Her fingertips gently caressed her daughter's cheek, the motion filled with longing.
"Go on." She whispered softly into Riven's ear, her voice carrying a barely noticeable tremor.
"Go do anything you want. Whether it's to Cuba or to the end of the world. But sweetheart, promise me, be safe. Keep your VHF radio on at all times."
Riven's body shivered slightly. She didn't shy away from her mother's touch, only answering quietly, "…I understand."
Then, Crown Princess Mette slowly turned to Lin Yu'an. She looked at him solemnly for a few seconds. In her gaze, there was scrutiny, entrustment, and even a hint of a mother's plea.
"Lin," she finally spoke, her voice calm but weighty, "I don't know how much Riven has told you about me, but I know I owe her a lot."
"I gave her life, but I couldn't give her a complete childhood."
"It was the sea that shaped her into who she is today—strong, independent, like a wild lioness that will never be tamed."
