The throne room was still.
I sat alone on the high seat, my gaze fixed on the wide-open window before me. Beyond the stone arch, the horizon bled into a pale morning light, but my thoughts wandered far_toward the western border, toward the quiet threat that loomed like a shadow over my kingdom.
Then I heard a small voice, bright and clear, cutting through the heavy air.
"Uncle! Uncle!"
Even through the thick oak doors, I knew it instantly. That voice could draw a smile from the face of a king twice as cold as I was.
Another voice followed, firmer, scolding.
"Meera, the king is busy. Perhaps you can see him later," her governess, Isabell, tried to reason.
"No," Meera's reply was stubborn and certain. "He cannot be too busy to speak with his little princess."
A faint chuckle escaped me.
Isabell sighed. "Meera, don't be stubborn. Back to your chambers_"
"Uncle! Uncle!"
"Meera, stop it_"
"I will have to punish you if—"
That was far enough. I rose and strode to the door, flinging it open in one motion.
"And who dares punish my little princess?" I asked, voice low but touched with amusement.
Meera lit up, breaking into a run. She crashed into my arms, small and warm, and I lifted her easily, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
"Why wouldn't you let her see me?" I asked Isabell, feigning a stern tone though my smile betrayed me.
"My apologies, Your Highness," she said with a bow. "I thought you were rather busy."
"I told you," Meera grinned up at her governess, "he's never too busy for his princess."
I looked down at her. "And what does my little princess wish for this morning?"
"I wanted to eat breakfast with you," she said, "but Isabell said no."
"Is that so, Isabell?"
"Yes, Your Highness," the governess admitted, "only because I thought_"
"Then let it be known," I interrupted gently, "my princess may join me for breakfast whenever she wishes."
"Yay!" Meera clapped her hands, her joy spilling into the room. "I'm going to eat with my uncle!"
She wriggled free, darting out toward the kitchens. I watched her disappear, the echo of her small feet fading down the corridor.
"I'll inform you when preparations are ready, Your Highness," Isabell said with another bow before leaving.
The room felt warmer now. Quieter, but not empty.
---------
In the Morwen's sitting room, Ariel and Theron lounged together, trading jokes that seemed to amuse them far more than I could guess. My parents sat nearby, deep in conversation with Anna, their smiles soft as she spoke_no doubt about the honorable Lord Varen.
And there I sat, alone in my chair, brushing my hair in silence. I was part of the room, yet not part of it. Their laughter was a world I couldn't quite reach.
I coughed lightly, just loud enough to draw their attention.
"What's wrong, darling?" my mother asked at once, concern in her voice.
"Are you catching a cold?" my father added.
"No," I said, setting my brush aside. "Just a cough."
It was strange_once, I was used to the attention. But ever since Anna had found her mate, eyes seemed to drift toward her instead. Perhaps that was what tugged at me now.
I tilted my head toward the couch. "Hmm… Ariel, Theron, why didn't you go for practice today?"
"Theron decided we take a break," Ariel replied.
"Is that so?" I arched a brow.
"Yes," Theron added, "but just for today."
I smirked. "So you can survive a whole day without swords and bows."
"Why do you like making trouble?" Theron asked, the corner of his mouth curving in a playful smirk.
"Trouble? No. I was only asking why my oh-so-serious brother would skip practice_and you accuse me?"
"I know you too well, Daphne," he said, laughing.
"Well, I won't bother next time," I said, feigning a wounded tone.
"I'm just joking," he grinned.
"Don't mind him, Daphne," Ariel cut in, poking him in the forehead. "He's just being naughty."
I smiled faintly and turned my gaze to Anna.
"What about Varen?" I asked.
"Varen?" she blinked. "What about him?"
"He always comes to pick you up. Why is today different?"
"I decided to spend the day with family," she said simply.
"Oh, I see." I rose, smoothing my skirts. "Well, I have nothing else to say."
"Daphne," Anna called as I turned to leave. "If you feel lonely, we could walk in the gardens later."
"Lonely?" I repeated with a small laugh. "Daphne Morwen can never be lonely. Besides, I have much to do."
I left them with my head held high. I never needed pity_not from Anna, not from anyone.
....
Soon after Daphne left, a knock echoed from the front door.
I rose from my seat and crossed the room to answer it. The moment I swung the door open, I was met,not with a greeting but with an accusation from my oldest friend.
"Why didn't you show up at practice?" Coren demanded.
"Well, good morning to you too," I replied dryly, clasping his hand before pulling him into a brief embrace.
"I'm not joking, Theron," he went on, frowning. "You were assigned to choose the badges for the new warriors, and of all days, you pick today to vanish. You didn't even tell me!"
"Why the scolding?" I countered with a raised brow. "The general only just left, and I've already made my choices. I simply haven't announced them yet_I want more training before the final decision."
He opened his mouth to retort, but before he could, a familiar voice chimed in from behind me.
"Coren," Ariel said, her tone playful. "To whom do I owe this visit?"
Coren froze for a second, then leaned toward me and muttered under his breath like a man confessing his sins.
"You didn't tell me your sister was here," he whispered. "Now I'm going to get bullied."
"Bullied? Are you calling me a bully?" Ariel gasped, pretending to be offended.
"No, my lady. I would never," Coren said quickly, giving her an exaggerated bow.
"Better," she said, a teasing smile tugging at her lips before she pulled him into a warm hug.
"And what about your parents?" Coren asked as they parted.
"They're inside," I replied.
"Then I suppose I'd better pay them my respects before I take my leave," Coren said, stepping past me into the house.
Coren greeted both my parents warmly, exchanging a few polite words before excusing himself.
I watched him leave, shaking my head with a faint smile. Coren had always treated my home like his own, helping himself to my things without hesitation. It wasn't arrogance, just the natural ease that came with years of friendship.
To him, my family was his.
And to me… well, I supposed the same was true.
--------
I was later informed that breakfast was ready.
I descended the stairs, the soft carpet muting my steps, and there she was_Meera beaming as though someone had just handed her the finest gift in the kingdom.
"I see my little princess is ready for breakfast," I said, my voice lighter than it was with anyone else. She grinned up at me, her eyes bright.
The butler served the meal, placing steaming plates before us. I had barely taken a few bites when Meera's small voice reached me.
"Uncle…" she began.
"Meera—manners," Isabell warned from her place a few feet away, her tone gently chiding.
I lifted a hand to stop her. "Let her speak."
Meera leaned forward slightly, her tone conspiratorial. "Don't tell Mother, please."
I raised a brow. "What is it, my princess?"
"Promise you won't tell," she insisted.
"I promise."
Her lips curved into a sly little smile. "I heard Mother and Father talking about the west being breached. Can I ask… what does 'breached' mean?"
My eyes narrowed slightly, though my voice remained calm. "That question is far beyond your years, little one. And haven't you been told not to eavesdrop when your elders are speaking?"
She dropped her gaze. "Sorry, Uncle."
"You're far too clever for your age, you know that?" I said, a smile tugging at my lips.
"Well… Isabell taught me well," she giggled, glancing toward her governess.
"Promise me you won't eavesdrop on your parents again," I said.
"I promise," she replied softly. Then, in an even smaller voice, "Do you forgive me, Uncle?"
I reached over and brushed a hand over her hair. "I could never hold a grudge against my princess."
Her smile returned, radiant.
"Now," I said, picking up my fork again, "finish your meal."
"Okay, Uncle," she chirped, turning back to her plate.
As I watched her eat, I found myself wondering ,not for the first time how a child so small could be so sharp, so curious, and so… utterly unique.