Luciana heard approaching footsteps outside the master bedroom. She instinctively tightened the belt of her robe, securing it more tightly around her frame. A distinct knock echoed through the heavy doors, followed by a voice she recognized. Relief washed over her.
"Come in," she called.
Jafar entered with a measured stride, bowing his head slightly. "Pardon the intrusion, madame. You summoned me?"
She studied him carefully. Can I trust him? The servants remained wary of her, and Mina, though kind, was far too naïve. But I have no other choice.
"Sir Jafar, I need a favor," she began, keeping her tone composed. "Escort me to where Mina and Nemesis are."
He hesitated. "My lady, the master has ordered that you remain in your chambers. It is safer."
Luciana had anticipated this. She knew he would try to dissuade her—after all, he was the only other person, besides Erebus, who had witnessed her attempt to escape. But this time, she refused to be dismissed so easily.
She smiled, a poised and regal expression settling on her face. She had spent too much time grieving. I am no longer just a displaced princess—I am a wife, a lady of this fortress. I must act the part.
"Sir Jafar," she interrupted before he could continue. "What is your role in this household?"
He blinked, seemingly caught off guard. "I am the master's attendant."
"And who am I?"
"You are the princess—"
"No," she corrected firmly. "I am no longer Amanécer's princess. I am your master's wife. That makes me your lady. And in his absence, my word is law."
His lips parted slightly in surprise, but he quickly composed himself. The grief in her eyes was evident, but so was something else—a quiet strength, a resolve that had not been there before.
They lost a precious asset to us, Jafar thought, and for the first time, he smiled. He knelt before her.
"I apologize, my lady. This servant will obey your command."
"See that you do," she responded coolly. "Now, take me to Nemesis."
"Yes, my lady."
Jafar led her through the dimly lit corridors, the fortress's stone walls stretching high around them. The numerous staircases and levels reflected the stronghold's construction upon the mountain itself. Mina had once mentioned that the foundations ran deeper than what was visible above the surface. She is such an eager child, Luciana mused.
"My lady," Jafar spoke hesitantly, "may I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"What compels you to care for a child who is not yours?"
Luciana slowed her steps. An odd question… is he testing me?
She turned to him with a soft smile. "Does it matter? Can a mother not see her child?"
He said nothing.
Why does she care for strangers? Jafar wondered. Demons do not concern themselves with others. We are taught to fend for ourselves. It is nearly impossible to believe people like her exist.
They reached a wide hallway lined with doors. Sunlight filtered through stained glass, casting vivid colors onto the stone floor. Luciana's gaze lingered on the windows. They reminded her of the day she had failed to escape.
"Jafar," she asked suddenly, "how did you know I was trying to flee?"
He gave a knowing smile. "The walls have eyes and ears, my lady. Even the air around you can see and feel."
She frowned. "What does that mean?"
"Has my lord not yet explained how this fortress works?"
Her heart clenched. No, he has not. He doesn't trust me.
"The wisps you see at night," Jafar said after a pause. "They watch everything."
"You mean those glowing lights?"
"What are fireflies?" he asked, puzzled.
She stared at him. They don't have fireflies here?
"They're tiny insects that glow in the dark," she explained.
"Ah, you mean faeries," he corrected.
"Faeries?"
"They are fire spirits. They can change forms."
Before she could ask more, he stopped in front of a familiar set of doors. Laughter and cheerful voices filtered through.
Luciana hesitated. Nemesis sounds happy…
"When can I see Mama?" Nemesis's small voice asked.
"Madame will call for us when she is done with work," Mina reassured him.
Luciana stiffened. Is that my duty now? Being intimate with my husband? She frowned at the thought.
"My lady, will you not go in?" Jafar asked.
She shook her head. "No. They seem fine."
Turning away, she added, "One more thing—can you ask Mina to lend me her clothes?"
Jafar's expression darkened with suspicion.
"It is only temporary, until I arrange my own," she assured him.
"But your clothes arrived today, my lady. Why would you wear a servant's attire?"
She faltered. "They did?"
"It is the least my lord could do for you," Jafar said. "It is his duty to provide for his wife and son." He sighed, lowering his voice. "Though… he was rather displeased when he saw the final cost."
Luciana followed him through the halls until a murmur of voices caught her attention. She stopped near a door at the stairway landing.
Inside, she heard a familiar voice.
"How much would it cost to hire one?" Erebus's deep voice inquired.
A hesitant response followed. "Sir, a magician of skill comes at a high price."
Another voice chimed in nervously. "If the payment is sufficient, we could find a suitable one immediately."
Jafar turned back, seeing Luciana standing several steps behind him.
"But magicians are costly, my lord," the trader insisted.
"I don't care," Erebus replied. "Find me one. You will be paid when the task is done."
Luciana's fingers brushed against the stone archway.
The moment her hand met the cool surface, the stone gave way beneath her touch. A deep rumble echoed through the corridor as the floor beneath her shifted.
Her breath caught.
"What—?"
The ground crumbled. Darkness yawned beneath her.
"My lady!" Jafar's voice rang out.
She barely had time to scream before she plummeted into the abyss.