The letter read:
Dear my Gina and Misha,
I know this may come as a surprise, since neither of you knew this existed, but if you are reading it now… it means I am no longer with you.
Still, the purpose of this letter is not to remind you of my absence, but to remind you of my presence—especially today, on the day my beautiful Gina becomes a bride.
To the gentleman she has chosen, I have faith that you are a good man—because my love, little Mishi, would never let our daughter choose otherwise. Gina, I give you my blessings, even from the afterlife.
And to my dearest wife, Misha… I know by now you are angry with me for leaving without a proper goodbye. For that, my love, I sincerely apologize. Please forgive me for lying about "our forever," which ended too soon.
You, my love, are the only one I will ever love—in this life, the next, and the one after that. Read this letter as a reminder of my love for you, my blessings for Gina, and my final farewell.
Until we meet again.
With love,
The handsome Rin Tiavan.
When the letter ended, silence fell over the hall.
The air felt heavy—thick with emotions that no one dared to break.
Gina stood frozen, her gaze drifting toward her mother.
Misha's posture remained as graceful as ever, but her eyes glistened, and a single tear slid down her cheek.
Then, with a deep breath, Gina turned back to the crowd and clapped her hands.
Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke,
"To the late Rin Tiavan."
The guests rose to their feet, joining her applause. The hall echoed with cheers and raised glasses, celebrating the man whose memory still lived in their hearts.
Gina smiled faintly—because the last thing she wanted was for the night to sink into sorrow. She knew that if the silence returned, her strength might crumble.
Misha quietly wiped her tears, stood, and left the hall, her steps calm yet aching.
Mirha hadn't even realized she was crying until a tear rolled down her cheek. She quickly brushed it away and steadied her breath, forcing her composure.
Gina turned back to Rnzo and caught the sympathy in his eyes.
"He was a great man," she whispered, her voice barely holding.
Rnzo said nothing. He only reached out, pulled her gently onto his lap, and wrapped his arms around her.
Gina rested her head against his shoulder, her body trembling as silent sobs escaped.
Rnzo only held her closer, his hand moving slowly over her back—steady, comforting, unspoken.
Misha walked swiftly through the corridors, the soft rustle of her gown echoing faintly behind her.
Her hand trembled as she clutched the box that had arrived with the letter—his box.
When she reached her chambers, she closed the door quietly and stood still for a moment, her breath uneven.
Then, slowly, she opened the box.
Inside lay a pure gold necklace, gleaming softly in the candlelight.
Its pendant—a delicate rose—was carved so intricately it looked almost alive.
Her lips quivered.
Her fingers brushed over the rose as a tear slipped down her cheek.
She quickly closed the lid and placed the box gently on the table, but the moment she stepped back, the dam broke.
A quiet sob escaped her—then another, until she sank to the floor, clutching her chest as years of buried pain flooded out.
After all these years, she thought she had made peace with his absence.
But the truth struck her now—she had only learned how to hide it, how to breathe through the ache.
Tonight, though... after reading his words, after holding the last token of his love—she felt something she hadn't in a long time.
Peace.
A painful, tender peace that came not from forgetting him, but from finally accepting that he had never truly left her.
Misha decided that today was Gina's day—no more tears.
She rose from the floor, wiped her face with a cold cloth, and fixed her hair neatly before stepping out of her chambers.
As she made her way back to the hall, she met Queen Raina in the corridor. Raina was alone, her steps slow and elegant.
Misha approached and gave a small bow.
"Don't make me seem so old, Misha," Raina teased lightly.
Misha smiled, and soon they were both giggling softly. No words were needed between them; the silent understanding they shared spoke louder. Both women had outlived their husbands. Both had learned to keep walking—with grace, even when their hearts had long been broken.
Raina's gaze softened. "It's time to say goodbye to our children."
Misha bowed again, her voice calm. "After you, Your Majesty."
Together, they walked out to the courtyard. The carriages were ready.
There, they saw Rnzo carrying Gina in his arms like a princess, her head resting against his chest.
Misha walked closer and gently placed her hand on Gina's head. "Take care, my darling," she whispered.
Gina slid down from Rnzo's arms and wrapped her mother in a tight embrace. Her voice was quiet, trembling slightly—something Misha hadn't heard in years.
"I love you, Mama."
A tear escaped Misha's eye, but she smiled through it. "I love you too, my angel."
Gina turned to Mirha next, her tone light and teasing again. "I'll be back for your wedding."
Mirha laughed shyly, and Kanha added with a grin, "Goodbye for now, Your Grace."
Gina tsked playfully. "Save me from that modesty, Kanha!" They both laughed, their voices echoing through the courtyard.
Kiara stepped forward and said, "Empress Nailah got tired and left earlier—she said to tell you, welcome to the family, sister-in-law."
Goya followed with a smile. "You're one of my favourite people, Gina. Please visit often."
"Of course," Gina promised warmly.
Then Rnzo came for her hand. She turned once more to wave as they stepped into the carriage. Everyone stood watching—Queen Raina, Misha, and the rest of the court—smiling and waving as the wheels began to roll.
The carriage moved away slowly, the sound of laughter and farewells fading behind them.
And though the night would soon fall, the warmth of that moment lingered in every heart left behind.
When Mirha returned to the hall, she found it nearly empty—the dance had moved outside. Though the Emperor and the newlywed couple had already departed, the celebration was still very much alive.
Laughter floated through the night air, torches flickered, and the sound of drums and flutes filled the courtyard.
She paused by the doorway, watching Kiara and Lord Tando dancing joyfully in the center of the crowd. The two were laughing like children, unbothered by elegance or formality.
Then, without warning, a warm hand caught hers.
Before Mirha could turn, she was pulled onto the dance floor and spun around. It was Lord Kaisen. His laughter mingled with hers as he lifted her slightly off the ground, spinning her once more before setting her down gently.
The crowd clapped and cheered at the playful sight, but Kaisen didn't seem to care who watched. His eyes were fixed only on her.
Mirha's laughter rang bright and free—the sound of someone forgetting everything for a fleeting moment. And as they danced, the joy between them was unmistakable.
For the first time, everyone around could see it too—the affection in Lord Kaisen's eyes, soft and unguarded.
Luckily, Lady Kanha was nowhere in sight. Had she witnessed that look, she might have fainted right there on the spot.
The night had quieted as the royal carriage rolled along the moonlit road back to Magili. Inside, Gina slept peacefully in Rnzo's arms, her head resting against his chest. The soft flicker of the lantern light danced over her calm face.
In her hands, she still held the small wooden box that had arrived with her father's letter.
Rnzo looked down at it for a moment, then gently took it from her grasp and opened it. Inside lay a delicate gold necklace, its pendant shaped like a heart, gleaming softly even in the dim light.
He traced the pendant with his thumb and smiled faintly.
"So this is what he left you," he whispered, his voice tender.
Carefully, he closed the box and placed it back into her hands. Gina stirred slightly, her fingers tightening around it even in her sleep, as if she could feel the love that came with it.
Rnzo leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"Rest," he murmured softly. "You deserve peace tonight."
Outside, the sound of hooves echoed through the quiet night as the carriage carried them toward their new beginning.
The journey ended at the Imperial Northern Palace in Taico. Lanterns glowed softly along the marble paths as the carriage came to a stop.
Rnzo stepped down first, then turned and gently lifted Gina into his arms. The palace attendants bowed deeply as the Duke of Magili carried his bride through the grand halls, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished stone.
When they reached their chambers, Rnzo laid her gently on the couch and helped her out of the tight corset. He knelt to remove her shoes, his movements slow and careful. By the time he was done, the attendants had prepared a warm bath fragrant with rose petals and herbs.
He called softly for them to assist her, then stepped away to bathe in the adjoining room.
When he returned, Gina was already tucked beneath the covers, her hair loose and her face peaceful beneath the candlelight.
Rnzo slipped quietly beside her, drawing the sheets over them both. He watched her for a long moment, brushing a stray strand of hair from her cheek before pressing a kiss to her forehead.
"Welcome home, my wife," he whispered.
And in the stillness of the night, surrounded by warmth and silence, the Duke and Duchess of Magili began their new chapter.