina! You managed to keep your composure in front of so many people!" Her hands found mine, squeezing them reassuringly. "I'M SURE YOU'LL BE FINE WHEN YOU DINE WITH THE KING TONIGHT! I'LL HELP YOU!"
Her confidence was like a balm, easing my nerves. "YOU'RE RIGHT. THANKS!" I replied, smiling broadly.
Getting Ready
Without delay, we dove into preparations. "LET ME SEE… WHAT SORT OF CLOTHES WOULD LOOK GOOD TODAY? WHY DON'T YOU TRY WEARING A NECKLACE?" Titi mused, her hands already rummaging through fabrics and accessories.
As she fussed over the outfit, she mentioned someone unfamiliar: "OH, I WISH ADI LITA WAS HERE!"
"ADI?" I asked, curious.
Titi explained, "IN TAYAR, THAT IS THE WAY TO ADDRESS AN OLDER WOMAN."
Her words stirred a fleeting memory within me. I thought of an elderly lady who had once offered us food but "suddenly left after finishing her meal." I paused for a moment, pondering. COME TO THINK OF IT, I WONDER WHO THAT OLD LADY WAS? I WANTED TO THANK HER…
At that moment, a familiar sound fluttered through the room: a tiny TWEET, the soft FLAP of wings. My little companion, Puka, had arrived.
"Puka!" I whispered, spotting the bird as it landed delicately nearby. "I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU. HERE YOU GO! TA-DA," I whispered, offering a small sack of nuts.
Puka chirped happily, pecking at the food with delight. Holding the small creature, watching its eager movements, I felt a profound sense of calm. "THANKS FOR HELPING ME! I'M SO GLAD I CAME TO THE TAYAR KINGDOM. EVERYONE HERE IS SO KIND AND FRIENDLY," I murmured softly.
Yet Puka seemed uneasy, tilting its head with a sharp note of caution. "HMM… I DON'T THINK EVERYONE HERE HAS GOOD INTENTIONS… I'M NOT SO SURE ABOUT THAT," the bird chirped, a faint warning in its voice.
Titi, oblivious to the small warning, hurried me along. "O-OKAY! PLEASE WAIT A LITTLE LONGER! I'M ALMOST DONE PICKING YOUR OUTFIT!"
I took a deep breath, giving Puka one final gentle pat before focusing back on Titi and the preparations. A slight GASP escaped me, torn between the bird's unease and the flurry of excitement around the evening's dinner.
The Queen's Retaliation
Far from the sunlit warmth of my room, a shadow fell across another part of the palace. Courtiers whispered in disbelief outside, voices tinged with shock and speculation. "Did you just say that the King wishes to dine with that human every day? IN HIS PERSONAL CHAMBERS?" one murmured.
Another leaned in, voice low but certain, "I doubt they'll just be dining. He's probably going to spend every night with her from now on!"
The news had reached the current Queen. Her servants approached with a mix of caution and fear, speaking of grim developments. "The officials have set a date to transport the Late King's body and place it in the Mezaluc," one warned. "Once that happens, Your Highness will likely be forced to leave the Queen's palace next!"
Another pressed further. "Are you really going to let some human steal your position as Queen, Your Highness? SHOULDN'T WE AT LEAST TRY AND DO SOMETHING TO STOP THAT FROM HAPPENING?"
The Queen, Gillai, said nothing at first, her face a mask of silent, vengeful GRIT. Then, with a chilling calm, she gave her command: "…GO AND GET GILLAI."
Her servants froze, hesitation clear in their eyes. "A-ARE YOU SURE, YOUR HIGHNESS?"
But Gillai's resolve was absolute. Figures in dark, flowing robes stepped forward, responding to her summons. Courtiers outside gasped, recognition and fear spreading like wildfire: "IT'S GILLAI! I DON'T BELIEVE MY EYES!"
The Queen was moving, plotting her next step to secure her throne.