Isolde had set aside affairs of state, and even her rivalry with her sister.
The two women had brought child and traveled together to Argenthaven.
Celeste had considered going directly to his door, but Isolde had insisted on this beggar charade.
Now, knowing his daughter was in the city, Sylas brought them all to the Governor's mansion.
A year apart, Puckers had grown taller. She could now run and chatter.
When she saw Sylas, she was shy, hiding behind her aunt, unwilling to greet him.
Celeste encouraged her gently: "Go on, talk to your father. Don't be shy."
"No... scared." Puckers blinked her big eyes, her face full of wariness—an expression eerily like Isolde's.
Sylas looked at his daughter with gentle eyes, but couldn't find the right words.
After so long apart, it was natural for the child to see him as a stranger.
Isolde, now changed into clean clothes, strode over, pinched his waist, and said bluntly to their daughter, "What's there to be afraid of? Your mother's here."
Being treated so familiarly by Isolde in front of the child made Sylas flush red. He tried to push her away. "Your Majesty, please let go..."
"Just setting an example for your daughter. Look, Puckers, don't let his height fool you; he's actually quite delicate." Isolde pulled him into her arms recklessly, kneading him like dough.
Sylas shot a helpless look at Celeste, hoping for assistance.
Celeste sighed with a laugh. "Elder Sister, give him a little face, please. He is, after all... the Governor of the Western Vale."
"Hmph."
Isolde released him, sat down crossing her legs, and began meticulously picking at her nails.
Surprisingly, Puckers grew a little braver then, perhaps thinking that if her mother wasn't afraid, she needn't be either.
She timidly walked over, looked up, and asked, "Are you Papa?"
Sylas quickly crouched down to her level and nodded seriously. "Yes."
"..."
The little girl hung her head, unsure what else to say.
Sylas took his daughter's small hand, then looked pleadingly at Isolde, asking softly, "May I take her out to play for a while?"
Isolde hooked the tip of her shoe, giving him a meaningful look.
Sylas was extremely speechless.
He could only quickly lean forward and kiss the tip of her shoe, then, red-faced, carried his daughter outside.
Celeste sighed. "Elder Sister, I'll go keep an eye on them."
"Feeling sorry for him already?" Isolde pressed.
Celeste awkwardly retorted., "It's not that..."
"Celeste, we agreed before coming here: united against the 'outsider'. At the very least, we can't let Gwendolyn succeed, right?"
"Sister, I understand."
Even as she agreed, she followed them out.
Sylas was showing Puckers the flowers in the courtyard. He was bent over, a constant smile on his face.
Puckers was lively, interested in everything, pulling on him and asking question after question. Sylas was endlessly patient, carefully explaining everything.
Celeste came to his side, folded her hands, and said softly with a smile, "You're happy now, aren't you?"
Sylas straightened up, saw her, and said somewhat shyly, "Your Grace... since you've all come, what about the state affairs in Aethelred..."
"Elder Sister couldn't stand staying in Lorynth any longer. She was determined to find you. I'm somewhat the same. Not seeing you always made my heart ache."
Celeste bent down, straightened Puckers's pant legs, rubbed her little hands, and instructed,
"Remember to wash your hands later. No playing in the mud."
"Is Her Majesty... not leaving?" Sylas asked, rather contradictorily. He couldn't bear to part with his daughter, but he also feared Isolde's methods.
"We went through so much trouble to get here, and you're hoping we'll leave?" Celeste asked softly.
"No... it's just that Her Majesty, she..." Sylas ultimately found it difficult to articulate.
"Just be smarter about it. And don't worry too much. I've discussed it with Elder Sister..." Celeste tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and explained quietly.
"..."
Sylas's heart was in turmoil.
What did this mean?
Seeing his expression change, Celeste spread her hands. "Who told you to have someone you love?
If you didn't love anyone, we'd be balanced. But now you love Gwendolyn, so we have to join forces to win you back."
"What? You're... allying?"
"Yes. Elder Sister wrote to the Empress of Stonewold, Mirabel, telling her to bring Victoria along. Oh, and Jade will be here in a couple of days too."
...
Luna's 'scheme ' was very effective. The Governor's mansion was packed.
The powerful women who had once fought life-and-death battles on the battlefield now got along remarkably well.
Of course, the most doted-on was Puckers. She truly received princess-like treatment.
Mirabel particularly enjoyed spending time with Crystal lately. The two girls had endless topics to discuss, along with all sorts of whimsical ideas.
Gwendolyn had also rushed over from Ironpeak. The whole family gathered for the reunion.
Sylas was busy in the kitchen, with Jade helping him prepare the meal.
"Auntie Jade, these dishes are ready. Could you take them out?" Sylas said, keeping his eyes downcast.
Jade agreed with a smile. She took the dish out and returned shortly after.
"Sylas, all the dishes are ready. Everyone's waiting for you."
Sylas felt somewhat embarrassed; he wasn't too keen on showing his face.
Jade smiled, took his wrist, and led him out.
Seeing him emerge, everyone present couldn't help but laugh.
Just like the bright moon in the sky, held aloft by a constellation of stars, it was, ultimately, a grand reunion.
(The End)