Chapter 54 CHAPTER 54
Sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the Mooncrest guest chambers, warm and golden, spilling across the polished floors. The palace was alive with quiet murmurs, the distant sounds of servants beginning their day, and the soft rustle of linens as the morning unfolded.
Lisa lay beneath the heavy blankets, the sun painting gentle stripes across her face. She let herself sink further into the pillows, drowsy and heavy, memories of the previous night swirling softly in her mind. The celebration had lasted late - almost until three in the morning - yet the air had been bright with joy. Everyone had been happy, laughter mingling with the clinking of plates and silverware.
The food had been a feast fit for a queen, or rather, a princess. Roasted meats glistened beside golden breads, fruits shone like polished gems, and desserts sparkled with sugared frost. The aroma of herbs, honey, and baked delicacies still lingered faintly in her memory.
Guests had come in droves, and Lisa had been swept from table to table. Many had introduced themselves, their names blurring together, their faces full of pride and kindness. She hadn’t been able to remember them all, but she had smiled, letting herself be warmed by the welcoming atmosphere. Families had invited her to visit their homes, showing curiosity and respect for her new role. Others had pressed gifts into her hands, small tokens of affection and celebration. She had been beyond touched - this community, so vibrant and alive, had taken her into their hearts in ways she had never expected.
Lisa let herself linger in these memories, the warmth of appreciation and joy settling over her like a soft cloak. Her muscles ached from the shift, from the running through the woods, from the exhilaration that had left her both thrilled and exhausted. She had slept little, yet she felt alive, her spirit buoyed by the love and attention she had received.
A faint rustle beside her stirred her from her reverie. Isabel, already fully awake, perched at the edge of her bed, hair damp and wrapped in a towel. “Move!” she said, tugging gently at Lisa’s arm. “We’re wasting the morning in bed. Breakfast awaits!”
Lisa groaned, stretching inside the blankets. “Just… five more minutes. I barely slept at all last night. My body is still so tired…”
“You slept late because of the celebration, Come on, Lisa. You can rest all you want later, but breakfast won’t wait.”
Lisa swung her legs over the edge of the bed, wincing as pain spread through her legs and back. “Oof… I forgot how much my body would hurt after a shift. Running, training… everything. My brother and Liam were right. My muscles would probably feel better if I had kept up with training before this.”
Isabel laughed softly, nudging her. “Then hurry up! I’m starving, and you need to eat too. You’ll regret lying in bed for too long.”
Lisa tried to stand, but her muscles protested, stiff and sore. She groaned again, bending slightly to steady herself. Isabel, towel still draped over her wet hair and shoulders, pulled Lisa gently toward the bathroom. “Come on! You’ll feel better after a shower.”
As Lisa shuffled forward, there was a soft knock at the door. A woman entered quietly, carrying a small bottle of herbs and ointments. She wore the garb of the community healer, her expression gentle but focused.
“I came earlier,” the healer said, setting the bottle on the counter, “but I was told you weren’t awake. I’m here to apply this to help ease your soreness. It’s common after a first shift.”
Lisa blinked, grateful, and Isabel’s curiosity brightened her eyes. “Can I help?” she asked eagerly.
The healer smiled. “Yes, that would be kind. It will save me trips to come and apply it on her. Just rub the ointment gently on her muscles - back, legs, shoulders. She’ll feel relief quickly.”
Isabel immediately began massaging the herbs into Lisa’s stiff muscles. Lisa exhaled slowly, feeling the cool, fragrant mixture seep into her skin. “Ah… that’s much better,” she murmured. “Thank you.”
“You’ll feel even better soon,” Isabel said, her hands working carefully. “I’ll take care of this anytime you need it.”
With the aches easing, Isabel tugged at Lisa’s arm. “Now! Breakfast awaits, and I’m not waiting for you any longer.”
As they opened the door to the hall, a man stood there, bowing politely. “Good morning,” he said, voice calm and respectful. “I will escort you to breakfast.”
Lisa’s brow furrowed. “Excuse me?”
Isabel glanced at her, confused. “Excuse who?”
Lisa shook her head, muttering, “I don’t know… just follow me,” and headed toward Ethan’s office before breakfast, curiosity pricking at her. The man followed quietly, standing by the doorway as Lisa entered.
“Ethan,” she asked softly, frowning, “what’s with the bodyguard?”
Ethan’s gaze was calm, voice smooth and even. But something else was also lurking there – nervousness. “Lisa, now that you have been acknowledged as princess and the community knows your role, it is protocol for you to move about with a bodyguard.”
Lisa wrinkled her nose. “But… you promised Liam would be my bodyguard.”
“He will be, when you leave Mooncrest or need protection outside the palace. For now, he is on another mission. This man is excellent - I chose him personally. Trust him. He is here to protect you.”
Lisa exhaled slowly, unconvinced but unwilling to argue. “Fine,” she said, stepping aside. “Lead the way.”
At the breakfast hall, Isabel was already halfway through her plate, cheeks flushed with excitement. “I couldn’t wait for you!” she said, mouth full.
Lisa laughed, sliding into her chair beside her. Celia whispered a teasing comment inside her mind: She eats like she’s the one who just shifted. Lisa nudged Isabel playfully.
Once seated, Isabel looked at the man accompanying them. “So… what’s up with him? Did Ethan explain?”
Lisa shook her head, quiet. “He says it’s protocol, but I don’t believe him.”
Isabel’s eyes sparkled. “Then what do you think is happening?”
Lisa’s gaze drifted toward the sunlight, thoughts swirling. “I have this feeling… something’s wrong. But Ethan doesn’t want me to know.”
She reached inward, mind-linking Celia. Do you know what’s going on?
No, Celia replied softly, though Lisa could sense the hesitation.
Lisa frowned. You’re lying. Tell me the truth.
Celia’s response was firm, yet tender. Even if I know something, I cannot tell you. I promised Rex. It would only make you worry.
Lisa’s ears flattened slightly. But I need to know. I can protect myself….
Rest assured, Celia interrupted gently, everything Ethan and Rex are doing is for your safety. You are protected. Trust them.
Lisa exhaled, the tension easing slightly. The warmth of the morning, the soft sun, the laughter of Isabel beside her, the scent of herbs and food - these small comforts settled over her, anchoring her in the present. For now, that was enough.
Isabel, still munching happily, glanced at Lisa. “Living in a palace is amazing! I can eat as much as I want and never worry about the food running out!”
Lisa laughed softly, shaking her head.
The two of them ate in comfortable silence for a while, golden morning light filling the hall. Outside, the palace stirred. Within, Lisa allowed herself to be present, savouring both the peace and the sense of belonging she felt for the first time since arriving at Mooncrest.
Beyond the palace walls, unseen currents of magic and threat already stirred, threading through the world Lisa was only beginning to understand.