“Aisha…?” he whispered, his voice rough and faint. His violet eyes searched hers, filled with a trembling hope.
Elena froze, her lips parting slightly in shock “I… I am not Aisha,” she said gently, her voice barely above a whisper “I’m Elena.”
Edward’s brow furrowed. His eyes, though dulled with fatigue, locked onto hers with a strange intensity “Your eyes…” he murmured “They’re the same. Just like hers…”
“I’ve been told that before,” Elena said softly, glancing away for a brief second “But I’m not her, Your Majesty.”
A long silence followed. Edward’s breath came in shallow, uneven draws as he tried to gather his thoughts “I am sorry… my mind is a bit hazy. Of course you can’t be my daughter as she is just three years old. I don’t know why I confused you for her…”
For some unknown reason Elena felt hurt listening to his words but she soon masked it with a small smile.
Allen stepped in at this moment “She is the Princess of Alynthia, Elena Be
The next day morning…The first light of dawn filtered through the pale silk curtains in Elena’s room, casting soft gold across the polished floor. Birds chirped faintly outside the palace walls, and the world was just beginning to stir when a soft knock echoed at her door.Elena, still curled in bed, blinked groggily “Come in,” she called, her voice slightly husky from sleep.The door creaked open—and there stood Liam, freshly dressed in a slate-gray tunic with navy accents, his hair slightly tousled by the morning breeze, and an unmistakable sparkle in his eyes.Elena sat up, narrowing her eyes suspiciously “You’re up early.”He grinned “You say that like it’s a crime.”She rubbed her eyes, already sensing something “What are you doing here?”“I’m stealing you,” he said, holding up a small basket and a folded cloak.Elena blinked
As the image of Edward finally vanished, a hush fell over the room. Elena stood still for a beat, then slowly turned to face the others.Alisha expressed her gratitude for the happiness she gave her today “You didn’t just give a gift, Elena. You gave me something I never thought I’d have again.” Alisha stepped forward, wrapping her arms tightly around Elena. Her voice low but sincere “No one has ever done something like this for me. Ever. Thank you so much.”Elena returned the embrace, her voice soft “You’re my sister now. That means everything to me.”Elizabeth eyes still glistened, but her expression was composed “Thank you, Elena,” she said.Henry remained silent, but he gave Elena a single, quiet nod—one that held the weight of both acknowledgement and pride.After the heartfelt moment Elizabeth asked impending important question to Elena “Why did you not tell Edward
The screen flickered for a few seconds and then Edward’s figure came into view.Alisha gasped, her hands flying to her mouth “Father…?”Edward’s eyes filled with tears the instant he saw her. His voice, hoarse but unmistakably his came through the screen.“Alisha… my dear…”Elizabeth’s hands trembled, her composure slipping as she got up from her place and went closer to the screen. Daniel also sat frozen in his place staring at the screen.Alina, wide-eyed, whispered, “Papa…?”Edward smiled—weakly, but real “Alina, my little one…” he breathed, “You’ve grown so much…”Tears streamed silently down Elizabeth’s cheeks “Edward,” she whispered. “You’re awake…”Elena stood silently behind them all, her expression unreadable—but her hand found Liam’s,
From beside Alisha, Daniel—who had been listening to this exchange with a silent frown and the sharp-eyed attention of a seasoned protector—finally stepped forward, his arms crossed “You’re going to need more than charm and declarations if you want my sister’s hand,” he said coolly, eyes locked on Liam “It’s not just her heart and approval you will need to tie the knot.”Liam met Daniel’s eyes, steady and calm “I understand, I wouldn’t expect anything less” he said with quiet respect “She deserves nothing less.”Daniel held his gaze for a beat, then gave a faint nod, not entirely approving—but not disapproving either.Louis, watching the tension with a grin tugging at his lips, clapped a dramatic hand on Daniel’s shoulder, feigning sympathy “It’s hard on you, brother,” he said in mock solemnity, “Truly… I pity you. Having Elena as
The light humour in Cassandra’s face dimmed slightly as she glanced at Louis and then back at Elena “Because it wasn’t exactly the fairytale wedding you might imagine.”She took a breath “My father wanted to marry me off—to his mistress’ brother, of all people. It was political, selfish, and completely against my will. I’d already fallen for Louis, so with the help of my mother and Alistair… I left.”“She came to Asterin,” Louis picked up, his voice calm but laced with memory “And we married almost immediately, before her father could send people after her. Then he disowned her for it.”Elena’s smile faltered as she reached out and squeezed Cassandra’s hand “I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”“It’s alright, I am happy now” Cassandra said, her voice steady but soft “Though you were not there your dad stood up for us when we
Back at the royal palace of Alynthia, Alisha stood in the centre of the hall, draped in her of blush pink and silver gown, threaded with tiny crystals that caught the light like dew, she looked every inch the princess she was born to be. Her dark brown hair was braided elegantly over one shoulder, adorned with silver pins shaped like blooming asters. She smiled and nodded graciously as noblewomen surrounded her, offering both genuine compliments and veiled curiosity, but her eyes often wandered—searching.Beside her stood Daniel, composed yet clearly enchanted by her presence. Every so often, his hand would brush hers in quiet reassurance, and Alisha’s smile would warm a few degrees more.Still, she was distracted.“Looking for someone?” Daniel asked softly, leaning just enough to whisper without drawing too much attention.Alisha tilted her head, trying not to be obvious “Elena. Erick said she will be back before the ceremon