Morning rises, Noelle was in Lumine's room. She was combing her hair. Lumine was enjoying the feel of someone combing her hair. It felt nice. She looked at herself in the mirror. She didn't think she would be gorgeous when Albedo complimented her. Lumine looked at her left eye. She never mentioned to no one what happened, because she was afraid to tell them.
She could tell Albedo, but she doesn't know he will betray her. He gave the accessories and a name. Everything he did was to make her feel what freedom is. She's glad that he saved her. Maybe it is time to open up a bit to other people. Staying silent won't help her feel welcome. She could talk to Noelle.
"So, how was your first day in the city?" Noelle spoke up, smiling.
Lumine can feel her heart pulsing. She wanted to talk to her. Noelle has been really friendly. She trusted her. Lumine wants to make friends. She isn't fond of being alone.
"It was fun. I didn't think the city would be so lively." She replied smiling.
The lavender haired maid was surprised to hear Lumine talked. "That's good to hear. I'm shocked to hear you speak. It seems that Prince Albedo has opened you up a bit."
Lumine nodded. "If it wasn't for him, I would still be a slave. I was waiting until my death call."
"I'm glad he did save you." Noelle looked at Lumine from the mirror. "Oh, were you able to talk before you became unsociable?"
The blond haired stared at the floor. "Yeah. The reason I stopped is because I was scared of what my master was about to do. He said that he was going to use something to make my voice disappear or cut my tongue. That's why I became unsociable."
Noelle dropped her jaws. "Cut your tongue?! If his highness noticed that, he would have done something more aggressive and brutal."
"May I know your name?" Lumine asked curiously.
"My name is Noelle. I'm the Head Maid in the palace. This position is already hard enough, but his highness saw something special about me. He gave me his position. I'm happy to have this position. The other maids wanted this position, because they wanted Prince Albedo's attention." The head maid grabbed the accessories on the table, put on Lumine's head where they were.
Lumine was dumbfounded. "Attention?"
"Overall, the prince is handsome indeed. They just want him to recognize them as someone special. Those maids are so greedy. I keep telling them to stop this attention stuff, but no one doesn't listen to to me." Noelle sighed lightly as she adjusted the accessories.
Lumine doesn't know why the other maids don't follow Noelle's orders. "How come?"
"Jealousy." Lumine tilted her head. Noelle finished fixing Lumine's hair. "There you go! Look how beautiful you look."
Lumine never looked at herself in the mirror. She never thought she would be this beautiful. She feels like a new person. Lumine smiled.
Noelle was still worried about Lumine walking alone in the castle. The maids would bully her that she's a spy or she's Albedo's special guest. Who knows what they will do to Lumine.
Albedo was walking through the halls. He was wearing his royal aristocrat retro white vintage jacket with gold accented, white long jumpsuit, black gloves with a yellow diamond shape on the top, black boots, and white cape with the yellow diamond shape on the center.
The prince arrived at the opened door as he walked in. The soldiers closed the door behind. When he arrived in the room, there were six of his high rank officers sitting waiting for his arrival. Albedo walked towards his chair and sat down. He looked at each seat to see his officers were present.
"Everyone is here. We can start our meeting." Albedo turned to one of his captains. She has long dark brown hair and gold eyes. "Amber, how was the engagement against the goblins in the mountains? Were you able to destroy their camp?"
Amber nodded. "They won't cause any trouble to the people crossing through the mountains. As Captain of the Flight Squad, it's our duty to protect the people of Mondstadt."
Albedo turned to the captain opposite of Amber. She has light honey brown hair and green eyes. She was smiling as her prince looked at her. "Lisa, do you have any more intel on the Abyssal Kingdom?"
Lisa put her hand on cheek. "Your highness, you know I have nothing about the Abyssal Kingdom. No one has ever set foot there. That kingdom has its secrets."
"I heard you were the best mage in the kingdom, Lisa, Captain of the Mage Squad and librarian. What happened?" Kaeya flabbergasted sarcastically.
Lisa gives Kaeya the glare with an assured smile. "Do you want me to get you a nice hand warmer, Kaeya?"
"This is no time for jokes. We're in the middle of an important discussion. Save your playtime afterward." Diluc frowned as he stopped the two captains.
Kaeya shrugged. "You're no fun, Diluc."
Jean crossed her arms on her chest. She has been thinking about what the Abyssal Kingdom is doing. "The Abyssal Kingdom has been laying lower for a while. Why haven't they attacked? Are they waiting for something?"
Eula thought the same thing. "It has been 6 months since they stopped attacking. They are the ones who wanted to start a war."
Albedo has his hand on chin, wondering the same thing. "Maybe they are using spies to get information on other kingdoms. Keep an eye out for any spies in the castle. They will be watching us."
"Prince Albedo with your permission, I would like to gather information about the young girl. We know nothing about her." Kaeya knew that Albedo was going to accept his request.
"Permission granted. I too want to know about Lumine and where she came from." Everyone looked at Albedo. The prince noticed that his officers were glaring at him with curiosity. "Is there something the matter?"
"Did you call her Lumine?" Jean asked.
Albedo blinked. "I did."
"Is that her name?" Diluc asked.
"I was the one who gave her that name."
"When was that?" Eula asked.
"Last night."
Kaeya smugs. "Hmm. To think our prince is a smooth talker to Lumine. You were willing to give her a name. How nice of you." He clapped his hands.
"I'll take that as a compliment." Albedo chuckled..
"Did she like the name?" Amber asked.
Albedo nodded. "She does. She smiled, cried, and finally spoke."
Lisa smiled. "Aww. How adorable. I want to meet her."
"Same here. I can teach her about the Kingdom of Mondstadt." Amber nodded.
Everyone is willing to help Lumine to be comfortable. Making her feel welcome. Lumine would appreciate it. She would no longer be lonely, scared, or slave to anyone.
Albedo cleared his throat. They went off topic about their meeting. The officers chuckled as they knew as well.
"Let's continue what else we gather, find around Mondstadt and outside territory," the prince looked at Diluc. "General Diluc, I want you to go to Starfell Mountain and contract the Dwarfs. Captain Kaeye, as you are looking for information about Lumine, I want you to head to the Kingdom of Mathilde. They might have information about the Abyssal Kingdom. Captain Eula, you head toward the Kingdom of Alba. The scholars are highly knowledgeable with history. The royal court could help us with what is going on."
The three officers nodded.
"Can we trust the royal court?" Eula frowned. She wasn't fond of talking to the royal court. "They are a bunch of twisted idiots."
"Don't worry. I have someone there who can play with them. He's no fool to fall into their trap." Albedo smirked.
Everyone in the room was confused about what their prince meant.
"Who would that be?" Diluc leans back of the chair with his arms crossed.
"You guys will meet him eventually." Albedo put his arms on the table. "Anyone have anything to say?" The officers were silent. "Then the meeting is over."
Lumine was walking in the halls. She was amazed to see how many things were inside the castle. The maids watched Lumine pass by them. They give her a disgusting look on their faces.
"Is that her?" One of the maids whispered.
"What makes her so special?"
"Prince Albedo doesn't need a woman like her here. We need to get rid of her."
"Ahem!" The sound of someone's throat is clear from behind. That caught the maids as they turned around. It was Jean. She was frowning at the maids. "What are you doing?"
The maids bowed to Jean and quickly left to continue where they left off.
Jean sighed lightly as she shook her head. She couldn't believe what she heard from the maids. They wanted to get rid of Lumine for what reason. "Honestly. What is his highness going to do with the maids here?"
Lumine walked out to the castle garden. She dropped her jaws as she saw how huge the garden was. There were white flowers everywhere. They were in the bushes, around the arbor, and on the ground growing. There was a white round wooden gazebo in the center of all of the flowers.
The blond haired starlight walked towards the gazebo. She stopped in front of the entrance and looked at it. There was a round-table and chairs inside of the gazebo. She stepped inside the gazebo and touched the table. The table was smooth and refreshing. Lumine could sit down and watch the scenery.
She stepped out of the gazebo. Lumine sees a flower that caught her attention. It was a single red flower in a flower pot. It was out of color from the white ones. The red flower was dying like being rejected.
Lumine touched the red flower with the tip of her finger. "You're just like me. Being out of place unlike the others. You want to wither to be forgotten. I will help you be healthy."
Lumine looked around to find anything to help the flower. She didn't know what she was supposed to give the flower.
"Do you want to water the flower?" A voice from behind.
Lumine flinched. She turned around behind her. It was Lisa, who was smiling. Lumine nodded.
"Come over here." Lisa walked past her.
Lumine trailed behind Lisa.
They arrived at the aviary. Lumine was amazing to see more than just flowers from the garden. Lisa showed Lumine some gardening tools.
Lumine faces Lisa and bows to her.
Lisa chuckled flirtatious. "My! You're such a cutie! May I ask your name?" She knows her name, but she wants to hear it from Lumine.
Lumine doesn't know if she trusts Lisa. She hasn't met her before. "L-Lumine." She mumbled softly.
"Such a cute name! Prince Albedo knows his taste." Lisa smiled mischievously.
Lumine was puzzled as she tilted her head. "W-What?"
Lisa reached her hand towards Lumine. The young blond starlight eyes turned into fear. She shut her eyes tightly, waiting to get hit. Lisa patted her head softly.
"You will understand sooner or later."
Lumine shot her right eye open wondering what was happening. She never got a pat on the head. It felt nice and gentle. The feeling of Lisa's hand was making her feel like a child. She opened her left eye as she looked at the ground.
Lisa noticed Lumine's left eye was a different color from her yellow gold eyes. It's lighter. She stops patting.
"Can you close your right eye for me?" Lisa lends down to her level.
Lumine didn't know what Lisa wanted from her. She did what Lisa told her, closing her right eye.
"Can you see those tools on the shelves?" Lisa pointed at the direction they were.
Lumine tries to look in the direction where Lisa is pointing, but she can't see the tools. She shook her head.
"I see. What about the plant in front of you?"
She shook her head again.
"You can open your other eye." Lisa gives Lumine another pat on the head. "Thank you, Sweety. Now, take care of yourself. No need to be afraid to ask us for help."
Lumine nodded.
Lisa gives a sad smile. She leaves Lumine alone in the aviary.
Lumine watched as the mage left. She turns to the garden tools, walking to it, and grabs the watering can. She has a bit of experience caring for flowers. Lumine looked around the aviary to find the water hose and search for it.
Lumine was watering the flower in the pot. She wanted to put the flower pot somewhere for it to grow itself. Lumine puts down the watering can on the rail. She decided to walk around the garden some more to find something for the lonely flower.
She sees an arbor leading somewhere away from the garden. Lumine goes through the arbor, following the trance to where it leads. She was amazed to see what was in front of her. There was a large fountain in the garden. It was a little waterfall falling down from the edge of it.
Lumine walked straight to the fountain, placing her hands on her knee as she bent down. She sees little lilies float on water. This was a new plant she hadn't seen before.
She reached her hand down to touch the water. The tip of her fingers felt the cold and clear water. They were free to roam whatever they wanted. Lumine sighed softly. She can't stay in the garden too long. She stood up, left the area, and returned back to the gazebo.
Lumine grabbed the flower pot. She couldn't find where she wanted to put the flower. An idea popped from her, she walked inside the castle.
Lumine arrived at her room. She looked around to find a spot for the flower. She smiled as she found a spot for it. Lumine walked towards the spot and placed down the flower pot. The flower pot on the table next to the mirror.
Lumine touched the flower once again. She doesn't know what to call this flower. She could have asked Lisa.
"Don't worry. I'll find a name for you. Like how he got my name. Maybe I can find some friends for you. So, you won't be lonely." She nodded.
Lumine didn't know what to do next. She went out of her room as she closed it from behind.
The flower petals started to spin when the wind blew into her room. It was a happy flower. It would be tied with Lumine to see the rest of her future.
Lumine wanted to know more about the structure of the castle. Maybe she could ask Albedo or Noelle. She doesn't want to get lost… how many times she got lost again?
"Hello there!" A voice shouted across the hall.
The blond haired starlight turned around to the source of the voice as she flinched. The long dark brown haired captain walked up to her as she smiled.
"Welcome to the Kingdom of Mondstadt! You must be new here. Oh, sorry. I should introduce myself." Amber saluted. "I'm Amber, Captain of the Flight Squad! What's your name?" Amber knows her name, but she wants her to introduce herself.
"Lu-Lumine." Lumine said softly.
"Nice to meet you, Lumine." Amber noticed that Lumine looks innocent. She doesn't look like the type to cause any harm. She has been a slave for long time. Amber wanted Lumine to have a good time in Mondstadt. "I can show you around." Amber grabbed Lumine's hand.
Lumine was surprised. She never met someone as outgoing as Amber. She was still cautious. She doesn't know if everyone in the castle is trustworthy like Albedo and Noelle.
Amber showed Lumine around the castle. Lumine was amused to see so many rooms in one castle. There was too much to remember for her brain to process. All of the rooms she was shown in were like scenery. She imagines herself as a princess, but that will never happen. She doesn't know a thing about royalty.
Lumine doesn't know how long she is going to stay. She doesn't have anywhere to go. She doesn't know how to survive by herself. Her heart was stinging like something was a needle poking it.
They arrived at the last destination. Lumine sees an open field where some people are swinging weapons, riding horses, flying horses with wings, and helping each other. She was amused to see horses and flying horses. She didn't know horses could fly. Everyone was having a good time with each other.
"This is the training ground where all of the soldiers train to protect the people of Mondstadt and the kingdom. We do everything we can to bring peace here." Amber explained as she turned to Lumine.
Lumine stared at the horses that were flying above them. The beauty of the horses flying freely. The manes belowing from the speed of the wind. The wings spread out like birds going anywhere they feel like.
"Those are pegasus. They are creatures in Mondstadt. Of course, there are other creatures that exist. Some you don't want to meet. It's best to stay away from them." Amber warned Lumine as she kept a smile.
"Oh, Amber. You're here."
They turned to the source of the voice.
"Jean!" Amber said. "This is Jean. She's the General here. Alongside Diluc."
Lumine tilted her head sideway.
"Nice to meet you, Lumine. I heard a lot of things about you. I'm sure you remembered me when I was escorting you and his highness in the city." Jean smiled as she put her hand on her chest.
Lumine nodded as she remembered. "N-Nice to meet you."
"I must apologize for what I did. I hope it didn't bring you any bad memories." Jean still feels guilty for what she did.
Lumine shook her head as a response.
Amber chuckled. "I guess she is saying that it is not your fault."
Jean sighed in relief. "That's good. So, what do you think about the castle?"
Lumine nodded.
"You know you can speak. No one isn't going to stop you. You are free to speak from your own will." Amber grabbed Lumine's hand, placed her hands on hers. "Everyone here welcome you here. Don't have to be alone anymore."
Lumine glared at Amber. Her words showed no lies. Lumine wanted to talk to someone like Noelle. She wanted to make new friends. Everyone she met gave her a warm welcome, even the townspeople.
Her eyes were getting watery, tears were coming down from her cheeks. Amber and Jean smiled as they watched Lumine tear up.
Lumine doesn't need to hide behind a mask. She is free to do whatever she wants. No one isn't treating her like slave. They treat her like a human being. She can leave her slave life and move on.
Albedo finished his last paperwork as he placed it in the pile. He leans back on his chair, runs his hand through his hair and sighs lightly. He didn't notice it was already dawn. He was curious how Lumine was doing.
He stood up from his chair, walked toward the door, and left his office as he closed it behind.
Lumine was walking back to her room in the hall. The two maids from this morning look at each other and nod. They were planning something against Lumine.
Albedo walks in the halls hoping he runs into Lumine. He sees her in front of him. He smiles when he sees her. He wanted to tell how her day went today.
The sound of glass broken echoed loudly where Lumine was nearby. She walked towards the sound, saw a broken vase scatter on the floor, and a maid looking at her apron with frustration. The maid had her apron wet. Lumine glared at her hoping she was okay.
"Look what you have done?!" The maid shouted at Lumine.
Lumine flinched when the maid shouted. She didn't know what happened. "What do you mean?"
Albedo went to the source of the sound as he watched from the side hiding. He knows that Lumine isn't strong enough to defend herself.
"You made my apron all wet!"
"You made this mess."
"Hurry up and clean it up! His highness will be upset at you for making his mess!"
"Someone like you needs to be punished."
Lumine was getting memories from the past. She started to freak out when the maids were shouting at her. They were still shouting at her. She couldn't hear what they were saying to her.
The prince couldn't let this go any longer. He comes out of his hiding spot and walks towards the accident. He doesn't want to see Lumine suffer.
"Prince Albedo should kick you out of Mondstadt. Someone like you doesn't belong here."
"What is going on?" Albedo was already upset. He didn't like how the maid treated Lumine like a slave.
The two maids smirked when Albedo arrived.
"We were helping her cle-" The maid's sentences were cut off.
"I already saw everything that happened." Albedo narrowed his eyes at the maids. He walked in front of the maids. "You two leave the palace. You're not no longer welcome here."
The two maids were shocked by Albedo's decision.
"Wh-What do you mean, your highness?"
The prince gives the maids the cold glare. His glare gives them the chill down their spine. They didn't like what was going to happen next.
"You were the one from yesterday in the dining room," the maid nodded. "You were planning to get rid of Lumine. Is there a reason why?"
"She's a nobody!"
"Get out! The both of you are expelled from entering Mondstadt. Never step foot on this kingdom again. If you do, it won't be pretty next time." Albedo gives them a final warning.
The two maids were shaking in their boots. They quickly leave Albedo and Lumine alone. Albedo turned to Lumine as he grabbed both of her shoulders.
"Lumine, calm down." Albedo tried to soothe her down with his gentle voice.
Lumine couldn't hear him as she continued to have PTSD. She needed someone to help her to calm down. There was no one here. She doesn't know Albedo is here.
Albedo noticed that she couldn't hear him. He doesn't know if he should do this, but he needs to calm her down. He wrapped his arms around Lumine's waist.
"It's alright. You don't need to worry. I'm here." Albedo whispered into her ears to ease her.
Lumine heard Albedo's voice and calmed down. She stopped shaking and took everything that Albedo was doing. She never before hugged someone. The warmth from Albedo's body was making her comfortable. Her body responded as she hugged back.
They stayed like this for a while until Albedo released the hug. He smiled as he saw Lumine back to normal.
"How do you feel?" He asked.
"Better. Thank you, Albedo." Lumine replied as she released the hug.
The prince was surprised to hear someone to call just by his name. He was alway called by prince, your highness, my lord, and your majesty. Of course, Lumine doesn't know anything about royalty.
They separated from each other. Noelle arrives at the scene.
"What happened?" She asked.
Albedo turned to the head maid. "For now, clean the mess. I'll take care of Lumine. And make sure those two maids leave Mondstadt."
Noelle bowed. "Of course."
Albedo was curious if Lumine wanted to see something special. It shouldn't bother her. Maybe it would make her smile or hear her laugh would be nice.
"Do you want to come with me?" He asked.
Lumine doesn't know where Albedo is taking her. She didn't think what he meant as she nodded.
The prince led the way as he walked past her. "Follow me."
Lumine trailed behind him. She was curious what he was going to take her. Noting, Albedo has been treated like a normal human being. Maybe someday, she could treat something for him.
They walked through the woods from the castle. Lumine stares at the scene of the woods. It looks peaceful in the day, but at night it's eerie and scary. Their footsteps crumbled on the trail they were following. There was light from the other side of the wood.
Lumine shut her eyes when they ended the woods. She opened her eyes slowly. She gasped as she widened her eyes.
It was a field of white flowers. They were not the same from the garden. These white flowers are different. The wind below made their hair and clothing flow where it was blowing.
Lumine walked in the field of flowers to the cliff. She looked at the sun setting from the cliff. It was a beautiful sight to see with the flowers.
Albedo watched Lumine as she was experiencing the scenery. He's happy to see Lumine enjoying herself. He trailed behind Lumine, making sure she didn't hurt herself.
"I come here to ease myself. The scene makes me feel at peace. I never show this place to anyone, but bringing you here will make it more peaceful." Albedo said.
Lumine turned to Albedo, smiling. "Thank you. I always wanted this freedom for a long time. The scene here is beautiful."
Now, it was Albedo's turn to gasp as his eyes widened. The sunlight was reflecting Lumine like a bright starlight illuminating her skin. Her smile and appearance made her glow like an angel ascending down.
Most of the aristocrats' daughters he meets are needy and grab attention. He doesn't like those kinds of people. He wants someone that can comfort, understand, and warmth him. Lumine is different from them. Her smile, presence and appearance give him a warm feeling inside.
Although, Albedo doesn't want to rush. Lumine doesn't know what everything is. Maybe, he can teach her when he is not busy.
Lumine bends down to touch the flower. "These flowers are beautiful. To think there are this many of them."
"Those are Cecilia. They make me feel at peace, but bringing you makes it more peaceful." Albedo said.
Lumine remembered when Albedo hugged her. He smelled like cecilia. It gives her a heartwarming feeling. Something she will never forget.
Albedo looked up above them. Night was arriving. It was time to go back home. He didn't want to leave. He felt different when Lumine was here.
Lumine started to shiver. The cold starts to kick in. She didn't have anything to cover herself.
Albedo took off his cape, walked up to Lumine and placed it on her shoulders. Lumine grabbed the cape and wrapped it around her. She can smell cecilia from his cape.
"Should we go back to the palace? It's getting chilly out. We don't want you to get sick." Albedo slightly teased.
Lumine nodded as she gave a soft smile. She didn't catch Albedo teasing her. She went with it like a normal conversation. "Yes."
I dont know if I rushed a bit on Lumine to speak.
A bit of cup of tea here. :D
Enjoy!