Chapter Three

Days turned into months, and months quickly turned into years for Lucas as he trained day in and day out with full determination to return to the castle and see his loving twin sister. However, Lucas could feel a hole deep in his heart that had settled in there since he was a six-year old boy, and he knew full well that the hole wasn’t going disappear as long as he remained a pauper, and not a prince.

The fourteen-year old boy was shelving away some books he had borrowed from the library. His oceanic eyes stared up at the shelves as he carefully placed them in a neat line. Lucas let out a sigh as he looked down at the last book that lay in his arm. It was ‘The History of the Kingdom of Yalelia;’ a book he read over and over for quite some time he stayed at the guild. He had taken a liking to the book, but it was time for him to move on to other books.

It’s hard to believe I’ve been here for eight years now, Lucas thought, as he tucked the book away on the shelf, though he knew full well it didn’t belong there. He knew deep down that Darius might scold him if he found out he didn’t place the book back into it’s rightful place in the back room of the library. Looking off towards other titles of the other books, Lucas grabbed a book called ‘Legends and Myths.’ He raised an eyebrow as he began flipping through the pages of the book.

Darius told me that the legend of twins was true in Yalelia… But is it? Lucas questioned mentally as his eyes scanned over a few of titles within the pages. He closed the book and tucked it back onto the shelf, turning to leave, only to find Darius towering over him.

Lucas jumped a bit in surprise, “Darius! Oh… You startled me…”

Darius chuckled a bit, “My apologies, Lucas. I came looking for you, and someone had told me they had seen you in the library. I’m glad you’ve been keeping up with your reading. You’re well educated.”

The young boy smiled a bit, “Well… I do enjoy reading. It’s nice and quiet in here, anyways,” he admitted.

“That’s good. In any case, I have a favor to ask of you. Would you mind taking a break from this dusty old library for a while?” Darius questioned.

Lucas raised an eyebrow at him, “A break…? What would you like me to do?”

“That was the answer I was looking for. Nicely done. Anyways, there’s a package waiting for me at the church. I would go pick it up myself, but I’m afraid I have duties here that need to be attended to. Do you think you’re capable of heading into the city alone to pick it up?”

Lucas’ eyes sparkled with excitement as he smiled brightly, “Yes, Darius! I’m more than capable of completing this task for you!” he declared with full determination.

Another chuckle escaped Darius’ lips, “I like to hear that from you, Lucas. Great. Now, the church is just near the market. It’s not too far from here, but it should keep you away from this dusty library for a while. “

“I don’t mind at all, Darius. I’ll be happy to do this job for you. Just let me grab my hat, and I’ll be on my way,” Lucas smiled more as he brushed passed the older man. He hurried out of the library and down towards the dormitories to grab his hat out of his room.

It didn’t take Lucas long to meet Darius at the front entrance of the guild outside. He hadn’t been outside in a long while, so it was always a treat for him to run on errands with Darius whenever Darius asked Lucas to tag along. However, this was Lucas’ first time traveling through the city alone. He was excited, and a little bit nervous, but he wanted to make Darius proud. Lucas knew that if he made Darius proud, he would be one step closer to returning home to the castle.

As Lucas was putting his smoky grey hat on top of his head, Darius looked down at Lucas, smiling at him.

“Alright, Lucas. You remember what you have to do, right?” he questioned.

“Yes, Darius,” Lucas answered, his voice quivering slightly from being slightly nervous.

Darius shook his head, “Lucas… There is no need for you to be nervous at all. Listen… Part of being a servant, especially in your position, is to always stay calm. No matter what happens. If you do stay calm, nothing bad can ever happen to you. Do you understand?”

Lucas stared up at Darius, almost in awe. He nodded in acknowledgment, “Yes, Sir. I understand.”

Darius chuckled lightly, “Always so formal… Your sister might like that about you. Anyways, you better hurry,” he urged, lightly patting his shoulder.

Lucas nodded once more, tightening his chestnut ponytail as he smiled brightly at Darius, “I will return as soon as possible, Darius,” he promised.

Without another word, Lucas ran down the alley, away from the servant’s guild, and into the city of Redwood, not even looking back.

Lucas walked down the narrow street, his oceanic colored eyes looking around for the church. Lucas could only vaguely remember what the church looked like, considering Darius had only taken him by there once on one of the few trips outside of the guild into the city. He let out a sigh as he stopped in his tracks, looking up towards the tops of the buildings, studying each one carefully. He was standing near a pub and a building that seemed like a brothel. Lucas’ face twisted in disgust.

This is one of the many cities that my sister is going to rule over? Such a shame… Don’t these people have any shame? Lucas thought as he glanced over to see a couple of men walk into the brothel-type building, only to be greeted by a few women that stood near the doorway on the inside. He ran his fingers through his chestnut bangs, letting them fall back down in front of his face.

Looking just past the brothel, Lucas noticed a large steeple peering up behind the building. He ran over towards it with much haste. He didn’t want to waste anymore time than he already was wasting, He had to retrieve the package for Darius and give it to him back at the guild before the day was up. Lucas felt that this was his very first test, and he didn’t want to fail.

As he rounded the corner and ran down the alley, he noticed a large, pristine building that the steeple was attached to. A large decorative bronze cross loomed high above the large wooden doors of the building. Lucas noticed that the steeple was actually a very large bell tower. He let out a heavy sigh of relief. Lucas had finally arrived to the church. He straightened his back, walking up the steps towards the opened doors. His heart pounded hard in his chest, partially from being nervous to complete his test that he knew Darius was setting up for him, and from all of the running he had done.

At first, Lucas gazed around the church. The pews on either side of him were completely empty, and the large, stained glass windows were shining brightly in vibrant colors from the blazing sun outside bearing down on it. Ahead of him, there was a low table, lined with a ruby red tablecloth, and a large cross hanging up high above it. Lucas noticed a man kneeling down at the front of the church, looking as though he were praying.

Is that man… the priest? Lucas questioned mentally as he took a few more steps inside of the church. The man had long, raven black hair, with an air of familiarity about him, but with his back to Lucas, the boy couldn’t quite tell who he was.

“Er… Excuse me, Sir. I’m here to pick up a package for Darius Black. He sent me in his stead,” he explained, with slight hesitation in his voice.

The man in front of him rose to his feet. Lucas instantly recognized the clothes as the man turned around. Darius stood there before Lucas, smiling down at him. Lucas let out a slight gasp, surprised that Darius was there.

“Darius? You’re… here? But… I thought you were back at the guild. How did you…?”

Darius chuckled, “That’s easy, my boy. I know this city like the back of my hand, and I simply took the shortest route to wait for you.”

Lucas stood there, dumbfounded, “So… There never was a package… was there?” he asked.

“No, Lucas, I’m afraid there was never any package.”

“But why send me here to talk to me if we can just talk at the guild?”

Darius let out a small sigh, “Lucas… This was your first, and quite frankly, your final test, as my pupil,” he started, “I’ve watched you grow for the past eight years into a fine servant. You complete tasks without much question, and you do an excellent job, as well. Never have I seen someone so eager to learn, as much as you have, and never have I seen someone work as well as you, either. This is why I have set up this test for you, and this is why I am congratulating you now.”

Lucas opened his mouth to say something, but quickly shut it. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He had passed his final test, pleased Darius, and proved himself he was capable of being a worthy servant to his sister.

“You do know what this means, don’t you, Lucas?” Darius asked curiously.

Lucas nodded quietly, still surprised by the news. His heart was pounding in excitement, and yet, he was a little bit nervous, as well.

This means I can finally return home and see Rose… Will she be happy? Angry…? Either way… I’ll be happy just to see her and to make her smile, no matter what, Lucas thought, as he let out a small smile. Returning home to his sister would be the greatest gift he ever received in his entire life.

“Then, let’s return to the guild, and pack up your clothes. We mustn’t keep Her Highness waiting.”

Lucas nodded, smiling even more brightly, “Yes, Darius.”

Upon arriving to the guild, Lucas wasted no time packing up his clothes in his bags. He couldn’t wait to return home to the castle. However, the hole in his heart only grew bigger. He knew full well he wasn’t going to return as a prince, only a servant, staying at his sister’s side to be at her beck and call. Lucas took a deep breath, turning around towards Darius with a serious look on his face.

“Darius, do you have something presentable I can wear when I arrive? You know… Like a tailcoat, or something?” he asked.

Darius nodded, “Yes, I do. In fact, I’ve already packed a bag for you with clothes just like that for daily wear, and there’s a suit for you laying out on your bed, so go ahead and change,” he suggested.

Lucas turned his attention towards the suit that he hadn’t paid attention to when he arrived back to his room. It was a black tailcoat jacket, with a ruby red vest, a white button up shirt, black pants, and complete with black shoes for him to wear. He sighed with relief, walking towards the bed as he took off his hat, beginning to change his clothes.

After a few minutes, Lucas adjusted the red tie around his white shirt collar, turning around towards Darius as he closed up his bag full of his clothes.

“How do I look?” Lucas questioned in a hopeful voice.

Darius looked over at Lucas, smiling a bit, “Fit to serve the queen. Now let’s go. We mustn’t keep her waiting, right? I’m certain you’re anxious to see her yourself.”

Without another word, Darius led Lucas out of the small room. As Lucas walked out, he took one last look at the room he shared with Darius for the past eight years during his training. He honestly couldn’t believe that he was finally going to return home, to Rose, to his parents, to the castle that he had once left behind unwillingly. He took a deep breath and turned his heel, quickly dashing after Darius, who hadn’t stopped to wait for him.

The two walked out of the guild and through the alleyway. Lucas noticed a carriage passed the alley, waiting for them. His heart was pounding in his chest with anticipation.

Is this really happening to me…? Lucas thought as Darius placed his bags on top of the carriage. He glanced over towards Lucas.

“No need to wait for me. Go ahead and climb on in. You don’t need me for this… I’m afraid this is farewell for us, Lucas,” Darius told him, making sure the luggage was in place.

Lucas watched Darius, raising an eyebrow, “You’re not coming with me?”

“No, Lucas. I’m not coming with you to the castle. You’re old enough now to travel on your own. And, quite frankly, I think you’ll do just fine. However, when you do get there, I want you to bow to your sister. I know she’s your twin, but it will be customary for you to do so for the rest of your life,” Darius explained.

“Yes, Darius. Thank you for training me to be a great servant… I’ll never forget these past years I’ve spent here,” Lucas bid his farewell, giving a small bow to him. He felt it was the right thing to do.

Darius stared down at Lucas, smiling a bit. He reached over, pulling Lucas in for a hug. He pulled back for a bit, “Serve her well, my boy,” he smiled.

Lucas smiled back and climbed into the carriage, closing the door behind him. He looked out of the window at Darius, giving a small wave to him. Darius waved back slightly, before tapping onto the carriage, looking over towards the driver up at the front.

“Head to the castle,” he ordered.

The driver nodded, flicking the leather reins. The horse at the front of the carriage began to clop down the street that was already crowded with people. Lucas leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes. He didn’t even glance back towards the guild, nor did he even look back at Darius. He was looking forward to going home since the time he had left. He would finally be able to tell his father and mother that he was fit to serve his sister, under Darius’ word. The small smile that was plastered on his face faded.

Will they be happy to see me? Rose, Father, and Mother…? I miss them all so much… I wonder how Rose looks now? I bet she looks absolutely beautiful. I should have freshened up a bit… Lucas sighed, fixing his chestnut brown locks that were right in front of his face.

Opening up his eyes, his blue eyes gazed out at the people that blurred by the carriage. He narrowed his eyes a bit in sorrow. He was one of them. No longer a prince. He would happily give the throne to his lovely sister, but he did not want to give up his royalty. Lucas let out a heavy sigh, resting his chin in the palm of his hand. He closed his eyes, thinking hard about what his new lifestyle would be like. Would he still be able to get along with Rose? How did she act like nowadays? Would she remember him? Questions were swirling around his head, but he wouldn’t know the answers to any of them until he arrived to the castle.

The carriage soon came to a halt. His gaze was fixated on the castle doors that were just passed the guards. He was home. He couldn’t believe it. Lucas waited patiently as the driver clambered off of the carriage, opening up the door for him. He smiled politely at him, climbing out of the carriage.

“Thank you, Sir,” Lucas thanked graciously, as he walked towards the guards. One of the guards held up his hand, causing the young boy to stop in his tracks.

“Halt. Boy, you look oddly like Her Highness… What business have you here at the castle?” the guard asked in a demanding tone.

Lucas’ eyebrow twitched in irritation. He honestly couldn’t believe that this man had no idea who he was. He took a deep breath, having to mentally remind himself that he was no longer royalty.

“I’m Lucas Karver, servant to Princess Rose Karver, Sir. May I speak with the princess? On Darius Black’s word, I am a full-fledged servant, and I can now return to my sister,” Lucas answered confidently, staring him right in the eyes.

The guards looked at each other, shifting their weight nervously. The first guard lowered his hand, stepping aside, “Please forgive me, Lucas… Welcome home.”

Lucas let out a sigh of relief and walked right passed the guards, opening up the door into the castle. It was just as how he had remembered it. The large silver chandelier hung high above him as he entered the grand foyer, closing the door behind him. His large blue eyes gazed around at the several wings that spread out all around the room, except for the large spiral staircase that led up towards the second floor. He looked over towards one of the maids that walked into the foyer. She glanced over at Lucas, letting out a gasp.

“Sire! I mean… Lucas! You have returned home! Does… Does Her Highness know yet?” the old woman asked with a croak.

Lucas walked towards her, shaking his head, “No, I’m afraid she doesn’t yet… Do you know where she is? I would like to see her.”

“I believe I saw her in the throne room, down the East Wing,” the maid answered, “Welcome home, Lucas.”

“Thank you. It is good to be home after so long,” Lucas smiled. He turned his heel and started walking down the hallway, as though nothing had changed from when he left. He didn’t mind the informalities from the maid. Lucas was just happy to be home.

Lucas continued to stroll down the hallway, stopping right in front of the last door at the wing. He took a deep breath, pressing his ear to the wood. All he could hear was slight mumbling of a female voice on the other side of the door. However, it wasn’t a voice he recognized. Lucas stood up straight, knocking on the door.

“Come in,” the voice demanded.

Grabbing a firm hold of the handle, Lucas pushed open the door. He was surprised by what he saw. A young girl, no older than himself, sat in a large red velvet chair that used to belong to his father. The girl wore a Navy blue Victorian-styled dress, with black ribbons accenting the skirt along the bottom. There was a black ribbon, tied neatly into a cute bow in her chin length chestnut brown hair. She had one leg draped over the other, her chin resting in her hand as she looked off to the side with a bored look plastered on her face.

Lucas took a few steps into the room, approaching the young girl. The guards that were standing at attention around them let out a few silent gasps. Lucas stared up at the young girl with the chestnut brown hair. He placed his right hand over his heart, staring up at her with his oceanic colored eyes.

“Lady Rose…?” he called out softly, almost unsure if the girl that looked much like him was his sister.

Rose let out a sigh, looking over at Lucas. She gasped instantly, sitting forward in her seat, her leg falling off of the other, “Lucas?! Is… Is that really you?” she asked in surprise.

Lucas smiled softly at Rose, bowing his head at her, making sure to keep his posture, and his mannerism, “I’m here at your service.”

The room grew silent. Lucas remained in his position, refusing to move unless he was told to. He didn’t want to upset his sister on his first day of returning him. Rose’s blue eyes filled up quickly with tears as she stood up from her seat, running over towards her twin brother. She jumped towards him, tackling him into a hug, and falling to the floor.

Rose sobbed softly as she held onto him, “I was so afraid that you would never return… Lucas, you idiot… You should’ve written…”

Lucas blinked in shock, before letting out a sigh of relief. He wrapped an arm around his sister as he propped himself up on an elbow, lowering his lips to her ear, “I told you… I would come back, Rose. I gave you my gift, which assured me that I had no choice but to return,” he whispered.

Rose gasped a bit. She pulled back slightly, looking right into Lucas’ eyes with her own, “That letter… I read it every night, because you’re the best brother I could ever have,” she smiled, gently pressing her forehead against his.

Lucas chuckled lightly, closing his eyes as he gently rubbed his sister’s back to soothe her, “Well, I’m home now… And I will never leave your side, my lady.”

Later that evening, Lucas helped the other servants display the evening’s meal for Rose. He noticed that there wasn’t enough food to feed his sister and his parents. Lucas raised an eyebrow as he carried the platter out into the lavish dining room. He glanced around, noticing the few other servants laying out a few side dishes out on the large dining table, as well as Rose’s favorite drink. He noticed a middle-aged man with short chocolate brown hair and a thin moustache. Lucas didn’t recognize the man and slowly walked up to him.

“Excuse me, Sir? Do you know Lady Rose?” he asked curiously.

The man looked down at Lucas, flashing him a charming smile that sent chills down his spine, “As a matter of fact, I do. Her Highness has graciously appointed me as one of her nobles. I am Martin Salvatore. You must be Lucas Karver, am I correct?”

Lucas nodded, “Martin, huh…? Why is a noble, such as yourself, helping servants out? I don’t think that is a part of your duties, if I’m correct.”

Martin let out a hearty chuckle, “True, but I do take pity on those less fortunate than I am. Therefore, I do not mind lending a hand every now and then. I do expect Her Highness to ask me for help whenever she needs it.”

Lucas set the platter down on the table gently, “Right… I’m going to go bring my sister down for dinner,” he muttered, rushing out of the dining room while the food was still warm.

He ascended the large staircase, thankful that he was still able to remember how to find his way through most of the castle. However, one thing really bothered him. Lucas was unable to find either of his parents. Just the fact that Rose was alone in the castle worried him, but no sign of either of his parents also worried him.

The castle isn’t that big… There is no way that we are missing each other in the halls. Perhaps Mother and Father are both out of the kingdom? That is more of a possibility… They must be visiting the Blanc or Grynn kingdoms, Lucas thought, hoping to reassure himself.

Lucas approached Rose’s bedchambers, taking a deep breath. He knocked on her door gently, hearing shuffling on the other side.

“Who is it?” Rose called out.

“It is I, Lady Rose. Lucas, your brother and butler,” he answered proudly.

“Come in, Lucas!” she answered happily without hesitation.

Lucas sighed with relief, swinging open the door. Her bedchambers were just how he had remembered them from eight years ago. He stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. He noticed his sister feeding a small yellow canary in the birdcage that she had in her room.

Rose looked over, smiling, “Hello, Lucas. I take it dinner is served?” she questioned, teasing him with a silly voice.

Lucas chuckled a bit, “Yes, my lady, dinner has been served,” he answered. His smile quickly faded as he thought of their parents, his gaze lowering to the floor.

Rose closed up the cage once she fed her canary, and glanced over towards her twin brother. Her smile faded just as quickly as his, “Lucas… Is something bothering you? You know… You don’t have to use formalities with me like everyone else does, if it’ll make you feel better, okay? We’re twins, and we’ll always be close, okay?” she tried to reassure him.

He looked up at Rose, smiling a bit, “Thank you, my lady, but… That isn’t the issue here… It’s just… I had a question ever since I came back.”

“And what question would that be? Whatever it is, Lucas, I’m not going to punish you, or hurt you in any way. You’ll be alright. You’re my brother, and you’re the best brother in the world.”

He hesitated to answer a moment before taking a deep breath, “Where… Where are our parents? Have they left the kingdom to visit another?” he asked, staring his sister right into her bright blue eyes.

Rose gasped, taking a step away from him. She placed a hand over her chest, shocked. Lucas’ stoic face melted into a look of worry as he stared at her, waiting patiently for an answer. He hadn’t heard from any of them for eight years, and Lucas wanted to know what happened to their parents.

Rose’s gaze fell to the floor, her expression saddened after the shock left her face, “You… You don’t know, do you?”

“Know what? If you know what’s happened… Please tell me, Lady Rose!” he pleaded.

She took a deep breath, closing her eyes as she tried to stop the tears welling up in her eyes, “Our parents… They both had died a few months ago… I’m so sorry, Lucas… I thought someone would tell you, but… I guess no one did. Please forgive me… They were on their way back home from the Kingdom of Blanc, when bandits attacked their carriage, murdering them… That’s what I heard.”

Lucas couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Bandits had murdered his parents. He stared at Rose, appalled, “Lady Rose… So… Then that makes you…?” he questioned.

“Yes, Lucas… I am going to be recognized as queen of Yalelia by the end of the month… I never wanted this to happen to our parents… They were so good to us… I… I should head down to the dining hall… Please… take your time for the rest of the evening, okay…? You’re the only one I have left, Lucas… I can’t lose you, too…” Rose mumbled, brushing passed her brother, and out of her bedchambers.

As the door clicked shut behind her, Lucas felt tears streaming down his cheeks. He clenched his fists tightly, looking down at the floor as he sobbed quietly in his sister’s room.

Why…? Why did this have to happen to us…? Rose… I swear to you… No matter what happens… I will always be here to protect you, and I never want you to stop smiling, Lucas vowed mentally as he continued to stare down at the floor, sobbing.