She nodded, gently sliding the note into her pocket.
"I'll tell you later."
Lucien raised a brow from a distance but said nothing.
♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡
At sunset, everyone gathered for the floating lantern release.
A sea of paper lights glowed soft hues of gold, pink, and pale silver. Each one held a blessing, a memory, or a secret.
Evelisse's lantern read:
"To all the things I don't understand yet. I'm trying."
As she released it, her fingers brushed the side of the boat.
The paper lantern drifted away, glowing a soft blush-gold, joining hundreds more that floated across the dusky lake like quiet prayers made of fireflies. She watched it sway, rise slightly on a breeze, then settle among the rippling reflections. Music played faintly in the distance—chimes, flutes, and the rustle of silk robes.
Snugglewuff yawned beside her and curled up on a cushion. Fluffy hovered above, quiet for once, eyes wide and solemn.
"Princess," Fluffy murmured. "You okay?"
