Lucian chuckled softly, his voice echoing like a gentle melody. "Ah, I'm merely an admirer of old tales. Sometimes, we can learn more from legends than from reality, don't you think?"
Seraphina couldn't help but smile slightly. "You sound like a poet."
"Not a poet, my lady. Just a wanderer trying to understand the riddles of this world." Lucian sat beside her, keeping a respectful distance but close enough to foster a warmer conversation.
"And how does a wanderer like yourself end up at the Valoria palace?"
"I was invited by King Gregory, of course. The diplomatic ties between Eloria and Valoria have existed for quite some time. I came to strengthen that bond." He gazed at Seraphina with an intense look, almost piercing. "I feel fortunate to have met you here."
Seraphina felt her face warm, but she remained composed. "That's an interesting coincidence, Lord Lucian."
"There are no true coincidences, Lady Seraphina," Lucian replied in a low voice. "As told in the Tales of Eldara: 'Those destined to meet will always find their way, even among the shadows and stars.'"
Seraphina gazed at him in silence. That quote felt like a secret message, something deeper than mere sweet words. It felt as if she were in the middle of a chess game just beginning, and Lucian had made his first move.
"Perhaps fate does work in mysterious ways," Seraphina answered. "But I believe we must always be wary of every possibility."
Lucian chuckled again, this time softer, almost like a whisper. "I like the way you think, my lady. Be careful, though—sometimes being cautious is not enough. You must know when to trust someone and when to run."
He stood, bowing respectfully once more. "Until next time, Seraphina. I hope we can continue this conversation another day."
Seraphina gave a slight nod, her eyes following Lucian as he walked away, merging into the darkness of the night.
Yet behind her polite smile, she suspected that he carried more than just tales of ancient legends. There was something hidden behind every word and movement—something dangerous.
---
The night deepened, yet the Valoria palace garden remained alive with the glow of lanterns hanging from the branches of towering trees. Seraphina still sat by the fountain, enjoying a rare moment of peace amidst the political turmoil of the court.
"Often, the outside world feels more honest than the grand walls we call a palace," Lucian's voice returned, gentle but full of meaning. He stood not far from her, his hands resting on a newly built pillar. "There are no lies there. Only the vast sky, the trees, and the wind that never deceives."
Seraphina studied him carefully. "You seem very certain of that, Lord Lucian. Do you often spend time outside the palace?"
Lucian offered a faint smile, his steps slow as he approached and sat on the opposite side of the fountain. "I spend more time on the roads, in forests, and among the hills. That feels more like home to me. No rigid rules, no intrigues. You can be anyone."
"Anyone?" Seraphina repeated, her voice carrying a slight challenge. "That sounds like the perfect way to hide one's identity, doesn't it?"
Lucian chuckled. "You're sharper than I expected. Yes, the outside world is indeed an ideal place to escape. But it's also the best place to find oneself."
Seraphina gazed at the fountain's rippling water, as if seeking answers in the moonlit reflections. "Sometimes, I wonder what my life would be like if I could go that far. To the outside world, beyond the reach of palace rules, and experience Avalon for what it truly is."
"Why don't you?" Lucian asked, his voice slightly more serious. "The world is vast. Behind every mountain lies a story, behind every river a secret."
Seraphina turned to him, her eyes shining with curiosity. "You speak as if you've seen many things."
Lucian continued, "I've visited the Kingdom of Luthar, where night-blooming flowers blossom only once every hundred years. I've stood atop the Eldara cliffs, watching the sun sink into a sea of gold. And in a small village, I once heard tales of The Warden of the Sky—a guardian of the stars said to foresee the future."
Seraphina let out a soft laugh. "That sounds like a fairy tale."
"Every fairy tale holds a truth," Lucian replied, his gaze momentarily serious. "As the Eldara legend says, 'At the darkest hour of the night, the brightest star will show the way.'"
His words sent an unexplainable stir through Seraphina's chest. It felt like a clue appearing at just the right moment, as if Lucian knew exactly what she was searching for.
"And you?" Lucian asked after a brief silence. "What do you hope to find in the outside world, Lady Seraphina?"
"I want freedom," Seraphina answered softly, her voice nearly drowned by the trickling water. "Freedom from my past, from the shadows of my family that continue to haunt me. Maybe I also want to know the truth about my mother. Why she left, what really happened."
Lucian looked at her, his usually calm eyes now carrying something unreadable. "Seeking the truth can be dangerous. You might not like what you find."
"I don't care." Seraphina's voice was firm. "I'm tired of living in ignorance. Even if the truth is cruel, at least I'll know what I'm facing."
Lucian's lips curled into a barely visible smile. "You're stronger than you realize. But be careful... The outside world is full of shadows ready to prey on the unwary."
Seraphina frowned. "What kind of shadows?"
Lucian looked up at the night sky, as if searching for an answer among the stars. "Shadows that remain unseen yet always lurking. Sometimes, they take the form of the people you trust the most."
A cold breeze swept past, making Seraphina shiver. She sensed something deeper than mere metaphor in Lucian's words.
Lucian rose, sweeping his cloak with an elegant motion. "Let's continue this conversation another time. The night grows late, and the best-kept secrets always wait for the right moment to be revealed."
Before Seraphina could respond, Lucian had already turned and walked away, vanishing into the shadows of the trees.
---
The faint echo of light footsteps sounded in the outer halls of the garden. Under an arched stone doorway, Evelyn stood, her ivory gown shimmering under the lantern's glow. Her eyes narrowed as she watched Seraphina speaking with Lucian near the fountain.
Lucian's warm smile and the sharp gaze he rarely gave to others made Evelyn's chest tighten. She clenched her fingers, holding back the anger rising within her.
Lucian, who had always kept his distance from everyone, now seemed so drawn to Seraphina.
"Lucian," Evelyn murmured, her eyes never leaving the scene before her. "What are you planning?"
Without waiting any longer, Evelyn stepped toward Seraphina and Lucian, her face once again calm, like a mask she had long worn.
"Seraphina, you're still here?" Evelyn's voice was sweet, almost like the soft melody of a lullaby, yet there was tension hidden behind every word. "I thought you had already returned to your chamber."
Seraphina turned, her smile fading upon seeing Evelyn. "I was enjoying the night air. Lord Lucian was just telling me an interesting story about his travels outside the palace."
"Oh?" Evelyn turned to Lucian, her eyes filled with meaning. "What kind of interesting story, Lord Lucian?"
Lucian smiled, exuding tranquility. "I was telling a legend from the Kingdom of Luthar, about a night flower that only blooms once every hundred years. Seraphina seemed quite fond of the tale."
"Really?" Evelyn raised an eyebrow, though the smile on her lips remained intact. "You've always been eloquent, My Lord. I only hope you don't cast too much charm on your listeners, especially on a palace servant like Seraphina."
Seraphina felt the air around her shift. There was something cold and sharp hidden in Evelyn's words, though they were wrapped neatly in a friendly smile.
"It seems I've interrupted your conversation," Evelyn continued, her voice soft but firm. "Seraphina, you should return to your chamber. It is quite late."
Seraphina gazed at Evelyn for a moment before nodding gently. "You're right, My Lady. Thank you for reminding me."
Lucian stood first. "Sweet dreams, Seraphina. I still hope to meet you again."
As Seraphina walked away, she couldn't shake off the strange feeling lingering in her heart. Something felt off, though she couldn't quite grasp what it was.
Once Seraphina's footsteps faded down the corridor, Evelyn turned, her eyes piercing sharply toward Lucian.
"What do you really want from her?" Evelyn asked directly, her voice turning cold.
Lucian chuckled softly, as if he was enjoying this confrontation. "You're too suspicious, Evelyn. I simply wish to get to know new people. Isn't that normal?"
"Not when that person is Seraphina," Evelyn retorted quickly. "I know you're more than just a wandering storyteller. Don't think I can't see the hidden intentions behind your smile."
Lucian regarded her with a mysterious gaze, as if carefully weighing his words. "You always take things too seriously, Evelyn. But sometimes, being too serious makes you lose what is most precious."
Evelyn stepped closer, their distance barely an inch apart. "I don't care what game you're playing, Lucian. But remember this—Seraphina is not a pawn you can use at will. I will make sure you regret it."
Lucian smirked, his eyes glinting strangely under the lantern's glow. "Message received. But you should also remember, Lady Evelyn Astra Nightsade, that in every game, there is always more than one player."
He bowed slightly before walking away, leaving Evelyn standing rigidly, her gaze burning with determination.
"The game has only just begun, Lucian," Evelyn whispered softly, her eyes following the man's figure until he disappeared around the corner. "And I will not lose."
**
The night air in the palace garden felt both warm and cool at the same time, as if it was holding onto secrets within the gentle breeze. Seraphina stood near a large tree, her fingers brushing against a low-hanging branch as she gazed at the stars above. She was lost in her thoughts, trying to piece together the puzzle that had slowly unraveled since she arrived in this world of Avalon.
The sound of light footsteps behind her made her flinch. She turned and found Lucian approaching, a gentle smile gracing his face.
"Seraphina," Lucian greeted as he bowed, his gaze warm. "The night is so peaceful. But why do I feel like your heart is restless?"
Seraphina gave a small smile, though her eyes reflected hesitation. "Sometimes, the stillness of the night brings back thoughts I'd rather ignore."
Lucian stood beside her, his gaze lifting toward the sky. "Silence often becomes a mirror for the human soul. But you don't have to face everything alone."
He looked at Seraphina with a deeper intensity. "If you allow me, I can be your protector. I will make sure that no one can harm you in this world."
Seraphina stared at him. There was something in Lucian's tone that made her feel warm, yet also wary. "Why would you want to protect me, My Lord? We've only just met."
Lucian offered a faint smile, stepping slightly closer. "Because sometimes, fate brings us together with those we are meant to protect. Like in the legend of the Guardian of Dawn, who shielded the Princess of the Night from the shadows that pursued her. Perhaps I feel that you are that princess, and I am your guardian."
Seraphina chuckled lightly, though the strange feeling returned. "That sounds like a beautiful fairy tale, but this world seems to hold more intrigue than fairy tales."
"That's true," Lucian replied in a lower tone. "But even amidst intrigue, there are still things worth fighting for. You are one of those things, Seraphina."
Seraphina lowered her gaze, hiding the soft blush on her cheeks. "You sound very convincing, My Lord. But I do not wish to be a burden to anyone."
"You are not a burden," Lucian interjected, his voice firm. "You are a light that must not be extinguished. I know more about this world than I can tell you now, and I know what dangers may lie ahead for you."
For a moment, silence hung between them before Lucian continued, "If you trust me, I will always be there for you. I promise."
Seraphina looked at him in silence, trying to read the intent behind Lucian's dark eyes. His words sounded sincere, but he was hiding something—like a shadow lurking behind the light.
"I might try to trust you," Seraphina finally said. "But I must also protect myself."
Lucian chuckled softly, his warm smile returning. "I wouldn't expect anything less. Believe me, you are stronger than you think."
As those words left his lips, Lucian glanced at the shadows behind the large tree nearby. Evelyn might still be watching. His intention to protect Seraphina was only one piece of the grand scheme he had carefully planned.
Lucian stepped slightly closer. "And if anyone tries to hurt you, they will have to face me first."
Seraphina's eyes widened slightly, sensing the seriousness behind his words. She nodded gently, though her heart was still filled with unanswered questions.
"Very well," Seraphina murmured. "But I want to be sure that you remain honest with me, My Lord."
Lucian gave her a soft smile, but deep inside, he knew the line between truth and deception would soon blur.
"Don't worry," he said, bowing once again. "The truth will come in time. It's just that some secrets are best kept until the right moment to be revealed."
Seraphina then stepped away, leaving Lucian standing beneath the large tree's shadow.
She was still confused—what truth was connected to her? Was it true that her mother came from this world? If so, did that mean her mother was still alive?
Seraphina felt a renewed determination burning inside her. She would seek justice for herself and her mother, no matter what it took.