As the Valeidio royal caravan rumbled toward the kingdom of Valeidio, the air in the carriage was heavy with bittersweet emotions. Queen Morgana sat beside King Xavian, her elegant hands dabbing at her eyes with a silken handkerchief.
Her usual composed demeanor had crumbled the moment they parted from Eirik. Her youngest son, her baby, was now miles away, starting a new life as the consort to Zephyros's prince, Kaelix.
King Xavian glanced at her, his expression softening. His wife, ever so strong in the face of public matters, was still a mother at heart. He reached over, gently placing his hand atop hers. "Morgana," he said softly, his deep voice filled with warmth, "our son is happy. Isn't that what matters most?"
The queen sniffled, looking out the window at the disappearing view of Zephyros. "I know, I know. I am happy for him," she said, her voice trembling. "But Xavian, he's so far away now. I feel as though I've lost him, like the kingdom has swallowed him whole."
