A NEW DAY

As the dawn broke over the 

kingdom, a sense of anticipation permeated the air. The inhabitants went about their routines, blissfully unaware of the events that were about to unfold. In his modest home, Lucian stirred, a determined glint in his eyes as he prepared for the day ahead. 

The home was hushed, save for the occasional crowning of a nearby rooster and the faint sound of horses' hooves on the cobblestones outside. The cozy chamber was filled with the 

musty scent of old books and the faint crackle of the hearth's embers. Lucian sat up in bed, his eyes falling on the spinning wheel in the corner, a symbol of the humble craft that kept the household afloat.

 A cool draft caressed Lucian skin as he rose, his bare feet meeting the rough, wooden floorboards. The meager furnishings spoke of a simple, yet dignified life: a hand-stitched quilt draped over a simple bed, a wrought iron candelabra standing sentry on the bedside table, and the rustic ladder-back chair by the window, offering a view of the bustling streets below.

 Lucian stood, stretching his lean, muscular frame as he crossed the chamber to fetch a broom from the corner. His shoulder-length, chestnut-colored locks cascaded around his face, framing his amber-hued eyes and sun-kissed skin. 

Lucian swept the floor of the chamber with strong, powerful strokes, moving quickly and efficiently. Then, he carried a pail of water to the hearth, and scrubbed it clean with a firm hand. Next, he polished the weapons in the corner, making sure each blade was sharp and gleaming. Finally, he took the empty pail to the well outside, carrying it back with ease.

 As Lucian worked, the door creaked open, and a young woman entered the chamber, a broom in her hand. 

"Oh!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise. "I didn't know anyone was here. I'm sorry to interrupt your work.

" She curtsied politely, her cheeks pink with embarrassment.

Lucian smiled at her. "Not to worry, my dear," he said. "I'm happy to have the company. What brings you here?"

Okay, here we go! The maid hesitated for a moment, then spoke, her voice quiet and respectful.

 "I came to sweep the floor and dust the shelves, sir," she said. "But I see that you've already done so. Do you need any other assistance?"

 She looked at Lucian, her eyes hopeful.

Lucian considered for a moment, then replied. "Actually, there is one thing you could help me with," he said. "Can you show me where my father's shield is?

 "No, not the shield," Lucian said, shaking his head.

 "I'm looking for something else. My father's bow - he asked me to clean it up. I know he keeps it in the castle somewhere, but I'm not sure where." 

He frowned, brow furrowed in concentration. "Do you know where it might be?"

The maid smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. "I think I know just where it is," she said. "Would you like me to take you there?"

Lucian nodded gratefully. "That would be most helpful, thank you." 

He followed the maid through the corridors of the castle, the stone floors cool beneath his feet. As they turned a corner, the maid pointed down a narrow hallway. 

"It's down there, sir," she said. "The armory is at the end of the hall."

Lucian thanked the maid and hurried down the hall, eager to find the bow. When he reached the end of the hallway, he couldn't see it there.

Lucian searched the room, peering under tables and between shelves, but he couldn't find the bow anywhere. The maid appeared in the doorway, a look of concern on her face. 

"Are you having trouble finding it?" she asked. Lucian nodded, frustration building in his chest.

 "I can't seem to find it anywhere," he said. "I must be looking in the wrong place."

The maid bit her lip, deep in thought. Then, her eyes lit up, and she smiled. "I have an idea!" she said. "Come with me"

Let check the other shelves outside.

"That's fine," Lucian said, his frustration evaporating. "I can always look for it later. Right now, I'm going to meet my friend Finn. She's has  been helping me with my archery skills." 

He gave the maid a grateful smile. "Thank you for your help."

The maid beamed at him. "You're very welcome, sir," she said. 

Lucian mulled over the king's favor towards him and his father, his brow furrowed. He was grateful for the privileged position they held, but he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to it than just the king's admiration for his father. He thought to himself: 'I'm not a prince, but sometimes living in the palace makes me feel like one. It's strange, really. 

'I mean, it's not like I'm royalty or anything. I don't have any special powers or skills, except maybe for my wicked aim with a bow and arrow. But still, there's something about living in this palace that makes me feel like I belong here. It's almost as if I have a destiny, a purpose that's just waiting to be uncovered.' Lucian shook his head, banishing those thoughts. "I'm just being silly."   

As he snapped out of his reverie, Lucian spotted the maid sweeping the shelves, and he had an idea. "Hey, Josie,"  he called out, "I've got a task for you. I want you to gather some of those gorgeous rose-red hibiscus blooms for my dad. He loves their vibrant color, and I think they'll brighten up his day. It'll be a nice surprise for him."

Lucian stepped out of the castle, the sun warm on his face. He walked through the streets of the village, weaving through the crowds of people. He passed the blacksmith's shop, the smell of hot metal filling the air, and the baker's shop, the scent of fresh bread making his stomach rumble.

His gaze lands on a colorful array of spices, each jar bursting with exotic aromas that transport him to far-off lands. He smiles at the banter between a haggling customer and a crafty shopkeeper, amused by the lively exchange. 

Finally, he reached the inn, where his friend Finn worked.

He pushed open the door, a bell jingling overhead, and stepped inside. The room was filled with the smell of roasted meats and the sounds of laughter and conversation.

His friend is a vision of radiance, with ebony curls cascading down her shoulders and sparkling eyes that seem to hold the secrets of the universe.

Her laughter is infectious, and her smile could light up even the darkest of rooms. She's dressed in flowing garments that seem to dance in the wind, giving her an air of ethereal beauty. 

As Lucian crosses the threshold, he's enveloped in the comforting warmth of Finn's home. Finn's parents welcome him with wide smiles and open arms.

The house is alive with the sounds and smells of a happy home - the clinking of dishes, the chatter of conversation, the fragrant scent of spices wafting from the kitchen.  Lucian takes a moment to soak in the ambiance before he's ushered into the kitchen, where Finn's parents are busy preparing a sumptuous spread of food. 

The kitchen is like a little slice of culinary heaven. There's a big, rustic farmhouse table, laden with all sorts of delicious treats: homemade bread, hearty stews, and fresh fruits and veggies. Finn's parents bustle around, tending to the food and chatting away. The whole scene feels warm and inviting, like stepping into a hug