Lucien looked away. "It’s quieter than school," he muttered, eyes on the floor.
Alina smiled and walked over to the rug, sitting down cross-legged.
"You don’t have to act so grown up all the ti, you know," she said. "I think it’s okay to be a little boy sotis, too."
Lucien didn’t answer right away.
Then he slowly walked over and sat beside her — teddy bear still in his lap.
Alina sat quietly beside Lucien, watching him as he clutched his teddy bear, his tiny fingers brushing along the soft fur.
A thought tugged at her heart, gentle but curious.
She glanced at him.
"Lucien..." she asked softly, "where’s your mom?"
The mont the words left her mouth, she regretted it.
Lucien’s shoulders stiffened.
He looked down, his voice low and quiet. "I don’t have one," he muttered, still not eting her eyes.
Alina’s heart twisted.
"Oh... oh my god. I’m so sorry, sweetheart," she whispered, quickly scooting closer.
She gathered him into her arms without thinking, wrapping him in a gentle hug. His small body was warm, and the way he leaned into her told her more than any words could.
"I didn’t an to upset you," she said softly, rocking him just a little like she would with a scared child. "Will you forgive Teacher?"
Lucien was quiet for a second, his chin resting lightly against her shoulder.
Then, in a very serious voice, he replied, "Yes. But only if you play with ."
Alina pulled back to look at him, her eyes soft with amusent.
"Of course. Anything you want," she smiled.
Lucien sat up straighter, holding out his teddy with both hands. "Then... you have to play with them."
He pointed at the bear he was holding.
"This one’s na is Knight," he said very seriously. "He protects the castle."
Then he pointed toward the teddy lying on the bed.
"And that one is Raven. He keeps secrets and knows every corner of the house."
Alina chuckled, utterly chard. "Knight and Raven? That’s impressive. You really gave them roles."
Lucien gave her a small nod, lips pressed together in the most businesslike way. "They’re very loyal. You have to treat them with respect."
"Of course," Alina said with a dramatic nod. "I’ll be on my best behavior."
He stood up then, dusting his pajama sleeves like a little gentleman. "Co on," he said, walking toward the bed, "we’ll play there. It’s easier to plan missions from higher ground."
Alina followed him onto the bed, trying not to laugh at how serious he sounded.
She took a seat near the pillows as Lucien handed her Raven, carefully adjusting Knight’s little scarf before placing him in her lap.
He climbed beside her, eyes focused. "Okay, Teacher. Today we’re going on a secret mission. Knight is guarding the left side of the castle. Raven has a ssage from the east tower."
Alina leaned in, playing along. "What’s the ssage?"
Lucien frowned thoughtfully. "It’s a warning... the vegetables are missing from the royal kitchen."
Alina gasped. "This is serious."
Lucien nodded firmly. "We have to find the thief."
As they sat on the bed, surrounded by soft pillows and teddy bears, Alina couldn’t stop smiling.
For soone who rarely spoke, Lucien had such an imagination.
And the fact that he wanted to share it with her...
That ant everything.
𓆩❤︎𓆪
"Yaaawn..."
Lucien let out a tiny yawn, mouth open wide as his eyelids fluttered tiredly. His small arms stretched over his head, teddy bear still tucked under one elbow. His little body wobbled slightly as he sat up, clearly fighting the weight of his sleepiness.
Alina smiled, watching him with soft eyes.
"Sweetheart," she said gently, "are you sleepy? You can take a short nap if you want."
Lucien blinked at her stubbornly and shook his head, rubbing one eye with the back of his hand.
"No, Teacher," he mumbled. "I want to wait for Dad."
He reached up and touched the little curved horn on his head — a nervous habit he seed to do when his emotions were tugging at him.
"But you’re so sleepy," Alina said, leaning a little closer. Her voice was soothing. "You know, I can wake you up when your dad cos. Just rest a little. I’ll be right here."
Lucien hesitated, lips pressed together. He was tempted — that much was clear. His eyes blinked slower now, his body relaxing just a little.
But after a pause, he shook his head again, more firmly this ti.
"No... if I sleep, I might miss him," he whispered. "He’s always busy. Sotis he cos ho and leaves again before I even know."
Alina’s heart ached quietly. She could see the longing in his eyes — that soft ache children never know how to hide.
"I understand," she said warmly, stroking his soft hair. "So... what do you want to do until then?"
Lucien looked up at her, then suddenly grabbed her hand.
"Let’s go to the playroom!" he said, his voice suddenly brighter. Without waiting, he tugged her toward a small arched door in the corner of the bedroom.
When Alina stepped through, her eyes widened in surprise.
The room was big — much bigger than she expected for a child. The walls were painted deep blue with stars drawn across the ceiling. The lighting was dim, like a cozy evening sky. A large slide curved along one wall, a swing set hung from sturdy silver beams, and soft mats covered the floor. Toys were scattered everywhere — plush animals, wooden blocks, tiny swords and shields, and one very detailed model castle in the corner.
And near the far wall, a small black piano sat neatly.
Lucien walked straight to it.
"I want to play piano," he said seriously, his little feet padding across the floor as he climbed up onto the tiny cushioned stool in front of it.
Alina followed and spotted a spare chair nearby. She pulled it closer, sat beside him, and smiled. "I’d love to hear it."
Lucien adjusted his posture, sitting upright like a little prince. He placed his small hands on the keys, fingers delicate but careful.
"I will play for you, Teacher," he said with such sincerity, it made her chest tighten.
Alina folded her hands in her lap and smiled. "Then I’ll be your audience."
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