Adalia glanced at her brother and Shiloh, who were exchanging glances between themselves.
“What were you told?” she asked.
“Not this. I was told that only death and destruction resided in Lucius,” he replied, shoving his hands in his pockets.
Adalia’s brow rose, and she scrunched her nose in disbelief. “I think you have it the other way around. I think that’s your kingdom.”
Matthias allowed a small smile to travel across his mouth. “Well, I can see that now, little dove.”
Nikolas cleared his throat. Adalia had gone slightly pink in the cheeks because of the pet name. “Sorry, bad habit.” Matthias shrugged.
Adalia glared at her brother and moved to walk beside Shiloh.
After a few minutes, they arrived at the palace gates, wide open to welcome all. The lawns spread before them, hosting an assortment of creatures, from grand to delicate. Trees, splashed with colour, grew in random patterns across the garden beds. Birds filled the sky, a breathtaking display of flight and freedom, unlike anything Matthias had witnessed before.
They made their way to the front doors. Matthias didn’t know how he didn’t see it before, but the path they’d been walking on was made from glass overtop flowing, crystal-blue water that wound its way through the city and straight into the heart of the palace.
Matthias believed himself to be a man who could handle most situations, but this was quickly becoming one that might overwhelm him.
The group walked the halls, smiling and greeting courtiers and noble folk as they passed by. Unlike the palace he lived in, where courtiers and noble folk completely ignored him or giggled at him behind their hands.
He glanced down at Bones, who was happily trotting along as if he’d been here before. Adalia turned to glance behind her, obviously checking to see that he was still following. Their eyes locked and something inside of his chest moved. It was almost painful, and yet he wanted it to happen again. A tug on something that lay dormant inside his soul.
The prince pulled his thoughts back together as Nikolas pushed the large white and gold doors open and they all stepped into what Matthias presumed was the throne room.
There, in the centre of the grand area, was a large, ornate, golden throne, sitting upon a dais made of sapphire that bled out to from the floor. Looking around cautiously, Matthias spied enormous windows, arched in shape, with a view from each one. Small and large groups of Lightners scattered about, talking and laughing with one another.
“My king.” Nikolas spoke and knelt to the floor on one knee.
Adalia and Shiloh followed suit.
Matthias wanted to resist. This was enemy territory. If he bowed to this king, he would be betraying everything he ever knew.
But one glance at the face of the king seated before him stirred something inside his body and whether it was purely out of fear or if it was a natural thing to do, before he could stop, Matthias knelt before the king of Lucius.
“Rise my wonderful subjects and newly arrived guest.” The king grinned at Matthias.
The four companions rose, and the king stood from his throne to walk down the dais to reach them.
“My king, we have brought you Matth—”
Nikolas didn’t get to finish his sentence before the king spoke gently over him. “Matthias, son of King Sinfonia.”
Matthias sucked in his breath, surprised by the king’s recognition.
“Welcome to Lucius, Matthias,” the king continued.
“I know these are odd circumstances,” Matthias said, “but should you not be demanding to know why I’m here? Or hauling me off to some dungeon to torture me for answers?” Matthias inquired, his gaze shifting between the four individuals before him. It bewildered him how this king, a sworn adversary of his father, could wear such a friendly smile and welcome him in this manner. And how did the king know his name?
The king laughed, his glorious voice ringing through the room like pure sunshine. “There will be no dragging off to prisons and definitely no torture happening . . . ever.”
Matthias remained cautious. It seemed too easy. There was no tension, no animosity. Just smiles and delightful conversation. Was this place even real? Or a figment of his imagination? Not that he could ever have imagined something as grand as this.
“I will ask what you are doing here, though? Has your father finally come to his senses and wants to return home?” the king asked, amused.
Adalia answered before Matthias registered what the king said. “His father is the reason we are here, yes, but I doubt that horrid man has come to his senses. My king, I ask if Matthias might be allowed to stay here in Lucius for a little while? His father is in a rampant rage, and I feared for the life of Matthias. I offered him sanctuary.”
The prince inwardly winced. Adalia’s observation was painfully accurate—his fathers was indeed abhorrent, and he didn’t mind that she’d voiced it. But embarrassment washed over him, and an uncomfortable sensation crept in at the idea that they might think he was a coward for running away. To add to it, Adalia gave him no warning about staying in Lucius for the unforeseeable future.
