The Skyblade Knights procession cut through the roads like steel through silk.
Daphne could feel the steady weight of Alaric's arm wrapped tightly around her as they rode off to the Blake Estate.
When they reached the Blake Estate, the gates swung open at once.
Servants lined the path, bowing low as the Regent Emperor and his Rose passed through.
Sir Gideon was already waiting as usual, his salute crisp as he moved to lead them into the inner courtyard.
There, laughter spilled into the air.
A boy of three darted across the garden, his dark curls bouncing as he giggled, chased by a little girl no older than him.
The prince and the princess.
Just a short distance away, Arin knelt on the grass, his strong frame softened by the way he scooped up his daughter into his arms, spinning her until she squealed in delight.
His son tugged at his sleeve, demanding equal attention, and Arin only laughed, drawing them both into his arms at once.
