Later that night, after a relaxing dinner with the parents he hadn’t seen in years, Era prepared for bed.
I really do feel like a little kid again, Era thought happily. I even have my old room and everything. The room was neat and organized, obviously touched up to be a guest bedroom in his absence, but he loved it nonetheless. He gazed out the window to the still city, feeling profoundly nostalgic.
He curled up under the comforter, but a curious whim haunted him. Tossing and turning, he finally indulged, carefully getting out of bed and tiptoeing down the hall.
Along the way, he ran into Gabriel, who was exiting the washroom wearing nothing but a pair of slacks. “Hey,” he said, “where are you off to?”
“Just checking something,” he said with a smile.
“Alright then,” he grinned, scrubbing a sideburn with a towel.
Era then noticed the necklace around Gabriel’s neck and burst into a grin. “You kept it!”
Looking down at and picking up the wooden bear, he shrugged. “Yeah, so? Don’t make a big deal out of it,” he said, slightly flustered.
“I won’t, then,” Era said, beaming.
“Yeah, whatever. See you in the morning.”
He chuckled lightly. “Goodnight, Gabriel.”
“’Night.”
Era continued down the hall until he reached a door he thought led to the right room. A peek inside confirming his suspicions, he gently swung the door open all the way.
He found himself in Crisilla’s room.
The walls were a lovely rose shade, music boxes and delicately-crafted dolls lining the shelves. He lowered himself onto her bed, taking in this little piece of her.
He sat there, drowning in memories, for what felt like ages. The plush of the carpet caressed his toes as he warmed his fingers in the down quilt. He glanced over her bookcase and the curios on her dresser, marveling over her many perfume bottles and scarves.
I wonder if Mom and Dad did this, too, he thought. And I wonder if her house back in Sarmanna looked like this as well.
His curiosity sated and his nostalgia indulged, he slowly made his way back to his room where, after snuggling down into his blankets, he drifted easily off into sleep.
“Lucien,” Daniella called, “wake up. There are people here to see you.”
“Hmm?” Rolling over, he clambered out of bed, smoothing down his hair and putting on his glasses before strolling downstairs with sleep in his eyes. “Who’s here?” he called over the banister.
“People from the castle, they said.” She stood next to a man dressed in formal robes, flanked by two royal guards.
Surprised, he hurried down to their level and bowed politely. “How may I help you gentlemen?” he asked.
“Lucien Baines,” the man announced, reading from a small scroll, “you are hereby summoned by His Majesty the King, Arcturus IV, to the castle as soon as you are able to make the journey.”
“What for? I thought we were done at the castle.”
“I was not informed of the circumstances of your visit,” he said, “I was told merely that you are to arrive promptly.
“I see,” Era said, confusion in his voice. “I’ll be there as soon as possible, then.”
“Very good,” the man said, nodding to the guards, sending them back outside. “We eagerly await your arrival.”
He nodded, and the man turned on a dime and left, leaving his mother and him alone in the lobby.
“Wonder what that’s all about?” she said. “You said you already testified before the king, correct?”
“Exactly,” he replied. “I have no idea what this is about.”
“Well, you go wake your friend and get cleaned up,” she said, “I’ll prepare you both a light breakfast.”
“Well, this is a little nerve-wracking,” Gabriel joked uncertainly as they headed down the street in a carriage once more. “What do they want this time?”
“I have no clue,” Era said nervously. “I mean, he didn’t change his mind, did he?”
“I sure as hell hope not. I’d rather not go to jail… again.”
“Or worse,” he whispered.
“Yeah, or worse.” Blinking in surprise, he turned quickly back to Era. “Wait, wait, I highly doubt that’s the case. He seemed to thoroughly believe you’re innocent, right? Which you are! So we should be fine, right?”
“I… hope so,” Era said uncertainly.
“Just don’t worry about it, kid,” he said, tugging at his ceremonial robes. “We’re almost there anyway.”
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