Chapter 3: Sanctuary in the Holy Empire

Kaela awoke to the sound of soft voices and the faint scent of lavender. Her body ached, but the warmth of the plush bedding beneath her brought an unfamiliar comfort. Blinking against the gentle sunlight filtering through sheer curtains, she found herself in a grand yet welcoming room, unlike anything she had ever known in the Distorting Empire.

“Good, you’re awake,” a deep voice said.

She turned her head to see the man from the forest sitting by the bedside. In the soft morning light, his sharp features were more evident—his blue eyes held a mix of concern and curiosity, and the golden embroidery of his tunic hinted at his status.

“I’m Lucian, Crown Prince of the Holy Empire,” he said. “You’re safe now.”

Kaela tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through her side, forcing her back onto the pillows. “Where… where am I?” she managed to whisper.

“You’re in my palace,” Lucian replied. “I found you during an ambush in the forest. Who were those men? And why were they after you?”

Kaela’s heart raced. She couldn’t reveal the truth—not yet. “I… I don’t know,” she said, her voice trembling. “They attacked without warning. I was traveling to a neighboring province for… an arranged marriage.”

Lucian’s brow furrowed. “An ambush during an arranged marriage journey? That seems far too convenient.” His gaze softened. “You don’t have to be afraid. No one will harm you here.”

Kaela hesitated, searching his face for any sign of deceit. But all she saw was sincerity. Still, she knew better than to trust so easily. “Thank you,” she said simply.

Lucian stood. “You’ll need rest to recover. My physician will check on you shortly. In the meantime, I’ve arranged for some clothes and food to be brought to you. If you need anything, let the attendants know.”

Before leaving, he paused by the door. “I’ll have someone keep watch outside your room. You’re safe here, I promise.”

As the door closed behind him, Kaela exhaled shakily. She didn’t know whether to feel relief or fear. The Holy Empire was a far cry from her father’s court, but danger still lurked—if not from Lucian, then from the truths she carried.

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Later that day, Kaela ventured out of her room for the first time. The palace was unlike anything she had seen: golden domes, sprawling gardens, and hallways alive with warmth and light. Servants bustled about with kind smiles, and the air carried a sense of peace.

She wandered into a balcony overlooking the gardens, where children played under the watchful eyes of their parents. A pang of longing struck her. This world seemed so foreign yet so inviting—a stark contrast to the rigid, cold halls of the Distorting Empire.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

Kaela turned to see Lucian approaching. His armor was gone, replaced by a simple tunic and trousers, making him look less like a prince and more like an ordinary man.

“Yes,” Kaela said softly. “It’s very different from… where I’m from.”

Lucian leaned on the railing beside her. “You haven’t said much about where that is.”

Kaela stiffened. “It’s… far away. A small province.”

Lucian didn’t press further. “You don’t have to tell me everything now. But you should know—there’s no place for lies or secrets in the Holy Empire. If you’re hiding something, it’s better to share it before it causes harm.”

Kaela bit her lip. His words weren’t a threat, but they carried weight. She nodded, unsure of what else to say.

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That night, Kaela lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Her mind raced with thoughts of her father, the ambush, and the man who had saved her. She had escaped death, but at what cost?

Her fingers traced the edge of the blanket as she made a silent vow: she would not let herself be a pawn in anyone’s game—not her father’s, not Lucian’s, not anyone’s.

For the first time in her life, she resolved to take control of her fate.

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