Chapter 16 -A Close Friend?


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    -In Helia Palace; King’s Study Room-


    “WHAT DID YOU SAY?” the King’s voice boomed, his eyes widening in shock.


    A knight, standing tall and unwavering, delivered the news with a heavy heart. “Yes, Your Majesty. The Princess burned down Amoria Palace and is currently nowhere to be found. The palace maids report that 2 of her personal attendants are missing too.”


    The King, utterly stunned, struggled to comprehend the gravity of his daughter’s actions. In a single night, the once-magnificent Amoria Palace had been reduced to ashes by Luxana’s hand. He immediately dispatched a search squad, determined to locate her and her attendants without delay.


    That insufferable wretch! How dare she burn down the entire Palace to ashes? Have my words pierced her resilient ego so deeply that she resorts to such unconscionable acts of destruction? Unfathomable! Her twisted mind eludes my comprehension, and I find myself at a loss on how to deal with her. The very thought of her actions ignites a burning rage within me, and I am left to grapple with the smoldering remnants of her chaos.The King thought, his brow furrowed with worry and confusion.


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    “Princess! Please slow down a little!” Myla’s voice rang out, her horse struggling to keep up with Luxana and Mylo’s pace.


    “We don’t have time, DOG!” Mylo replied, turning his head back, his eyes narrowed.


    Myla made a pouting face. Who even asked him? she asked herself, her frustration evident.


    “AH! There it is!” Luxana exclaimed, her voice filled with a sense of purpose.


    As they approached the majestic waterfall, Myla and Mylo were left in awe. The sheer size and beauty of the cascading water left them speechless.


    “That’s... glorious,” Myla breathed, her eyes wide with wonder.


    “And magnificent,” Mylo added, his gaze transfixed on the ethereal sight before them..


    We were now on the outskirts of Domino, approximately nine hours away from the palace. As I rode, the dragon’s words echoed in my mind: “Hear me, child, for I am the ancient voice that echoes within the chambers of your heart. I am the guiding light that dwells in the depths of your soul, where your true self, Roxana, resides. Seek me there, and thou shalt find direction and enlightenment. Embrace thy true nature, and together we shall unlock the power that is rightfully thine.” The mention of my mother’s name stirred something deep within me.


    According to the Ancient Tome, the owner of the Dragon Flames needed something precious, something the dragon could reside in. I had brought with me the only thing that connected me to my mother—the Seraphine jeweled keepsake that Cillian had found on my birthday last month. But now, a pressing question loomed in my mind: how would I find the dragon? The caverns ahead were vast and imposing, and it would take a full day just to reach the waterfall. If only I had a clearer sign...*sigh*


    “Princess!!!!! Look!” Myla suddenly shouted, pointing toward the waterfall. “Those reddish-orange tiny light balls are just like the ones that filled the room on the day you awakened your powers!”


    “AH! Then the Dragon must be in there! Let’s go!” I exclaimed, urging my horse forward as Myla and Mylo followed closely behind.


    As we reached the waterfall by dusk, the rocks behind the cascading water parted, revealing an opening.


    “Myla, Mylo. I’ll go in. Don’t come with me,” I requested, my voice firm.


    “WHAT! No way! What if the Dragon harms you or something????” Mylo protested, his concern evident.


    “Don’t worry!” I grinned reassuringly. “I have my fire dagger with me!”


    “That’s…” Myla began, but I interrupted her.


    “It’s okay, don’t worry about me. Just go around and take a good look at this place; there’s no guarantee we’d be coming back anytime soon!” I replied, a smile playing on my lips.


    Myla and Mylo exchanged hesitant glances but respected my choice, heading off to explore the area. I felt a swell of gratitude that they respected my decisions. But from here on out, it was just me and that dragon.


    As I walked away, handing my horse to Mylo, the rocks behind me closed, sealing the entrance. The sudden movement sent a chill down my spine, but I pressed on, determined to face whatever lay ahead.


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    -In the Enchanted Caverns-


    Upon entering, I felt as if I had stepped into an entirely different dimension. The air was charged with a majestic energy, and before I knew it, I was engulfed in blue flames that seemed to welcome me. Without hesitation, I allowed myself to be embraced by the warmth of the fire, feeling a surge of power coursing through my veins.


    And then, the mighty Dragon, in all his glory, revealed himself before me.


    “Welcome, Luminescence,” the dragon spoke, his voice resonating with ancient wisdom.


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    “Greetings to the Glorified Dragon of the Dragon Flames. It is with the utmost humility and deference that I come before you. As the embodiment of power and wisdom, your very presence commands my respect and awe. I offer my sincerest greetings and deepest reverence to your most exalted and magnificent being, in the hope that my path may be illuminated by the knowledge and guidance that only you can bestow,” I greeted the Dragon, my voice filled with reverence.


    “O Fated Luminescence, I accept your greeting and reverence with the grace befitting of my position. Speak, and I shall consider your request. But know that my wisdom is not to be taken lightly, for my flames are as ancient as time itself, and my knowledge burns with an intensity that few can withstand. Proceed with caution and clarity, lest you find yourself consumed by the fire of truth.”


    A sudden wave of exhaustion washed over me, as if the very air in the cavern was draining my energy.


    “You feel so, due to the power this cave is extracting from you. I believe you know how to place the Dragon into a precious belonging, may I ask?” the Dragon inquired, his voice tinged with concern.


    “Of course,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.


    I raised my hand, extending my mother’s Seraphine keepsake, and recited the words to capture the Dragon. As the Dragon entered the jewel, a strong beam of blue rays shone from the pendant, as bright as a blue star. I felt my energy returning, and before I knew it, my eyes gleamed red, and the Seraphine jewel turned crimson as well. My outfit remained unchanged since the previous night’s incident.


    As dusk approached, I placed the keepsake around my neck and hurried back out of the cave, only to find Myla and Mylo playing in the river that flowed by the waterfall. I called out to them, and they quickly gathered their belongings, eager to continue our journey to Domino.


    Little did we know that another drama was about to unfold, one that would test the very limits of my identity and legitimacy.


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    -Midnight; Amoria Palace-


    “HUH?” I exclaimed, shocked by the presence of so many nobles, knights, media, and God knows who else gathered in front of the burnt palace. The air was thick with the scent of smoke and the sound of hushed whispers, as if the very walls of Amoria Palace were weeping over their own demise.


    “Who’re they? And what’re they doing in front of that burnt palace?” Mylo whispered, his eyes wide with curiosity.


    I glanced around nervously, my heart pounding in my chest. “Let’s retreat before someone sees us!” I whispered back, trying to escape the scene, because...........THE QUEEN WAS RIGHT THERE!! Ah! I’m not in the correct attire to face that demon! AHHH~


    But it was too late. “Huh? Isn’t that the Princess?” a noble lady shouted, turning back at the sound of our horses’ hooves.


    And before we knew it, everyone had their eyes fixed on us, the knights yelling “HEY! STOP IMMEDIATELY!”


    Ah...............we’re caught.


    “Haha.....What an unconventional location for an encounter?” I said, faking a smile and stuttering, my exhaustion evident in every word.


    The whispers around us grew louder, the nobles exchanging glances and murmurs.


    “That really is the Princess...” one lady spoke, her voice dripping with disdain.


    “I can’t believe she went out worrying everyone,” said another, her tone laced with judgment.


    “Look at her attire! So inappropriate!” exclaimed a third, her eyes narrowing as she took in my disheveled appearance.


    “I can’t believe she would do such a thing,” a fourth chimed in, her voice filled with a mixture of shock and disgust.


    Do they think I can’t hear them or what? Hah...........I really wish I was dead or something! But is this really a time to gather in front of the burnt palace? It’s late midnight!I thought, my exhaustion weighing heavily on my mind.


    “LUXANA!” the Queen’s voice suddenly cut through the air, laced with anger and accusation.


    Sh*t........I’m dead for real now. What do I do?I panicked internally, my mind racing with possible escape routes.


    “Your Majesty, please be informed that I have nothing of significance to bring to your attention at the present moment. Should the need arise for a conversation between a daughter and her mother, I implore you to relinquish such a fantastical notion,” I stated calmly, my voice betraying none of the turmoil raging within me.


    The Queen boiled with anger and frustration, her face twisting into an unpleasing expression as I turned and left, Myla and Mylo trailing behind me.


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    -Midnight; Konira Palace; Entrance-


    “Princess Luxana?” the confused guards at the entrance of Konira Palace exclaimed, their eyes widening at the sight of my disheveled appearance.


    “I request an audience with Lady Furia,” I stated, my voice weary but firm.


    Without a second to waste, one of the guards rushed inside to inform her of my arrival.


    Around 10 minutes later, Lily came bursting out, her eyes shining with concern.


    “Oh My! Luxana!!! Look at you......you look so gorgeous!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth and affection.


    “Apologies for disturbing so late at night, but the matter at hand is not currently a point of concern,” I stated, my exhaustion evident in every word. “If it’s agreeable to you, I’d like to remain here for the time being. I will depart at the crack of dawn.”


    “Huh? Oh! I have no issue with you staying here with me! You’re more than welcome to stay as long as you like, Luxana! Mi casa es su casa. After all, you’re practically family to me, so make yourself right at home! Because even I consider you my daughter so it’s a good thing...” I interrupted Lily as she went on with her chitter chatter, which I was absolutely in no mood to listen to.


    “Okay, thank you. Good Night,” I said, cutting her off as I walked in, Myla and Mylo following closely behind.


    “Oh! Luxana,” Lily exclaimed, trying to catch up to me. Iknow she won’t mind me doing this, but really, I’m beyond exhausted right now.“Lemme guess, it’s because of the Dragon in your necklace that your appearance has changed, right?” she whispered, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.


    “Yeah,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.


    Lily giggled and asked the servants to guide us to our rooms. “Luxana, Thank You,” she said with a smile. But I was too tired to interpret the reasoning behind it, and I let it slide as I followed the servants to my room, my body aching with exhaustion.


    As I sank into the soft mattress, the events of the night replayed in my mind, a whirlwind of chaos and drama that had left me utterly drained.


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    -Early Morning; Konira Palace; Dinning Hall-


    As I stepped into the dining hall, the warm glow of the morning sun poured through the tall windows, illuminating the elegant space. But despite the beauty surrounding me, I felt a heavy weight in my chest. “So, did the three of you have a restful night’s sleep?” Lily asked, her radiant smile lighting up the room as she took her seat at the dining table.


    “Yeah...” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper, still feeling restless and sleepy from the chaos of the previous night. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, and the exhaustion clung to me like a thick fog.


    As we settled down to eat breakfast, the atmosphere was tense, charged with unspoken worries. Just as I reached for a piece of toast, a knight burst into the room, his armor clanking loudly against the polished floor.


    “My Lady, the Imperial Knights are here!” he exclaimed, urgency lacing his words. “Your presence, along with Her Highness Princess Luxana’s, has been urgently summoned.”


    “What?” Lily exclaimed, her face contorting in disgust. “Your father’s manipulative and self-serving actions are beyond abhorrent. After sixteen years of neglect, his sudden desire to become a true father figure seems nothing more than a sham. This is a man who has repeatedly demonstrated his willingness to utilize those around him, including his own flesh and blood, as mere tools to further his insatiable lust for power and control. His latest scheme is likely no different. With you as his unwitting pawn, he will attempt to solidify his hold on the throne by proving your legitimacy, thrusting you into the political arena, and garnering increased support from his sycophantic followers. This is a dangerous game, and you would do well to distance yourself from this toxic individual, no matter the biological bond you share. But if you choose to engage with him, be prepared for betrayal, for the sting of his true nature will surely rear its ugly head once again. He is no loving father, but rather a master manipulator who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.”


    Ah... she’s also aware... seems like she isn’t brainless after all.*Sigh*I thought to myself, feeling a mix of appreciation and frustration at her insight.


    “Father... I mean... His Majesty... asked me to...purses lips... never mind,” I stammered.


    “Hmm?” Lily asked, her brow furrowing with concern. She let out a sigh and moved to my side, taking a chair beside me. She grasped my left hand between both of hers, her grip warm and reassuring. “Luxana, I understand that you may find it hard to trust me. As your stepmother, I know that our relationship is complicated, but please believe me when I say that my care for you is genuine. Yes, I may have my own selfish desires at times, but that does not negate the love and concern I have for you. I know I may not have earned your trust yet, but I plead with you to see that I mean you no harm. My intentions are pure, and all I want is for you to be safe and happy. I really hope you can see me as your mother and... perhaps... a close friend?”


    I clenched the fabric of my dress with my right hand, my heart racing as I processed her words. I looked down, overwhelmed by conflicting emotions. “I’m...sorry...but...I don’t know how to respond to you,” I finally said, standing up, my right hand still gripping my dress. I turned to Lily, tears in my eyes.


    Lily’s expression shifted, a hint of disappointment flickering across her face. With a gentle sigh, she smiled softly, rising to hold both my hands and wipe my tears. “I understand; it’s okay. Don’t cry,” she said soothingly, patting my head as I closed my eyes. Once my tears subsided, I took a deep breath and managed a small smile.


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    To be Continued...