Morning sunlight spilled across the long dining table, warm and gentle, almost hesitant—as if the castle itself was still recovering from the nightmare of the past days.
Yet for the first time in what felt like ages, five chairs were filled, side by side, like a real family: River, Heiko, King Paul, Queen Lana, and Queen Alia.
The scent of herbal tea and freshly baked bread drifted through the room, but the dominant presence was peace—a fragile, tender thing, as though it might shatter if anyone spoke too loudly.
River’s hand rested protectively over her belly. Heiko's hand rested over hers. King Paul sat a little straighter than yesterday; his skin had regained color and strength. Queen Lana watched him with quiet devotion, her eyes never wandering far from him. And Alia—always compos
