Chapter Text
Today was a big day for Lux and the Crownguard family. It was her 18th birthday, Lux was finally old enough to take over the family business. She paced through the halls of their manor, trying to forget about the load of responsibilities she's gonna be faced with. This was never supposed to be her job, not as the second born child. But with Garen gone it was her duty as the only child left.
She stopped pacing when she heard someone call her name. It was probably a staff member her parents sent out to find her. Before the voice could come any closer she dove to the bathroom down the hall, trying to stop her heels from clacking too much against the polished floor. She quickly shut and locked the bathroom door behind her. She heard the staff member walk past and let out a sigh.
She walked over to the sink and dabbed cold water on her neck. This entire thing was overwhelming but she knew eventually she'd have to push through. A couple minutes go by and she finally fixes up her golden blonde hair so the waves looked better and practiced a quick fake smile in the mirror. She tried to convince herself that all was fine in the world and begrudgingly left the bathroom and headed towards the grand hall.
The grand hall was packed with a variety of high end guests. Aristocrats if you will. She studied each of them as they would walk up to her, wave, even wish her a happy birthday. Fake, that's what they all were fake. She knew this by heart because it was practically forced in there by her family. "No rich person is truthful, our family knows that more than anyone" is what he grandpa told her.
Finally she saw her parents, Pieter and Augatha Crownguard, walk over to a stage at the end of the hall. "Attention lady's and gentlemen" her mother said as she clicked a small spoon against a chalice. "We are so happy you could make it to the celebration of my daughter Luxanne's birthday" there was a burst of clapping and cheering all over the room with it echoing throughout the the hall. Lux saw her mother's gesture for her so with a smile she walked up to the stage and stood in between the two. But" her mom said making the room quiet back down "there's more."
"Starting today our beautiful Luz will be taking over not only the family business but also the title of our family's heir". Just like that the room burst back to cheers, Luz stood there trying to hide the anxiety that was eating at her chest. "Sweetheart" her mother added while looking at her "would you like to add a few words."
"Of course" Lux said grabbed the mic. She put on the most optimistic voice she could "I cannot wait to work with everyone here but also the city during our up and coming project. You see our family which is known for our loyalty to the country has decided to help fund several weapon manufacturers" the crowd gets loud "and help build several arsenals to store them" The crowd's cheers fill up the whole room. "That way when the time comes we as a country and as a city are prepared if a threat ever dares to go against us.
Lux could feel the crowds excitement, our people truly did love their military, even if it was to a gross extent. Glamorizing something that gives thousands of people trauma, that's completely normal for a country to do.
She said goodbye to the people and restated how grateful and excited she was for this. She walked off the stage and she felt every anxiety hit her at once. It didn't help that people were crowding trying to meet the new heir. They would say anything to talk to her, compliment her noble attire, ask questions about family history, even just saying just straight up awful things just to get her reaction.
After a lot of squeezing through the crowd she was finally able to escape outside. She did it, it was announced, she was the Crownguard heir. Her heart felt heavy as she thought about it. All the things, the sacrifices, that come with that title.
She walked outside to her family's garden to get some fresh air, to relax. But any peace she was feeling when she heard a rustling in the bushes. She shot her head around trying to find the source. She wasn't stupid enough to make a noise so she just looked around. The only light around the garden at this time was little fireflies everywhere.
She thought she was okay after a minute or two and she didn't hear anything. When all of a sudden she felt a crushing weight against her face. She felt someone grab her body forcing her still. They were a lot bigger than her that's for sure. The weight she had felt was actually just the attacker's hands with a cloth.
She didn't know what was on it but she soon found herself unable to move. Her whole body went limp and the attacker picked her up bridal style. With the last bit of consciousness she had left she was able to hear another person, the voice was a bit high pitched but obviously male.
"This princess is gonna make us a whole lotta money"
Then without anymore strength, she passed out.