Arthur's Point of View

Over the Middle Ocean

Another day or so had passed, and we were still on our course toward Vithari. Things were proceeding without any more setbacks, which made me even warier. After all, I'd learned that things never went according to plan in these types of situations.

While in my room, a knock rang out from the door. "Who is it?"

"Lucia. May I come in?"

"The door is open." I told her, and she cracked the door open to peek inside. "I'm not walking around naked if that's what you're worried about."

Her face flushed slightly at that, but she stepped inside. "I was hoping we could talk about something."

Gesturing to her as I leaned back in my chair, I spoke. "Depends on the topic."

Lucia frowned for a moment but slowly closed the door behind her. "You." She stated firmly as the door shut.

"Me?" She nodded. "That is an interesting topic, but not one I am a fan of participating in." I told her. "What about me do you need to discuss, specifically?"

"How you treat people." Lucia stood beside the desk and looked down at me. "Why do you insist on continually insulting people? You push them away, offend them, and more, but I cannot fathom why you would do this when you looked so pained doing so."

"Pained? There is no pain in insulting people or pushing them away. Letting them get close is when it becomes a problem." I replied nonchalantly.

"So, you act the way you do to keep people at a distance?" I nodded. "If that is truly the case, then why did you agree to teach me? Why keep the two boys on board? Why put Ziah as your second in command over all the other choices?" Gesturing to me, she leaned forward as she rested a hand on the desk. "You let people in. You may keep them at a distance, but even you fail at keeping them at the distance you want."

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Sticking my feet up on the desk got her to shift slightly. "One thing you'll learn about me is that I let the people I meet set the tone, Lucia." She looked curious at that. "If someone acts like an idiot, I'm going to treat them like one. If they approach me with noble intentions, I will do my best to work with them in whatever they might need."

Frowning, the Lady replied. "Since Alwin was foul and constantly questioning you, you insulted him and belittled him?"

I rolled my eyes. "Again, if he acts like a bitch, I'm going to treat him like a bitch." Gesturing to myself as she frowned further, I continued. "I will lower myself far below anyone who tries me. Just as I try my best to stay in some manner of good standing with most people." Shrugging, she listened silently. "Everyone seems to regard me differently, and I don't care enough to even attempt to satisfy even a fraction of them. This is just how I am."

"It amuses me that you are willing to act in such a way despite your rank, title, and status. A Knight, General, and hailed as a hero, but this is how you act?"

"Disappointing, isn't it?"

"No. Not at all." Lucia stated, and I quirked a brow at that. "I have no inclination of what has happened to you during your life, but I am sure it has been difficult." She began. "No one acts like this without reason, especially not with the power you hold. If you were as uncaring as you claim, I have a feeling many more people would be dead." To my surprise, she leaned forward and placed a hand on my chest. "You have a heart, and it is what makes you look at me with regret. Even if I haven't the faintest idea why."

Removing her hand, my teeth clenched as I looked up at her. "Don't act like you know me, Lucia. Play your games with Alwin and whoever else you want, but keep them away from me."

To my surprise, she smiled. "If that is truly the case, then why were you so gentle and careful when removing my hand? Your fighting with the Priestesses tells me you care not for physical confrontation. Yet, you were almost methodical in removing my hand."

I scoffed at that. "Me not breaking your wrist makes you jump to the conclusion that I care?"

"Not at all." Then she placed her hand on my cheek. "It is the look on your face that makes me think that."

Pulling away from her, I had no idea what expression I was making, but I was in no mood to continue this conversation. "Enough."

"You are an honest soul that has been through more than most have…" She stated. "I am here if you need to talk." Looking back at her, Lucia still looked at me with that damn smile that reminded me so much of Mara. "After all, I like how blunt you are when we speak. Not many act in such a manner around the Temple. Especially not around the Priestesses or myself."

"What a coincidence. I kind of like that about myself too. So, you'll appreciate it when I say, I have nothing else to say about this." Then I gestured to the door. "Feel free to go about your business, and I can be left alone to my thoughts."

"Thoughts that revolve around the Skelds?" She inquired before sitting on my desk with no intention of leaving. "You said they were Demons, correct?" Lucia asked as I frowned at her refusal to leave.

"They are."

Lucia was quiet for a moment before she hummed in thought. "What else can you tell me about them?" A mischievous smirk appeared on her lips. "After all, Skelds are not in any book I have ever read. I would love to know how you know about them."

My eyes narrowed at her. "What are you implying exactly?"

She merely leaned back and shrugged lightly. "I would never imply anything. My curiosity is merely piqued."

Rolling my eyes again, I stood and moved away from her. "Ask your Priestesses. I'm sure they'd love to tell you."

"Why do you think they would know?" Lucia inquired. "If they did, would they not be in the Bestiary?"

"One would think." Was my dull reply.

However, before I could continue, screams could be heard above deck. Lucia and I looked at each other for a split second. Grabbing Defiance from where it leaned against the dresser, I moved past Lucia and ran down the hall and up the stairs. Upon reaching topside, the flapping of wings could immediately be heard, and Skelds were everywhere as spells were being launched in every direction. Stepping onto the deck, I entered the battlefield, and I heard Lucia follow right behind me.