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One Hour Later – Royal Palace, Elora
The hallways of the Elven palace had returned to silence—grander than ever, yet empty in spirit. Guards stood in solemn formation as Jones approached Dian, his footsteps quiet against the polished stone.
"The carriages are prepared, Young Lord," he said with a slight bow. "We are ready to depart."
Dian didn't answer right away. His gaze lingered outside the tall arching windows, where morning light fell through crystalline panes. A soft breeze brushed his coat.
Then, without a word, he turned.
His destination was already clear.
---
Queen's Chamber
Gianna and Suzine stood at the side of the bed. Olivia sat quietly nearby, her expression unreadable. Emma leaned against the wall with crossed arms, her jaw clenched, eyes narrowed.
Dian entered without hesitation.
No greetings.
No permission asked.
He walked directly to the Queen's bed and looked down at the still, pale form of Emily Measter. Without a pause, he leaned down and gently slipped his arms under her—lifting her as if she weighed nothing.
Cradled like a bride.
"W–What are you doing?!" Emma shouted, straightening instantly.
Even Olivia's lips parted in shock.
Gianna's breath caught, but she didn't move.
"What?." His eyes turning towards Emma . " Someone gotta carry her to the carriage," Dian said simply.
Emma was frozen in disbelief as he walked past her without sparing her a glance. Gianna followed immediately. Suzine gave Olivia and Emma a soft look before turning and stepping after her husband.
"Wait—!" Emma called. "You can't just—she's our mother! You can't just take her!"
But Dian was already gone, carrying their mother like she belonged to him – and well she did...
---
Outside the Castle
Two carriages stood at the base of the palace steps.
One was majestic, sleek and polished—drawn by twin mana-bred stags with armor adorned in Skyster gold. The other was still elegant, though slightly more modest. Both bore the Skyster sigil now, newly inscribed.
Jones stood by the driver's seat, already preparing the route.
Dian moved toward the grander carriage and stepped inside with Emily still in his arms. Inside, he laid her gently down on the padded bench, adjusting a velvet pillow beneath her head.
Emma followed them out moments later, fuming.
"I'm not going!" she snapped. "I refuse! I have my own rights—I'll speak with Elder Virenelle! I'm not some prize to be dragged around by some arrogant foreigner—!"
But before she could storm off, Elder Virenelle appeared on the upper steps, staff in hand.
"You already belong to him," the Elder said calmly, her voice layered with magic. "By blood law. By oath. By the will of your brother."
Emma stopped dead in her tracks.
Her lips trembled. "That's not fair…"
"Neither is life, dear," Virenelle replied. "But he won. Deny him now, and you deny your mother her only chance to live."
Dian glanced out from the carriage, eyes meeting Emma's.
Without another word, he turned away and sat beside Emily.
Emma stood there, shaking in frustration… and then marched forward.
"If anything happens to her," she said coldly, "I'll never forgive you."
She climbed into the carriage and sat on the opposite side, refusing to meet his gaze.
Moments later, Olivia joined silently. Then Gianna and Suzine stepped into the second carriage.
Jones gave a subtle nod.
The wheels began to roll.
As the carriage faded away slowly, Virenelle's mind drifted." Someone has to take the throne now..." She murmured," it can't stay empty..."
---
On the Road – Day One
The forest roads were wide and quiet. A healing sigil carved into the floor of the royal carriage glowed faintly, stabilizing Queen Emily's condition. The Elven healers had said it would hold for three days—long enough to reach Skyster Castle.
Inside the carriage, the air was thick with silence.
Emma sat with arms folded, her gaze fixed stubbornly on the window. Olivia sat beside her, her expression softer, watching the Queen with subtle concern.
Dian sat at the Queen's side, his fingers resting lightly over her pulse.
Hours passed.
---
Camp – Evening of Day One
The carriages halted at a forest clearing. Tents were erected swiftly, glowing lanterns illuminating the area with warm light. Jones ensured the Queen was laid down inside a warded tent, her magical healing sigil intact.
Dian sat near the campfire later that evening, watching the sparks dance skyward. Suzine nestled beside him, resting her head on his shoulder.
Gianna approached with a smile, placing a soft kiss on his cheek before curling up on his other side.
Emma watched from a distance, eyes narrowed.
"Tch… disgusting," she muttered.
Olivia, seated beside her, gave her a glance. "You're watching pretty closely for someone disgusted."
Emma looked away. "Just making sure they don't do anything stupid near Mother."
But her gaze kept drifting back.
An unsettling feeling pricked at her chest. She hated how relaxed they looked. How close they were.
She didn't even like Dian, and yet…
Something inside her simmered.
---
Day Two – Mountain Town Inn
They arrived at a small town nestled between high cliffs. A luxurious inn had already been prepared by Jones' advanced orders. A magical chamber was arranged for Queen Emily's resting.
As evening came, Dian took Suzine by the hand, disappearing upstairs.
Gianna followed later with a knowing smile.
Emma, fuming, sat in the common room with Olivia—arms crossed tightly.
"This is ridiculous," she hissed.
"They're married," Olivia said softly. "Let them have peace."
"They're showing off."
"You're jealous."
"I'm not!"
Olivia smiled faintly. "Keep telling yourself that." she thought
---
Day Three – The Last Stretch
The final day of the journey brought gentle winds and clear skies. Dian rode outside the carriage for most of it, occasionally checking the Queen's pulse through the window slit.
Inside the cabin, Emma sat opposite her mother once again, watching Dian silently each time he appeared.
"…he really is doing everything," she muttered once. Olivia nodded quietly, not saying more.
When they made camp one last time under the stars, Emma wandered near the fire where Dian and Gianna sat.
She scowled. "So… is this what you do? Conquer people and collect women like trophies?"
Dian looked at her calmly.
"No," he said. "I take responsibility for what others throw away."
Emma's eyes flinched. She turned away without another word.
---
That Night
As everyone rested, Dian stood by the Queen's tent—his hand glowing faintly as he checked the system's countdown.
---
[Condition: Stable]
---
Gianna emerged behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist.
"Mother will be fine," she whispered. "Wouldn'r she?"
Dian turned and kissed her forehead.
"She definitely will," he said.
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