Chapter Text
Lukas had hoped for a change, but he never expected anything quite like this.
It started out just like any other day. Winter was approaching, so Lukas was sent out to collect firewood in the forest nearby. After a while, he set the wood down and laid down on the grassy terrain. It was a beautiful day in Norway, yet Lukas couldn’t help but feel gloomy. He closed his eyes and felt the cold wind sweep across his face.
Hello, mother. It’s me again. I had that dream again last night, the one where you and I are playing hide and seek. I keep thinking you’ll come out of your hiding spot any day now, and things will return to normal. I still can’t believe you’re really gone.
Lukas opened his eyes and felt a tear fall from his eyes. No, I must stay strong for Emil, he thought. He continued to lay down for the next couple of hours, contemplating his thoughts as he watched the sun dip back into the horizon. In the distance, he heard the sound of horses trotting, followed by some voices. Lukas wondered where they were going, for the only thing past the forest was the orphanage where he lived. His curiosity started to peek, so after a while Lukas got up, dusted himself off, and gathered the firewood in his arms before making the journey back home.
When Lukas arrived at the orphanage, he was surprised to find a horse-drawn carriage waiting out in front. Whoever had come to visit was obviously a person of wealth. This further drew the boy’s interest, so he hurried inside. No sooner had he entered was he ambushed by Mrs. Anfinson, the headmaster of the orphanage.
“Lukas, put that firewood down and come quickly!” she exclaimed, “There are two very important men I’d like you to meet.”
Lukas was led to the adjoining room, where he was introduced to the two men dressed in elaborate fur coats. They were apparently two well-known noblemen, although Lukas had never heard of them before.
“Gentlemen, this is the dashing young man I’ve been telling you all about,” boasted Mrs. Anfinson, “Lukas, don’t be shy. Introduce yourself.”
Lukas gulped nervously. What did these men want? Finally, he spoke up.
“H-hallo, my name is Lukas Bondevik”, Lukas stuttered.
One of the men walked closer to where Lukas was timidly standing. “Oh my,” he started, “you’re even more beautiful in person.”
Lukas winced. That was always the first thing everybody said when they first met him. He had heard it so many times that the word “beautiful” had lost all meaning to him. Still, he plastered a smile and thanked the man. The man kneeled down so that he was at Lukas’s level. Suddenly, his expression softened.
“Mrs. Anfinson over here told me what happened to your mother,” he explained as he took Lukas’s hand in his own, “I’m so sorry for your loss. And at only twenty-threea, what a tragedy!”
Lukas maintained a blank countenance, but inside his mind was blazing. Why was this man pitying him? Besides, no one knew his mother like he did, so they’d never understand his pain. Not even his little brother, because he was only a baby when their mother died; he was too young to possibly remember her. Lukas felt like screaming, but instead he quietly thanked the man again.
“Ah, but I have some good news for you!” the man stated, as he got back on his feet, “How would you, Lukas Bondevik, like to live in the palace and become a part of the royal family? It’ll be great, you’ll have your own room and have plenty of food. The king awaits your arrival, all you have to do is say yes.”
Lukas thought about it for a moment. He always thought he’d jump at the first opportunity to leave this dreaded place, but now he wasn’t so sure.
“I…I’m sorry. I can’t leave my brother,” Lukas finally replied.
The man crossed his arms and started stroking his finely groomed beard. Hmm… he thought. He walked over to the other man, who hadn’t said a word since Lukas arrived, and started whispering to him. Lukas could only make out a few words.
“…but sir, the king is only expecting one boy,” he heard the other man say.
After a couple of minutes, the man walked over to Lukas and put his arm around the boy’s shoulder.
“Good news, my boy! You can bring your brother along if you wish,” the man explained.
Lukas still wasn’t so sure. Was he ready to leave this life behind?
“I’m still undecided. M-May I think about it?” Lukas asked.
“You may, but think quickly. We leave in a couple hours, with or without you.” replied the man. With that, he turned and signaled the other man to go with him to wait in the carriage.
Lukas went upstairs and sat down on his cot, thinking about the opportunity he had just been given. Live with the king? That was something that never happened. Still, he thought, the king probably only wanted him because of his raw beauty. He looked down at his brother, who was sleeping in the cot next to his. He smiled and went over to his brother’s cot, softly humming as he pushed the sleeping boy’s silvery bangs away from his face. It was a stark contrast compared to his own light blonde hair.
Still undecided, Lukas took a look around the cottage. To be honest, the place was falling apart and there was always a food shortage. Mrs. Anfinson did her best to take care of her boys at the orphanage, but there was only so much one person could do. Was he being a burden to her? Lukas sighed. There was another thing bothering him: he couldn’t remember the last time he was actually happy. Maybe it was time for a change. He had been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so why not take it? It was decided. He’d leave his old life behind and begin his new life in the palace. But first he had to tell his brother.
“Emil,” Lukas begged, “Emil, wake up! There’s something I must tell you!”
“Hmm?” Emil groaned, “What is it, big brother?” Emil sleepily rubbed his eyes before sitting up in his cot.
Lukas took Emil’s hands in his. “Pack your bags. We’re going to our new home.”