Roxanne was genuinely surprised to find Rhea here. She had expected her daughter to return after hearing of Baldon's demise, but she hadn't anticipated her arrival to be so soon.
"How did you get here?" she asked, taking her daughter's hands in hers after they had embraced for a long while.
"I was sent in a carriage. I was accompanied by a few warriors. My Lord wanted to come with me as well, but he had other duties to attend to."
Roxanne smiled warmly. "I assume things are going well between the two of you?"
Rhea slowly nodded. "They are. He respects my choices and even gives me the freedom to go out hunting once in a while."
Roxanne let out a quiet sigh of relief. Her daughter's fondness for hunting had never been a secret, and she had often worried that Rhea might have to give up something she loved after finding a mate. Knowing that he not only accepted that part of her but also encouraged her to pursue it brought her considerable comfort.
