Another day of rising before dawn.

  It might have been painful for pampered noble children raised in comfort, but not for Alaric. Stormcoast had long since carved such weakness out of him.

  The courtyard was cool and pale beneath the morning light. His horse had already been prepared. The capital’s riders waited at the gates.

  He turned first to Lord and Lady Caelmont.

  “Thank you,” he said simply. “For everything.”

  Lady Elowen smiled warmly. “Greenfall will always welcome you.”

  Lord Caelmont inclined his head. “Ride safely, Your Majesty.”

  Then Lyanna stepped forward.

  She looked less composed in the morning light, her expression softer, almost reluctant.

  “When you return to the capital,” she said in a sweet, almost teasing voice, “don’t forget about me.”

  Alaric looked at her, and for a brief moment something gentler flickered in his eyes.

  “Of course not,” he replied. “I have no sisters. I would not mind having one.”

  Lyanna stared at him.

  Then she let out an incredulous laugh.

  “Not just that!” she protested. “I already have two brothers. I don’t need another one.”

  Her cheeks flushed faintly, though she tried to hide it behind a smile.

  Alaric almost laughed. Almost.

  Instead, he mounted his horse.

  “I’ll remember,” he said.

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  And this time, his voice carried something that made her quiet.

  The gates opened.

  He did not look back twice.

  But he remembered the way she stood there — blue dress catching the morning light, eyes bright, unwilling to say more.

  The road north awaited him.

  ?

  After watching him disappear down the northern road, Lady Elowen slowly exhaled.

  Only when the riders were small shadows against the hills did she reach for Lyanna’s hand.

  “Come,” she said softly.

  They walked back inside together.

  The warmth of the courtyard faded behind stone walls.

  ?

  In Lyanna’s chamber, Lady Elowen closed the door.

  “What do you think of him?” she asked.

  Lyanna loosened her hair ribbon and smiled faintly at her reflection.

  “Considering he is king now… I suppose he’s not bad.”

  She laughed lightly.

  Lady Elowen did not.

  “Then why did you mention Miss Velmont’s ball last night?”

  Her tone was calm — but sharper.

  Lyanna turned. “Mother, that’s the silly part.”

  “Silly?”

  “Yes.” She crossed the room lazily. “Even if he says he doesn’t resent Queen Velmont… between him and the queen’s niece? Nothing could ever happen.”

  She lifted her chin slightly.

  “And even if she were prettier than me — which is impossible.”

  Lady Elowen studied her daughter for a long moment.

  “Greenfall is too far from the capital,” she said at last. “You should spend time there. Soon. Your elder brother Theron might be already there preparing for your moment. ”

  Lyanna’s eyes sharpened. “So it isn’t just about Miss Velmont.”

  “Not about her at all.”

  Lady Elowen’s voice lowered.

  “Velmont’s niece is a distraction. A pretty one, perhaps. But temporary.”

  She turned back to her daughter.

  “You will not enter the capital as a hopeful girl among many. You will arrive when the path is ready.”

  Lyanna tilted her head. “And if he chooses someone else?”

  Lady Elowen’s expression did not change.

  “He won’t.”

  A pause.

  “He trusts us. He believes in loyalty. That is his strength.”

  Her gaze softened — but only slightly.

  “And his weakness.”

  Lyanna stepped closer, her confidence returning.

  “So… I should stay prepared.”

  “You should be more than prepared.”

  Lady Elowen adjusted a loose strand of her daughter’s chestnut hair.

  “It has been many years. The realm needs a queen.”

  Her eyes were steady.

  “And my daughter will be one.”

  The words settled heavily into the quiet room.

  Outside, the wind moved through the hills.

  Far to the north, a young king rode toward a crown — believing loyalty followed him.