Lucia IX

The fire Volke had started in the kitchens proved to be a better distraction than Lucia could hope for. The castle was in chaos. No one looked at the spymistress twice.

With Cecilia's death throwing the city into unease, Volke had suggested they rescue Lugh while Heath's attention was elsewhere.

The aqua haired woman had scurried through the halls she knew so well. Lugh would no doubt be in his tower, oblivious to the commotion.

The spymistress climbed the spiraling staircase with gusto. By the time she reached the top, she was out of breath and could barely knock on the door.

"Yes?" Lugh spoke as he opened the door to reveal the weary Lucia.

"We've got…to go," Lucia said amidst gasping breaths.

Lugh fixed her with an odd stare. "Why?"

"I'll explain on the way," Lucia urged. "We need to move."

The youngest Reinheart nodded, and began to walk down the stairs. Lucia dashed past him, gesturing for him to match her pace.

Together, the duo made their escape. Lucia gave Lugh a short and abbreviated version of the recent events.

Per Volke's advising, she left out who they suspected had Cecilia killed.

Not that it would matter for long.

Heath Reinheart blocked off their escape, wearing his emerald green armor. The same suit that had been given to him in the days after Hayden's death.

"Lucia," her name rolled off his tongue like oil, making her squirm. "And here I thought I might have to go searching for you."

"Get behind me, Lugh," she muttered under her breath. Louder, "Heath, I will not marry you."

"Why do you resist me?" he said, genuinely confused. "I have power. I have riches. I could make you very happy."

"Are you so shallow that you think that? You disgust me," Lucia snarled.

The now Emperor Reinheart's eyes grew stormy. "Dearest Lucia…one way or another, I will have you. Come with me now, and it'll be easier for all of us."

He took a step forward, and the spymistress drew her knife. With a jerk of her hand, she stabbed the Reinheart.

Except the blade broke when coming into contact with the enchanted armor.

He grinned, and knocked Lucia back with a rough punch. She hit the ground, dazed.

"Don't try anything, Lugh," the Emperor said as his brother made to move to her side. "This woman wants to take you into the city to be killed."

The younger man froze, too frightened to act.

Heath picked up Lucia by the neck, and held her aloft in the air. "So, spymistress, what will it be?"

A knife at his throat answered the question. Volke breathed down his neck, "Drop her."

In a flurry, Lucia hit the ground again as Heath attacked Volke. "Go!" the spy yelled toward Lucia.

This time, the aqua haired woman needed no encouragement. She grabbed Lugh by the hand and they ran.

[X]

"I want to know everything," hissed Lugh as they ran through the streets. "Tell me the whole truth."

"When we get where we're going, I'll explain. Your brother is there as well," Lucia answered, distracted by navigating her way to the safe house.

The people were frantically moving about. Not a person in Grisstal wasn't concerned with the death of their ruler.

The ruckus aided in hiding them from prying eyes. And with that help, the pair made it to Heather's house.

Lucia knocked, and Leila opened the door. When she stepped inside, there were more people than planned.

"Hello, Lucia," Stefan said, his voice stretched thin.

Author Notes: Sorry if this chapter isn't up to quality or anything of the sort. I'm just…distraught, at the moment. The U.S. election…was not what I wanted as a person who is a member of the LGBT+ community.

And this marks the end of Part II. About four or so chapters left.