Author's note:
This is based on an adult game so there will definitely be lots of lemons. Compared to the game I plan to take many liberties when it comes to the story and characters, but I'll still do my best to stay true to the overall lore and feel of the game.
The first rays of the morning sun flooded Caspian's small room with light, but he was stubbornly refusing to open his eyes just yet. He hadn't slept well last night; in fact, he hadn't slept at all. How could he? The Terminus Ceremony, one of the most important - if not the most important day of his life, snuck up on him faster than he anticipated. All those years of studies, sacrifices, and sleepless nights spent hunched over textbooks would either come to fruition or prove to have been a colossal waste of time.
The old wooden planks creaked, and he heard muffled voices from behind the door that led to the kitchen. It looked like he was the last one to get out of bed. With a heavy sigh, he wiped his eyes and tentatively got out from below the thick duvet. With most of his room occupied by the bed, he only had to take two steps to reach the wardrobe. He was just finishing putting on his shirt when he heard a soft knock on the door.
"Get up, sleepy head; it's your big day today. Breakfast is already on the table," Regina said from the other side, her voice cheerful as always.
"Already up, Regina. Just give me a minute," Caspian replied, suppressing a yawn.
Fully clothed, he was above to leave when he noticed the small pouch tucked away in the corner of the dresser. With some hesitation, he reached for it. He tossed it up and down several times, enjoying the satisfying jingling of the coins within. It wasn't much, but it was all he'd managed to save up from what his father sent to him and a few odd jobs he did in the city. If he took it with him today, he was sure the pouch would be empty by tomorrow morning. He would definitely have a reason to celebrate today... or drown his sorrow.
Caspian shrugged, and the pouch ended up in his pocket. Finally ready, he opened the door and was welcomed by the pleasant smell of freshly made omelet and smiles from the two most important women in his life.
"There he is, man of the day! Didn't get much sleep tonight I presume? You look like crap."
"Nice to see you too, Erika. It's been some time," Caspian smiled as the redhead pulled him into a tight hug. "But judging by the attire, I guess you're not here to stay?"
Erika shot him a sad smile and shook her head, making the pointy hat on her head bobble side to side. Her black robe was lined with pockets of all sorts, and around her belt hung a short sword. The inquisitor's robe copied the contours of her slim body but hardly seemed to provide much in the way of protection.
"Came here straight from the palace. Technically, I shouldn't even be here. Still, I wanted to see you and wish you luck," Erika said and gave his elbow a soft, encouraging squeeze, earning herself another smile from Caspian.
Caspian felt another soft hand gently laid on his back. When he turned, he found himself staring into Regina's green eyes.
"Do I also get a hug? After all, I was the one who prepared the breakfast, " she winked at Caspian and, without waiting for his answer, pulled him into one of her trademark bear hugs. Even after all those years of knowing her, Caspian still found the feeling of her soft breasts tightly pressed against his chest pleasant in a very awkward way.
When he was finally released, the trio sat down behind the table, and Caspian slowly started force-feeding himself the omelet. While his two companions helped alleviate some of his nervousness, his stomach was still tied into a knot.
"So what are you working on now, Erika? Hunting down bandits, dark mages, Demorai, or something else entirely?"
"You know I can't talk about it."
"Not even a hint?"
"Sorry, Cas. Trust me, it's better that way anyway."
"I, for one, don't want to hear about that grim business. More than enough death out there. People are getting hung in the square every other week," Regina pitched in. Then, in a hushed whisper, she added, "I wonder how many really deserve it."
Erika took a deep breath. "You know the rules as well as I do, Regina. It doesn't make me happy either."
"You still help them do it, though," the older woman replied, bitterness evident in her tone.
Caspian shook his head as the two women glared at each other and tried to swallow another spoonful of the omelet. He knew that Regina still loved Erika as she would her own daughter, but ever since she was recruited into The Inquisition, things have not been the same between them. It's not like it was Erika's fault, either. It was the Terminus Ceremony that decided one's path. At least in Novaras,
"Let's change the topic, please," Caspian interjected when he saw Erika about to snap back something at Regina. Fortunately, he seemed to have more sway over the two women today as they both calmed almost immediately.
"You're right. No point arguing today. What's going on with Markus? Is he still planning to get to the palace just to seduce everything that moves?" The question made Caspian laugh.
"You know it! Although I doubt he'll be doing much seducing today. When I was leaving the Iron Unicorn yesterday, he wasn't looking too good."
"You abandoned your friend just like that? Shame on you, Cas," Erika exclaimed, feigning shock.
"I wanted to have a clear head today - he didn't. Although, I guess he at least managed to get more sleep tonight than I did. Depending on when he got home, that is."
"So Markus will be the court's womanizer. Responsible for satisfying the needs of all court ladies. And what's your plan once you make it to the palace Cas? Assuming that is what you still want?"
Caspian shrugged and swallowed another spoonful of breakfast. "Still want to get there. No grand plans for what to do next, though. Suppose I just don't want to worry about being robbed in the streets, going hungry, or killed somewhere for having a few coins in my pocket. Palace job is my golden ticket to a peaceful life."
"Sounds to me like you just want to get away from the real world and live in a fairytale," Erika remarked dryly, clearly not thrilled with his answer. Her bright blue eyes were piercing through him as she added: "All those problems won't go away; you'll just get a little further away from them."
"Maybe, but it's still better than nothing," Caspian replied somewhat defensively. He wasn't surprised that Erika didn't like the way he thought. She was always the kind of person who tackled all problems head-on, whereas Caspian liked to think he was more of a pragmatic. No point trying to fix the world that can't be fixed. For him, it was enough to find a cozy corner of it and hang on to it as long as he could.
"It's a bit too late to try and change his mind now, Erika. In the end, it's up to Caspian." Hearing her take his side, Caspian smiled at Erika, earning himself a sly wink from her.
"I know. I just think he can be more than another of the king's cronies. Even if he doesn't see it."
Caspian rolled his eyes at her, but he couldn't be mad. In a way, she was complimenting him. Erika was like a sister to him. He knew she meant well.
The conversation then shifted, and they talked about less serious topics. It reminded Caspian of the good old times when they got to spend every morning together like this... before Erika's Terminus. It made him realize that if he gets what he wants, he will move to the palace, and then it will truly be over for the three of them. How often would he get to see Erika and Regina after that? He proffered not to think about it and just enjoy the moment.
After about an hour, Erika gave Caspian and Regina a sad smile and got up from the table.
"I wish I could stay longer, but you know how it is…" Turning to Caspian, she gave him an encouraging smile. "Best of luck today, and no matter how it goes, don't get hammered with Markus! And who knows, maybe this whole 'palace thing' won't work out, and you'll end up in my unit. That would be an interesting twist of fate!"
Caspian shot her a bemused look. "I'd have to have at least a shred of magic in me for that to happen."
"Never say never," with a mischievous smirk, Erika showed him her tongue. She quickly hugged Cas and Regina once more before slipping out of the house.
Caspian made his way through the narrow, crooked streets of Novaras, careful to avoid the puddles of mud where the stone-paved road had broken down. Regina's house was in one of the better parts of the city, but in Novaras, being in a better part of the city only meant that you couldn't smell the sewage everywhere you moved. Many of the houses looked neglected and dirty – just like their occupants. Few people in the streets smiled nowadays. The overall look of poverty wasn't helped by beggars in rags behind every other corner. Most of them were Ramonians with nowhere else to go and not much to do in a city that never wanted them anyway. Caspian felt sorry for them, but he'd gotten so used to their presence that he hardly registered them as they outstretched their hands toward him.
Markus' house was squeezed between two larger buildings and appeared in a moderately better shape than the rest of the buildings on this street. While work in mines was notoriously difficult and dangerous, at least it was relatively well paid. It was partially thanks to the money his brother earned there that Markus even had a chance to make it to the palace.
Caspian slammed his fist against the door three times. When there was no reply, he tried again harder. When there were still no signs of life from the inside, Caspian tried the doorknob, but the door was locked tight.
'No way he's already at the palace!' Caspian thought to himself. Markus was better at handling booze than he was. Still, if he managed to get himself out of bed and ready for the Terminus Ceremony already, Caspian had a newfound respect for his abilities. He tried knocking a few more times but to no avail. Caspian finally gave up and decided to just get going, or else he'd be the one who would be late.
From Markus' house, it didn't take Caspian long to get to the palace. As he drew near the palace, the signs of poverty and decay became less visible. Boarded-up windows and improvised shacks gave way to intricately carved stone facades and fancy storefronts that catered to the city's most affluent. The guards patrolling this part of the city ensured that the few beggars who dared to show their faces here got a few solid kicks for their trouble.
After a few minutes of walking, the narrow streets opened up, leading him to a large, open square. Usually, there would be only a few people milling about. Today, though, was the day of the Terminus Ceremony, and the square was packed full of eager youth and curious onlookers who didn't want to miss their chance to see the palace from the inside.
The palace itself was majestic. It was by far the most impressive building in the city. The only other place that came even close was the University, which was almost as large. When it came to sheer opulence, though, it was still no match for the palace. Its wide, ivory-white towers loomed over the square, and the thick outer walls surrounding the palace grounds made it seem utterly impenetrable.
Caspian squeezed through the crowd, trying to spot his friend before the gates would open and all hell broke loose. Out of the corner of his eye, Caspian spotted a flash of familiar blond hair.
"Hey, Markus!"
The head turned, and sure enough, Caspian found a pair of tired-looking amber eyes staring back at him. Markus gave him a small wave and started making his way over to him. Caspian smirked when he noticed how clumsy and slow his friend seemed. The dark circles under his eyes only added to the picture.
Once the duo finally stood side by side, Caspian put his arm on his friend's shoulder and shot him a cheeky smile. "Tough morning, huh?"
"You've got no idea..." Markus replied in a raspy voice. "It's like someone split my head in half and then took a dump in it."
"I take it you're done with ale for some time now?"
Markus snickered: "You kidding? I am already looking forward to tonight. You won't chicken out on me like you did yesterday, won't you?"
"Nah, I am all in today! We get the palace jobs, get hammered, and then tomorrow, our new lives start!" The statement earned him a toothy smile from his friend.
"That's what I like to hear! Gotta have some fun before we get swamped with work. And speaking of fun… I think your future wife found us," Markus waved at someone behind Caspian, who turned just in time to have a short-haired brunette clumsily stumble into him. With a helping hand from Markus, Caspian managed to steady himself and stop the girl from taking both of them to the ground. His hands instinctively went around her soft waist.
Once the initial surprise wore off, Adara's large blue eyes looked up, and she blushed when she realized how close she was to Caspian. Somewhat awkwardly, Caspian let go of her, and for a second, a tense silence set in.
"Don't mind me just standing here, you two. Take as much time as you need," Markus remarked with an amused tone, breaking the awkward silence. Hearing that, Adara blushed even harder and nervously ran a hand through her hair.
"Nice to see you, Adara," Caspian greeted her with a small smile.
"H-hi Caspian, I am sorry about… that. And hi, Markus," she said the last part almost as an afterthought. Her eyes never left Caspian.
"Hi, hi. I assume you're not here to wish me good luck, Adara. Don't worry, no hard feelings. I'll make myself scarce and give you two lovebirds some space." Upon hearing 'lovebirds,' Adara immediately started to protest, but Markus only laughed and rolled his eyes at her. Before he left, though, Markus pointed at Caspian with a serious expression: "Remember, it's on tonight. Meet me at my place once you're finished here!"
Caspian nodded and watched Markus make his way through the crowd and closer to the palace's gates. It was now just him and Adara, which made him a little uneasy. Even now, she was still looking at him with that dreamy look in her eyes. By any definition of the word, she was beautiful, with smooth pale skin and silky hair cut just above her shoulders and always decorated with a bright blue ribbon. Even a blind man could see that she had it bad for him. Although for the love of him, Caspian could never figure out why.
Caspian noticed that her dress was wrinkled, and some of the lacing in front of her tunic seemed rushed. "Why were you in such a rush, Adara? Don't tell me you overslept again?"
Flustered by the question, Adara finally broke eye contact: "N-no! I did not!"
"U-huh."
Adara lightly punched him. "Stop it! I didn't oversleep!"
"Whatever you say," Caspian teased her with a smile. "Are you planning to join us in Iron Unicorn tonight? A couple of people from our class will also be joining. We were planning to have a little celebration there."
"I know how your and Markus' 'little celebrations' usually end up."
"Is that a no?"
"I didn't say that. I don't like it there too much but if you are going to be there as well... then I'll come. But the moment you get too drunk, I will leave! You hear that? "Adara added, trying her best to sound menacing, but with her high-pitched voice, it was an attempt doomed to fail.
"Glad to hear that," Caspian said. Choosing to not comment on the latter part of the sentence.
"Anyway, I- I wanted to wish you good luck with the sorting. I am also hoping to get an accounting job in the palace. So if it works out, we might be seeing each other some more." By the time Adara finished the sentence, she was blushing again.
"I am sure it'll be fine. You were the best in class in math. If anyone deserves to get that job, it's you."
Adara beamed at him and nervously played with the hem of her tunic. Caspian had the feeling that she was expecting him to say something more. Or maybe she was trying to say something and just couldn't find the words.
A moment passed, but just as Adara seemed ready to say what she wanted, the sound of blown trumpets filled the streets. On the palace's walls, dozens of trumpeters sprung into action, announcing that the gate would soon open. Caspian's gaze turned to the palace as he tried to see if the gate was already starting to move. After a moment, Adara gently tugged at Caspian's sleeve to get his attention.
"I have to go, Cas. My dad is here with me, and I must look after him. We'll see each other tonight, okay? I will come!"
"See you later then, Adara. Best of luck."
"Thank you!"
With a little wave and one final look, Adara slipped back into the impatient crowd, leaving Caspian alone. It wouldn't be long before the gate opened, and the crowd started moving.