Chapter 8: Departure

King's Landing / Stables / Morning

The first light of dawn crept over the rooftops of King's Landing, casting a pale glow on the cobbled streets. In the stables near the city gates, Lucan moved with quiet efficiency, saddling Buck for yet another journey. His hands worked mechanically, adjusting the straps, tightening the reins, though his mind was elsewhere—still lingering in the shadows of the previous days, and on a certain young woman with dark hair and a heart full of conflicting emotions.

Buck huffed softly, nudging Lucan as if sensing his rider's distraction. Lucan patted the horse's neck, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "All right, boy. Let's get out of here before we overstay our welcome."

The sounds of the waking city were distant, a murmur of life beginning to stir in the streets beyond. Lucan swung his saddlebag over Buck's back and cinched it tight, the routine familiar, almost comforting. But there was something different about this departure—something that made the city feel heavier than it should.

As he mounted his horse, the familiar creak of leather under him, Lucan heard the soft patter of footsteps approaching. He turned his head to see a young royal servant, dressed in the king's colors, hurrying toward him.

"Ser Lucan Farrow?" the servant called out, slightly out of breath.

Lucan straightened in his saddle, eyeing the boy warily. "That's me. What is it?"

The servant stopped before Buck, bowing his head quickly before producing a small, neatly folded letter. "A message, ser. From Lady Alys Bywater. She asked that it be delivered to you before you left."

Lucan's heart skipped a beat at the mention of her name. He hesitated for only a moment before reaching down to take the letter from the boy's hand. The servant lingered for a moment, as if waiting for further instruction, but Lucan merely nodded in thanks. With a quick bow, the servant turned and hurried back toward the city.

Lucan stared at the letter for a long moment, his thumb brushing over the wax seal, a subtle tremor in his hand. He hadn't expected to hear from her again—not so soon, if ever. Alys had been swept back into the royal world, into the arms of her betrothed. She was beyond his reach now. But still, here in his hand, was a piece of her—a final connection to what they'd shared.

With a deep breath, Lucan carefully broke the seal and unfolded the letter. Her handwriting was delicate but strong, like her. As his eyes scanned the words, a soft smile curved his lips.

"Ser Lucan,"
"I cannot begin to thank you enough for your bravery and kindness. Without you, I may never have made it back to King's Landing, and for that, I will always be grateful. You were my shield in a time of need, and I will never forget the courage you showed in the face of danger."

"Though our paths may now diverge, know that you have earned the respect of both a lady and a queen-to-be. Wherever your journey takes you next, I hope you find peace and purpose. You deserve more than the road offers, though I suspect it is where you feel most at home."

"Be safe, Lucan. I wish you nothing but the best in the days to come."

"With gratitude, Alys Bywater."

Lucan's smile softened as he folded the letter carefully and tucked it into the inner pocket of his cloak. The ache in his chest returned, but it wasn't the same sharp pain he'd felt before. This time, it was tempered with something warmer—an acknowledgment of what had passed between them, and an understanding that their lives were destined for different roads.

He looked down at Buck, giving the horse's mane a gentle tug. "Well, old friend. I guess we can go now."

With a final glance toward the city behind him, Lucan spurred Buck forward. The gates of King's Landing loomed ahead, the open road beyond beckoning him like an old, familiar companion. He wasn't sure where he would go next, but for the first time in a while, he didn't feel quite so lost.

As Buck's hooves clattered against the stone, Lucan allowed himself one last thought of Alys—her smile, her courage, and the kiss they'd shared under the stars. It was a memory he would carry with him, a fleeting glimpse of something more. But for now, he had the road. And that, as always, would be enough.

The gates opened before him, and with the sun rising at his back, Lucan Farrow rode out into the world once more, a letter tucked close to his heart and the unknown stretching out ahead.

[End]