A year away should have been enough to quiet what she felt for him, until Eryndor came into view again, and her heartbeat betrayed every reason she had to stay gone.

Although Rosalind was returning on a mission meant to represent Merovia’s delegation as its princess, she knew that deep down she also wanted to see for herself if the man in those letters had truly changed and because... Because she still missed him. Ugh.

Just the thought of him, his voice, his eyes, and everything about him was enough to make her heart beat faster, and she tightened her fists as if that alone could steady her.

Why was she acting like this now, she had to stay composed!

***Flashback***

The council hall of Merovia was already filled when Rosalind entered beside Queen Catarina, the long table between them was covered with sealed treaties and drafted agreements that would reshape the relationship between Merovia and Eryndor into a formal peace and trade alliance, one that no longer relied on the old forced betrothal structure but instead on voluntary diplomatic cooperation and shared governance of trade routes and borders.

An Eryndorian envoy spoke first, his tone measured. "For this treaty to hold weight in Eryndor, Princess Rosalind should be physically present during the final signing."

Marek frowned slightly. "You are asking her to travel for confirmation of an agreement she already represents here?"

"Representation is not enough," the envoy replied calmly, "her presence removes any claim that Merovia is acting without her consent, especially given the history of the betrothal arrangement."

A council elder from Merovia then spoke,. "What about the betrothal itself?"

Marek answered without hesitation. "It has been redefined and no longer binding"

After a brief silence, Catarina spoke in her steady voice. "I also believe it is best if the princess of Merovia is there to represent her kingdom in Eryndor."

Rosalind looked at her mother with surprise on her face. "You want me to go?"

Catarina turned to her and replied softly, "This treaty concerns you more than anyone else in this room..."

The room fell quiet as Catarina continued. "So, what is your decision?"

Rosalind now understood the weight of it, not just as a daughter but as a princess who had finally begun to understand what duty meant. She exhaled slowly, then nodded. "I will go."

Marek studied her briefly, and seeing no hesitation in her expression, he accepted it. "Then it is settled."

Nathan, who had been standing among the attending nobles, stepped forward. "I will accompany the delegation as Duke of the North, ensuring safe passage and acting as Merovia’s observer."

Marek gave him a short look. "Just ensure the delegation runs smoothly."

Nathan smirked faintly. "I will try my best not to disappoint you."

"Then you will go as well, Duke," the queen said afterward, and that had ended the decision.

Later, as Rosalind prepared to leave, Hannah accompanied her in the chamber as servants handled the packing, folding garments and arranging trunks.

"It seems like you are really going through with this," Hannah said quietly.

"It is only for the treaty," Rosalind replied, fastening a small clasp as she watched the movement around her.

Hannah glanced at her sideways. "Only for the treaty," she repeated, unconvinced.

Rosalind narrowed her eyes. "What was that look for?"

"I just think it will be interesting," Hannah said casually with a smile, "to see what you and his reaction will look like after so many days apart."

Rosalind’s chest tightened at the words, though she tried not to show it. It had only been a year, yet somehow it felt longer, and she could not help but wonder what meeting him again would truly feel like.

"Why don’t you come with?" Rosalind asked suddenly.

"Oh, nothing like that," Hannah replied as another garment was folded and placed into the trunk. "Someone still has to stay here and keep things in order while you and Marek are gone."

Rosalind exhaled lightly, then gave her a small smile. "Then don’t miss me too much."

"I am not sure I would," Hannah returned playfully, and the two of them shared a light laugh.

Over the year, Rosalind had spent her time bonding with her family, and she had also gone out to explore the kingdom as well.

The best part of it was the freedom, she could move without restriction, she could choose for herself without constantly being confined by duty.

And although it had given her peace and a sense of stability, it also made her slightly sad that she would now have to leave again because of this treaty matter. But she quickly reminded herself that it wouldn’t take too long.

Catarina then walked up to them, and both Rosalind and Hannah paused before turning toward her. "I have something important to tell you," she said, and Rosalind nodded slightly in response as her attention settled on her mother. "Do not let Eryndor pressure you into anything beyond your decision,"

Catarina said firmly. "Speak when necessary, and always stay firm when required."

"I understand," Rosalind replied, her expression steady and serious as she met her mother’s gaze.

"Good," Catarina said with a small nod. "I hope you can represent us well and make us proud."

That made a soft smile form on Rosalind’s lips as she answered, "I will," she stated simply, and Catarina gave a satisfied nod in return before turning her attention to Hannah.

"Thank you for staying with her through all of this," she said warmly.

"It is what I should do," Hannah replied without hesitation, and the queen smiled at her with quiet approval before she turned and left them.

As the day of departure drew closer, Rosalind made her way to her father’s chambers, and the familiar warmth of the room settled over her almost immediately as she stepped inside.

King Adrian had always been a kind and gentle man, and even now, despite being confined to his sickbed, everything about him still carried that quiet presence that made her feel at ease, as though no matter how heavy the world became, she could still breathe properly in his presence.

She had learned over time that he was not only a king but a father who loved deeply, even if his body could no longer allow him to show it in full strength.

She could hear the faint rhythm of his breathing as he rested, and Rosalind moved closer slowly until his eyes opened slightly at the sound of her presence.

"Sophia?" he called faintly.

"It is me, Father," Rosalind said softly, sitting beside him with ease now that she had grown used to these quiet moments between them.

"I told you I would be going back to Eryndor right?," she added after a brief pause. "I will be leaving today."

There was a short silence before he spoke again. "That is so soon... I cannot believe you are leaving again."

Rosalind shook her head lightly. "It is not for long. Once the treaty is finalized, I will return with Marek."

At that, he nodded slowly, a faint smile forming on his lips. "I am proud of you..." His voice trailed off, "Sophia... It may be tense, but do not lose yourself in it."

Rosalind nodded in understanding, "Also," she said gently, trying to lighten the moment, "by the time I return, you will have to be on your feet again."

That earned a soft chuckle from him, though it quickly turned into a small cough, and Rosalind immediately leaned forward with concern.

"I am alright," he assured her quietly once it passed.

Rosalind exhaled in relief, though her expression remained the same as she watched him settle again. "You may go," he said at last, his voice soft but certain. "And know that you have my blessings."

Rosalind only smiled gently in response so he would not worry.

The moment of departure eventually arrived without ceremony, only movements and urgency as the carriage waited beyond the palace gates.

Marek stood near the steps reviewing the final arrangements while Rosalind made her way down with steady steps, Hannah walking beside her as they spoke quietly, and behind them the maids carried the remaining luggage and final necessities.

Nathan arrived shortly after, adjusting his coat as he approached. "Apologies for the delay," he said briefly.

Marek waved it off without looking up. "We are still on schedule."

Nathan’s belongings were handled then his gaze shifted toward Rosalind, and they exchanged a small, familiar smile before he moved to join her and Hannah.

When it was finally time to leave, Catarina stopped in front of Rosalind, her expression carrying both concern and pride at once. "Return safely," she said simply.

"I will," Rosalind replied with a calm smile.

Marek, who had just finished reviewing the final check, glanced sideways. "Mother, there is no need to worry so much. I will personally take responsibility for the little thief..."

His words were cut off immediately when Catarina narrowed her eyes at him.

"I told you not to call her that," she said firmly.

Marek quickly cleared his throat and changed direction. "But there’s nothing wrong with it... If she stole my heart?"

Catarina gave him a pointed look, while Rosalind rolled her eyes and Hannah tried to hide their amusement.

"You do not need to worry about anything," Marek added more calmly afterward.

They stepped into the carriage, and soon the wheels began to turn, carrying them away from the palace gates, while Rosalind lifted her hand in a wave, her gaze fixated on Catarina and Hannah until the figures slowly faded into the distance as Merovia began to fall behind them.

****

"We’re here," Marek said, his gaze falling on the structure rising sharply against the sky like a silent declaration of power, and Rosalind felt her breath catch slightly as she looked at it.

Her fingers tightening beside her, knowing that seeing Rowan again was going to be hard.

Meanwhile in Eryndor’s palace, the royal attendant hurried into the King’s study, stopping just long enough to bow low before speaking quickly.

"Your Majesty, the Merovian delegation has just crossed our border," he said, his voice steady but urgent.

Rowan paused, he quill in his hand stilled completely, and for a moment the entire room felt quieter than it had been seconds before as his heart raced.

’Rosalind was in Eryndor’