Lucia's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

My eye twitched as I sat before Arthur and Cassidy with several others behind them. “Explain it to me one more time.” I ordered them.

Arthur immediately pointed to Cassidy Reed. “I was unarmed,” He began, which made me groan internally. “When Cass and Ziah showed up. One weight loss joke was made before I was being assaulted.”

Turning my gaze to Ms. Reed, she spoke. “Arthur was joking about his missing arm, so I hit him.” Arthur coughed in an overexaggerated manner. “Repeatedly.”

Rubbing my eyes for a moment, I turned to Arthur. “How is it, you go from scolding me, to scaring the Dwarven Queen to being beaten by Ms. Reed?”

“I’d like to point out that her majesty brought that on herself. Greigh will vouch for me.” Arthur quickly replied. “As for Ms. Reed, I assume her violent tendencies make her lash out, and she chooses the weakest targe-“ Cassidy smacked him in the chest, which made him flinch before gesturing to her. “See!?”

“Arthur, enough.”

Rolling his eyes, he took a step away from Cassidy to the side. “All in all, I think this all happened because of how popular I am. Women love a mystery after all.”

Taking a firmer tone, I spoke again. “Arthur!”

He shrugged. “You asked.”

Sighing, I turned to Greigh. “Has he been like this the entire time?”

“Yes, my Lady.” My Captain answered.

“I take offense to that.”

Everyone ignored Arthur except me. “Why are you doing this, Arthur?” I asked softly as he looked up at me. “After everything that has happened, no one would blame you for resting… You fought valiantly to free Priestess Elincia and then proceeded to save everyone on the island.” My eyes started to water as his corpse flashed in my mind. “You died, came back, lost your arm, and have so much happening… Just… Why?”

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The man became quiet as he turned his gaze from me. “Even if I answer, you won’t understand.” He said softly. “I’m not the man you think I am. Your compassion is wasted on me. Bandage me and move on. You sit on the throne, so surely you must have more important matters to attend to.” Arthur stated.

Leaning back, I eyed the man as everyone in the room became uncomfortable. “You are right. I do sit on this throne. Borrowed though it may be, I do have many matters to attend to. Yet, no event holds more importance to me than your recovery.” I told Arthur. “Word has spread of your deeds. Everyone knows it was you who pushed back the Ghouls. Even though you do not wish it, you have been proclaimed a hero.”

“I-“ Arthur started, but I used my magic to silence him, which made him quirk a brow at me.

“And a hero you are. There will be a reward for this. Whether from the Priestesses, or the people, you will be awarded for your valor. Many of us will make sure to see to that.”

To my surprise, Arthur moved up the dais and stopped right in front of me. Placing his only hand on top of my head, my brows furrowed as I looked up at him. He was looking down at me with that same expression he always wears. Almost like he’s in pain and proud with so many other things. Such an expression that always made my breath catch in my throat.

“I pray that one day you will see me for the man I really am.” He whispered. “And on that day, I will accept whatever judgment you deem fit.” Ruffling my hair like he would do to Typhon, I felt very confused. “I do what I do because it is my burden and mine alone.” He continued just as softly.

The door opened, and I heard someone enter, but I couldn’t see who.

However, just as suddenly as he appeared before me, he moved back down to the others. “Arthur-“ I called out, but this time he cut me off as I tried to fix my hair.

“Do not worry about me, Lady Lucia.” He used my title. “Once I’ve verified myself that things’ve settled down, I will rest. Having my arm back and my sword will help with that, but the Demons know my current state. It’s possible they might send someone else.” Arthur explained. “Thus, my inability to rest.” Gesturing to me, he smirked. “Unless you’ve somehow created a way to repel the Demon forces without me?” It was a question.

A question that made my lips curl into a frown. “Does the word ‘delegate’ mean nothing to you?” I asked.

Arthur smirked. “I’ve delegated quite a lot, in my opinion, but some things need to be dealt with in a more hands-on approach. This is one of them.”

Leaning on the sidearm, I spoke. “That is not amusing. I am sentencing you to three days of bed rest. Captain Greigh will report to you along with Sergeant Ziah. Anything you might need will be done by them.” He opened his mouth, but I quickly stood and spoke over him. “To see that you are resting, you will be placed in the care of the Reed Family at their home.”

Augustus bowed, quickly followed by Austin and Cassidy. “Of course, Lady Lucia.” Mr. Reed replied. “We’d be happy ta take care of him.” He then looked to Arthur, who looked back at him. “Arthur won’t be no trouble for us.”

Arthur’s head whipped back to me. “I want my sword.”

“You will get it.” I answered.

“And my arm.”

“We cannot return your arm due to it being in stasis. Once it is safe to remove, we will inform you.” Gesturing to Mr. Reed, I smirked. “Your student will also be making trips down for training, so please rest well, Sir Arthur.”

Scoffing, Arthur replied. “Gonna be hard to rest when I’m being beaten and abuse-“ There was a loud crack as Augustus smacked the back of his head with his cane.

Mr. Reed quickly spoke. “We’ll get as much rest as he needs.” He informed me with a now broken cane in his hands. “Aint that right, Arthur?”

Another scoff. “No respect for the injure-“ He was cut off as the group began dragging him away rather comedically.

However, my eyes lingered on him until he disappeared. Arthur knew far more than he was letting on, and he let on quite a bit. That just made me more curious than anything.