Chapter 89
Henriette closed the distance between herself and Lurick in a full sprint, her shoes thudding against the pavement as if trying to outrun time itself. Her arms wrapped tightly around him, fierce and unrelenting, like someone afraid he might vanish if she let go.
“I’ve missed you so much,” she whispered, her voice breaking. Tears welled in her eyes and slipped down her cheeks, warm and unstoppable.
Lurick stood still at first, as if in disbelief, before his arms slowly came around her, a tremble running through his thin frame. His face had changed, sharper angles now, skin pale, eyes rimmed with the kind of fatigue that no amount of sleep could erase.
Henriette pulled back slightly and looked up at him, eyes falling to the soft beanie on his head. She reached up and touched it gently, then her voice cracked again. “So it’s true… You suffer the same fate as our mother.”
Lurick offered a half-smile, weary and laced with resignation. “Unfortunately,” he murmured, then glanced past her shoulder. His expression shifted, confusion, awe, something like reverence. “I still can’t believe it… Everything she’s been saying, every word, it’s true.”
Henriette turned to follow his gaze. Queen Henriette stood just beyond them, composed, regal even in jeans and a borrowed coat. Henriette chuckled softly, shaking her head as they began walking toward the small house. “It’s insane,” she admitted, her voice lighter now, “but… somehow, it’s real.”
“I’m just glad you’re not crazy after all,” Lurick said with a short laugh, the sound rich with relief.
They stepped inside the house. It was modest, lived-in. The kind of place that felt like someone had stopped caring about decorating once they began fighting for their life.
Henriette paused in the hallway, her gaze sweeping over the pictures on the wall, memories frozen in time. Then she turned back to him, voice lower, more serious. “Is the cancer the reason you left the castle to me?”
Lurick nodded, slow and thoughtful. “Yes. I didn’t know how long I had, or if I’d even be around to watch over it properly.” He turned his head slightly as Thess, Queen Henriette, and Prince Rian stepped into the entryway, taking in their surroundings with wide, curious eyes.
Prince Rian stopped abruptly in front of Lurick, frowning with concern. “Why do you look so skinny? So sick?” he asked, eyes narrowed. “Do they not feed you in this world?”
“Rian, not now,” Queen Henriette said gently, placing a hand on his arm. She had spent just enough time in this world to understand that some wounds weren’t for jest, not even in innocence.
“It’s alright,” Lurick said, offering a small, tired smile. “He’s just asking what he sees.”
Then he glanced at Queen Henriette, a flicker of curiosity breaking through the weariness in his features. “Have you shown them the TV yet?”
“I have,” Queen Henriette replied, a glint of amusement in her eyes.
Thess spun in a slow circle, looking from wall to wall as if the device might suddenly come to life. “You also have that black box that traps people and forces them to perform?”
Lurick laughed, a genuine sound this time. “I do. And it’s called a television.”
Lui stepped forward from the corner of the room, already gesturing toward a quieter space beyond the kitchen. “Why don’t you guys go find the TV again,” he suggested, “and give us a few minutes alone.”
Thess immediately grabbed Prince Rian’s sleeve, dragging him off with purpose. Queen Henriette followed, casting one last glance back before disappearing into the living room.
Lui sank into an armchair in what passed for a sitting room, and Henriette and Lurick joined him, the energy shifting as the laughter in the other room faded behind a closed door.
“I already messaged Seth,” Lui said, leaning forward, elbows on his knees. “He’s on his way.”
Lurick nodded slowly, eyes drifting toward the hallway where flickers from the television bounced across the walls like shadows dancing. His voice was barely more than a breath. “How is this even possible?”
“Magic,” Henriette explained. As she was about to tell them what happened to her there was a knock on the door.
“Must be Seth,” Lurick said and got to open the door.
“I’ll get it,” Lui said and got to his feet.
“Dude, you are in for a big surprise,” he started as he opened the door for Seth.
“Are you guys pulling my get?” Seth said and walked straight to the tv room where the noise are coming from.
“Henriette, or is it still Queen Henriette?” Seth asked looking at the three at the tv, wondering who the new woman was. “You look better, Lurick,” He asked Prince Rian.
“Not really,” Lurick’s voice came from behind him.
“There’s two of you,” Seth said shocked looking back and fort to Henriette and Queen Henriette.
“Hello Seth. Long time no see. Glad to see the progress on the castle.” Henriette greeted him with a smile.
“It is actually true? She’s been telling the truth. You are not crazy,.. she is not crazy?” Seth stuttered. Shocked.
“You have Lui to thank for the continued renovations of the castle,” Lurick added.
“I am sure it is for his own gain,” Henriette gave Lui a resentful look.
“May I make a suggestion?” Queen Henriette said, leaving Thess and Prince Rian at the tv.
“This is incredible,” Seth exclaimed struggling to wrap his head around it all.
“I am trying to speak,” Queen Henriette said louder.
“Should be bow or something?” Seth questioned.
“Only if you want to,” Queen Henriette. “But can I say something?”