Chapter 33 - Punch in the Face
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“Alright, young lady,” I hissed, my tone dripping with false sweetness. I smiled, but it was a predatory grin. “Spill the beans while I’m still feeling…charitable. What other schemes does that murderous prince of ours have up his sleeve?”
I released my hold on her mouth, allowing her to speak. She stammered out a response, her voice quivering with fear. "He- His Highness plans on wedding you off so-so-so you do-don't have to live with us anymore-"
THE F*CK? My mind raced with questions and fury. If that was the case, why'd he even lock me up here? I can't use my damn magic, nor get out of this shitty place? OKAY, dude's got some real syndrome hitting his head every 2 milimeters per mile.
"Okay, whatever. Get me dressed, IMMEDIATELY," I ordered, my eyes glinting dangerously. My glare seemed to terrify her even more, reducing her to a constantly bowing mess.
The look I shot her sent her scrambling, eyes wide with terror as she bowed, her whole frame practically trembling with fear. She managed to assemble herself enough to help, though her fingers fumbled clumsily over the buttons and ribbons of my gown as she assisted me. She kept bowing with each movement, more out of fear than respect.
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It's been 15 minutes and yet, this Lyriana psycho hasn't come back yet. I thought, glancing toward the door. Whateverrrrrr- I've got a thousand better things to do than that.
"I would really appreciate some solitude," I stated coolly, moving towards the door. "Don't be alarmed, I intend to take a brief walk within the confines of the building."
"Un-understood," Calista stammered, bowing once more as I swept out of the room, my mind already formulating plans for what was to come.
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Lyriana Dawnwhisper
With her silky raven tresses and mesmerizing golden eyes, Lyriana exudes a sense of tranquility that belies her tender age of nineteen. Possessing a calm and collected demeanor, she navigates life with an air of maturity and poise. Though introverted, she remains an invaluable resource to those she holds dear, offering guidance and support with discretion and care. Her love for her close ones is unyielding, making her susceptible to their influence.
Calista Moonshadow
Calista is a ray of sunshine, illuminating every corner with her vivacious spirit. Her lustrous yellow locks and vibrant orange eyes mirror the warmth of her soul, and at fifteen, she is a harmonious blend of maturity and youthful exuberance. In the company of her inner circle, her social butterfly emerges, her kind and caring nature flourishing alongside her penchant for lively conversation. Yet, beyond the familiarity of her loved ones, Calista exudes a composed grace, ever aware of her surroundings and the social currents that flow through the upper echelons of society. Always ready with the latest intriguing tidbits, she is a captivating source of knowledge and charm.
Well.....at least that's what their bio's said~
Well, I guess that's what happens when you pay $5 for a LinkedIn profile makeover and call it a 'personal brand.' Meanwhile, in reality, they're still living in their parents' basement, eating Cheetos for breakfast, and wondering why their dog won't return their calls. But hey, at least their bio said they're a 'visionary thought leader'... in their own minds.
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-Hallway; Moonlit Edifice; Morning in Elmir-
I crept down the hallway of the moonlit edifice, the early morning light in Elmir just beginning to filter through the windows. Suddenly, the silence was shattered by a piercing SHIIIING followed by a resounding CLANG. The unmistakable sounds of swords clashing echoed from a nearby room.
My heart raced as I noticed a group of men rushing towards the commotion, their faces a mix of excitement and concern. Curiosity got the better of me, and I found myself swept along with them, my feet moving almost of their own accord.
As we burst into the room, my eyes widened at the scene before me. Cillian was in the midst of an intense sword-fighting practice. The room was filled with the rhythmic sound of metal meeting metal, and I could see his muscles tense and release with each calculated movement. His sword flashed in the dim light, meeting his opponents' blades with a ferocity that took my breath away.
Cillian was focused, his brow furrowed in concentration as he parried and struck against an unseen opponent. His footwork was precise; he moved with a fluidity that spoke of countless hours spent honing his craft. I watched as he executed a series of techniques—the Oberhau, a downward strike from above, followed by swift thrusts and defensive maneuvers that demonstrated not just skill but an understanding of timing and distance.
The way he wielded his sword was mesmerizing. Each swing seemed to tell a story of discipline and dedication. He practiced as if he were preparing for a duel, every motion deliberate and controlled. I could almost feel the tension in the air, as if the very room held its breath alongside him.
As I stood there, captivated by his performance, I realized that this was more than just practice; it was a dance—a dance of combat where every step mattered. Cillian’s commitment to mastering his swordsmanship inspired me. It reminded me that behind every clash of swords lay not just strength but also strategy, timing, and an unwavering resolve to improve.
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-Back to the Present-
Stepping out of the training grounds and into the empty corridor, Cillian inhaled deeply, attempting to dispel the lingering adrenaline that surged through his veins. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and determination, remnants of the grueling session that had just concluded. As he moved forward, Luxana emerged from the shadows, her presence illuminating the dim hallway like a sunbeam piercing through a canopy of trees. Her smile radiated warmth, reminiscent of a sunlit summer meadow, inviting yet mischievous.
Before Cillian could gather his thoughts or respond to her sudden appearance, Luxana closed the distance between them, wrapping her arms around his neck in an exuberant embrace. The world around them faded; it was just the two of them in that moment. Her side profile was striking, framed by cascading locks that veiled her eyes, while her smile lingered tantalizingly close to Cillian's ear. In a hushed tone, she whispered, "Be not deceived, my esteemed Prince, for I, too, am gifted with the blessings of sight and hearing, and thus privy to the machinations that surround us." A chill danced down Cillian's spine as her words hung in the air, laced with an icy undertone.
Despite the unsettling chill her words invoked, he couldn’t help but smirk at her audacity. With a gentle yet playful motion, he tousled her hair with his bare hands and replied softly, "While it is undeniable that you possess the organs of vision and hearing, it seems, regrettably, that their utility pales in comparison to the futility of your unrestrained loquaciousness." Their banter was a dance—a delicate interplay of wit and underlying motives cloaked in smiles.
I pushed myself out of Cillian's embrace. My hands found their way to his shoulders, gripping them tightly as I stared into his eyes with an intensity that could have melted steel. "Cillian," I began, "Do you really plan to get me married to a random stranger?" my voice was low, but each word dropped like a stone.
Cillian's head tilting to the side in that infuriatingly adorable way of his. "Yes, of course. Why does it matter to you, Luxana?" He asked, his voice laced with genuine confusion and disinterest.
IS THIS GUY NUMB OR IS HE JUST PURELY DUMB? I mused, my eyes alomost popping out of shock.
I felt the tension creep into my shoulders, the hurt smoldering within me like a slow flame. “I see,” I murmured, dropping my eyes, letting a touch of disdain curl my lips. “Very well, then—”
*BAM*
And before I could stop myself, my fist connected with his face. The impact rang out in the silent hall, and Cillian staggered back, one hand flying to his jaw. His other hand slowly slid over his face, covering it.
"That," I hissed, crossing my arms and adopting an air of nonchalance, "is what you get when you push a woman past her limit, Your Highness." As I looked at him coldy. "If anyone besides those servants of yours had seen all the injustice you threw at me, rather than being punched in the face, you'd be drowning in the Pacific Ocean."
I'm not going to make him pay for his sins just yet. Though they are fewer, they are still painful. I’ll wait until all his misdeeds accumulate, leaving him with no room for my mercy. I know where my destiny is leading me; if it's not Cillian to whom I'm tied, then it will be no one else. If he's really going to stand next to me for as the future wills, then probably, I'll have to make sure there's no room for him to linger in my life, no space for his presence to disrupt the path I’ve chosen. I’ll push him away, creating a distance that feels insurmountable, until the memories of what we once shared fade into nothingness. It’s easier this way—less complicated. I’ll keep my heart guarded, ensuring that no one can slip back in, because I know that closeness only invites pain, and I'm not interested in entertaining such claptrap. I thought, pulling my head away in distress.
Cillian stood there, slowly covering his face with his hands, peeking through his fingers like a child caught in mischief. I could see the red mark blooming on his cheek, and for a moment, a part of me felt satisfaction at having shocked him, for once breaking through that icy indifference. But before either of us could speak-
“YOUR HIGHNESS! YOUR HIGHNESS!”
The shout echoed down the corridor, and we both turned to see a young man sprinting towards us, his face flushed and chest heaving, nearly stumbling over his own feet. He doubled over, gasping for air as he tried to speak.
"Catch your breath first," Cillian commanded, his voice muffled behind his hands.
The servant gulped in air before finally managing to speak. "Im-imperial Knights have gathered in front of the Edifice," he gasped. "They're requesting your immediate presence in the Imperial Sun Palace, along with the Royal Princess of Domino."
A heavy silence fell over us.
He sighed, "Go get changed, Princess," Cillian said, his voice a shade colder than before. . "I'll be waiting for you by the entrance staircase." Without another glance back, he strode down the corridor, the servant trailing behind him like a lost puppy.
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-Entrance Hall; Moonlit Edifice; Elmir, Afternoon-
As I reached the staircase, wearing an elegant, off-the-shoulder gown that evoked the beauty of a starry night sky. It was primarily a deep, rich blue color, adorned with intricate detailing and sparkling embellishments that cascaded from the bodice down to the voluminous skirt. These shimmering elements gave the gown a celestial appearance, as if it were adorned with stars.
The bodice was fitted, accentuating my waist, while the skirt flowed gracefully with multiple layers of fabric, creating a sense of movement and ethereal elegance. The gown also featured delicate, sheer sleeves that draped softly from my shoulders, adding a touch of sophistication and grace.
Accompanying the gown was a matching blue crown with similar sparkling details, which complemented the overall look and enhanced the celestial theme. The background of the display, decorated with light circles and star-like sparkles, further accentuated the gown's enchanting design.
I saw Cillian at the end of the staircase, who was wearing a ceremonial masterpiece, combining formal and intricate elements. He was donned in a dark blue jacket adorned with elaborate silver embroidery and a white patterned sash draped elegantly over one shoulder. The jacket was decorated with various detailed components such as chains, tassels, and brooches, adding to its ornate design.
He paired the jacket with black trousers, creating a sharp contrast, and black shoes that completed the formal attire. Each part of the uniform, from the brooches to the buttons and patterns, was meticulously crafted, showcasing the attention to detail.
The uniform's color palette consisted of dark blue, black, and white, with the silver embroidery standing out against the darker hues. This uniform was clearly designed for special or formal occasions, reflecting a high level of sophistication and elegance.
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As I descended the grand staircase, I became aware of Cillian’s gaze settling upon me, his piercing eyes unwavering. Without a word, he lifted his left hand in silent invitation. I hesitated only a second before my own hand drifted into his, my right palm meeting his in a seamless, instinctual motion. And before I even fully registered the sensation, we transported to...
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-Hallway; Imperial Sun Palace; Elmir-
The palace was a vision of serene majesty. Polished marble gleamed under soft, golden light, and every surface echoed quiet luxury. Knights flanked the hallway, forming an immovable, silent guard as I took a tentative step forward, my heels clicking against the cool floor.
“LUXANA!” Cillian’s voice rang sharply through the hall, snapping me from my reverie. I barely registered his warning before a sudden wave of weakness stole my balance. My body pitched forward, and just as quickly, his arms wrapped around me, one hand steady at my waist, the other anchoring my hand. Had it not been for his swift action, grasping my waist and hand, I would have surely fallen.
My vision blurred, a strange fog washing over me. I could feel the world tilting, yet I remained conscious, trapped in some suspended state. I heard something—no, someone. A faint, insistent voice at the edge of my awareness.
Huh? I hear something....something........I'm........not able to.........speak though.........
"LUMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII, CAN YOU HEAR ME?"
HUH? The voice was unmistakable. VELES? Is that you? My pulse quickened.
"OH OH OH! Thank the heavens! How glad I am to be able to connect with you-"
“Hey, Luxana! Can you hear me?” Cillian’s voice was closer, more immediate, cutting through the fog as he laid me carefully onto the chilled marble.
"No way- that bastard like PERVERT is next to you?! Just you wait-"
VELES. DO NOT SLIP INTO MY NECKLACE. LET'S BOTH TAKE HIM DOWN ONCE THE TIME IS RIGHT. SO BE PATIENT PLEASE.
"Both? WAIT. NO WAY! He HARMED YOU?"
Veles, get a hold of yourself. If you keep asking me like this, not only will my mana but my body will collapse entirely.
"That runt made you this way, UGH. Just because you've broken free from those chambers your magic has started to burst out............UGHHHH. Fine, wait for me. I'll come soon."
“LUXANA!” Cillian’s call shattered my concentration, his voice tight with alarm.
The haze in my vision began to clear. The fog in my mind thinned, my strength steadied, and soon enough, I could feel my body responding again. I willed myself to sit up, but before I could steady myself, I felt an unexpected sweep of arms under me, lifting me effortlessly.
“KYAAAAH!”
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To be Continued...