It was Rayan.
I sat on the bed as he walked towards me and asked softly, "How was today? Mom told me she's teaching you something?"
I wanted to complain… a lot. But I didn't want to worry him, so I forced a small smile and said, "Well… it went fine, I guess."
He looked at me knowingly and said, "I knew it! You can impress everyone and do anything if you just try. Look, I've got something for you."
"What?" I asked, leaning closer towards him with curiosity.
I noticed that Rayan was holding a box in his hand.
When he opened it, I was left completely stunned. Inside was a beautiful gold necklace — but that wasn't what shocked me the most. It was the same necklace… the very one I had stolen with Rayan.
"Wait… this is the same necklace, right?" I asked, my voice trembling with disbelief.
"Well, yeah, it is," he replied with a soft, almost mischievous smile.
"But… how?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
He shrugged lightly, as if it was no big deal. "I remembered you once said you liked that necklace. So, I couldn't help myself. I tracked down the jeweler you sold it to… and bought it back for you."
I couldn't help but smile, thinking… how could I be this lucky to have someone like him in my life?
After talking for a while, he finally left.
I sat there, lost in thoughts of him, smiling to myself. He was doing so much for me — fighting against his parents, his citizens, and even his ministers, all while caring for me so deeply.
I thought to myself, I should do something too.
The best I could do, I decided, was to perfect everything Mrs. Margarette was teaching me. After all, she was adjusting so much for me — accepting me and putting in effort to teach me. The least I could do was give my very best in return.
With this newfound resolve, I drifted off to sleep, ready to wake up to a new beginning.
From the very next day, I began learning seriously. Even after exhausting days, I found myself practicing relentlessly. And within just a few days, I started showing huge improvements.
Mrs. Margarette didn't say anything outright, but it was written all over her face — she was impressed by how quickly I was learning. Even the servants whispered among themselves, astonished at my progress.
And then, after a few more days, something important came up.
What was it? Well… I still had to meet Mira and explain everything to her.
I asked Mrs. Margarette for permission.
She hesitated at first and firmly said, "No. The soon-to-be queen of the kingdom cannot wander around like a commoner."
But after several polite requests, she finally agreed — on one condition: I had to go as if on a royal tour, accompanied by my personal servant and ten royal guards. It felt a bit too grand and attention-seeking, but I agreed nonetheless.
I returned to my room to get ready.
Turning to Alice, I smiled and said, "Well, we're meeting my best friend today. You'll be pleased to meet her."
I left with Alice towards the main gate, where the royal guards were waiting for me.
There they stood — ten tall, strong guards mounted on their magnificent horses. I walked toward them, and one by one, they greeted me with deep respect. Everything was going perfectly fine… until my eyes landed on one particular guard.
And then, my mouth fell slightly open.
Why? Well, he was the same royal guard who had arrested me a few days ago, back when Rayan had disappeared after the light festival.
But to my surprise, he looked even more shocked than I was. His eyes widened, filled with fear and panic.
I almost laughed at the irony of it all. Back then, I was the one in the wrong, yet now, because of how much my circumstances had changed, he was the one in danger.
I caught his gaze and subtly signaled him to stay quiet — and promised the same with my expression. If anyone found out about that incident, it would be trouble for both of us.
With that silent understanding, we set off on our journey.
As we rode through the bustling streets, people stepped aside, clearing a path for us. Everywhere we passed, they bowed their heads in respect.
It was… strangely entertaining to witness.
Sure, I had experienced something similar before when I was with Rayan, but this time it was different. This time, I was alone. It felt as though all this respect, all these gestures, were meant entirely for me.
Back then, I had been too shocked to enjoy it… but now? Now, I allowed myself to take it all in.
After a few hours, we finally arrived at my old neighborhood — the place where I used to live.
One by one, people stepped out of their houses, curious to catch a glimpse of me. Familiar faces everywhere… faces I had seen countless times before.
I felt a strange mix of shyness and pride swelling inside me. I smiled softly and waved at the little children who stared at me in awe, their wide eyes sparkling with admiration.
The people who knew me best stood frozen on the spot, unable to process what they were seeing. And honestly, who could blame them?
Finally, we reached our destination.
I gracefully got off the horse and began walking towards Mira's house. My heart was pounding as I rehearsed, over and over in my mind, what I should say to her.
I knocked softly at the gate, my heart pounding in my chest. I could feel the weight of everyone's gaze from the neighborhood; their whispers buzzed faintly behind me.
And then, at last, the gate creaked open. Mira stood there, her expression unreadable for a moment.
But then, to my absolute shock, she did something I had never expected — something that left me completely speechless.