The sun rose over Ravenglade, its golden light spilling into the windows of Ceillie's cottage. The quiet hum of the bakery filled the air, but the atmosphere inside was heavy, brimming with the weight of farewell.
When the door opened, King Hendrick entered, his presence filling the small home. Prince Noah followed, his sharp eyes scanning the room. On the walls, framed pictures of Josephine with Ceillie and the three children—Tess, Pierre, and Callum—decorated the space. Hendrick paused before them, fingertips brushing the wood. For sixteen years he had missed his daughter's life, and here were the memories he had been denied.
"She's coming soon," Ceillie said softly, folding her hands before her. "She went to the bakery this morning."
Noah turned to her, hesitant. "How is she? Can she… speak now?"
Ceillie shook her head, her expression sorrowful. "No, Your Majesty. But she has her own voice, through her hands. Josephine wrote a note this morning—she says she won't leave unless she takes her siblings with her. And she means it."
Hendrick's stern face softened. "Then I will take them too. If that is her wish, so be it."
At that moment, the door creaked open. Callum entered, carrying Josephine fast asleep on his back. Her hair was braided neatly into two glowing plaits, and her cheek rested against Callum's shoulder. Tess and Pierre trailed behind, their steps quiet but respectful.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," the three said together, bowing.
"She's asleep?" Ceillie asked, her voice tender.
"Yes," Tess replied. "Just like you asked, Nana."
"Good. Are all your bags packed?" Hendrick asked firmly.
They nodded.
"Then go fetch them. We leave at once."
Carefully, Noah took Josephine from Callum, holding her in his arms as though she were made of glass. Ceillie stepped forward, wringing her hands.
"Please," she pleaded, her eyes on Noah. "Keep her hair always braided into two. And… she doesn't like shoes. And if possible, bring her baking supplies. She loves to bake."
Noah frowned. "Why must her hair stay braided?"
Ceillie hesitated, eyes clouding with secrets. "It's… dangerous otherwise. I cannot say more. Just trust me."
Hendrick nodded. "We will respect it. Thank you, Ceillie, for protecting and raising my daughter."
Tears welled in Ceillie's eyes as she leaned down, kissing Josephine's cheeks and forehead. "Stay with her always," she whispered, looking at Tess, Callum, and Pierre.
They clung to her tightly, reluctant to let go. But the time had come. They followed Hendrick and Noah out, climbing into the royal carriage. Josephine stirred but remained asleep, her breathing soft.
"How did she fall into such deep sleep?" Noah asked quietly.
Callum replied, "We fed her blueberry pie mixed with olive oil and honeycomb. It works like a sleeping potion."
Noah raised a brow but said nothing, adjusting Josephine's weight in his arms.
Callum was nineteen, Tess twenty-two, and Pierre seventeen. Though young, they looked fiercely determined.
The Kingdom of Dravenor
Hours later, the carriage rolled into Dravenor. Before them loomed the great castle—a towering structure of dark blue stone, its spires stabbing into the sky, waterfalls cascading from the cliffs that cradled it.
"Woah…" Tess whispered, her eyes wide. Pierre and Callum shared the same awe.
King Hendrick stepped down first, commanding the maids to carry their luggage. "Welcome to your new home," he said with rare warmth.
In Noah's arms, Josephine flinched in her sleep, her body trembling.
"What's wrong?" Hendrick asked, concern in his tone.
"Same nightmares again," Tess said quietly.
"What nightmares?" Noah pressed.
"We don't know," Tess admitted. "Only Nana Ceillie does. She never told us. But… it started the night Mr. Drake died."
At the name, Noah froze, exchanging a heavy glance with Oliver and Anesthesia—one that spoke of buried secrets.
Inside the grand hall, Queen Sophia sat waiting. Her face was pale with fury the moment she saw the newcomers.
"And who, may I ask, are all of you?" she said, voice dripping venom.
Tess leaned to Pierre, muttering under her breath, "Oh really, the queen's a bitch."
Hendrick straightened. "They are Jojo's family. And they will stay with her."
"You must be joking!" Sophia snapped, laughing cruelly. "Then let them be servants."
"No, Mother," Noah said firmly. "You have no right here. Only Father does."
Sophia's eyes glowed as she began chanting an ancient spell, her fingers weaving darkness. But Callum stepped forward, snapping his fingers. The spell shattered like glass.
"What the—?!" Sophia gasped, stunned. "You broke my enchantment? How?!"
Callum bowed slightly. "With respect, Your Highness… you are not the only witch alive. I have studied many ancient scripts. Your strength is… average. Not difficult to undo."
Hendrick burst out laughing. "Finally, someone who shut you down."
Awakening
Noah placed Josephine gently on a velvet chair. She was still fast asleep until Callum raised his right hand and murmured, "Exsurge." With a snap, golden dust fell across her face.
Josephine's eyes fluttered open. She rubbed them, yawning softly, then stretched her arms. Tess pressed a bottle of watermelon juice into her hands—Ceillie had made it just for her. Jojo drank quickly, then stood, blinking at the vast unfamiliar room.
Her golden eyes darted to Tess. She tapped her friend's sleeve and signed with her hands: Where are we?
"Your real home, Jojo," Tess said gently.
Josephine froze, scanning the hall with unease. Panic filled her face as she turned and bolted outside.
"Where is she going?" Noah exclaimed.
"She's looking for Nana," Pierre explained quietly. "She thinks Ceillie came too."
Noah followed, finding her trembling in the courtyard. "Jojo," he said softly, "she'll come on the weekends. She promised you, didn't she?"
At the mention of the pinky promise, Josephine broke into tears. Tess caught her, wiping her cheeks. "We're sorry, Jojo… we're here, okay?" Callum and Pierre added, trying to comfort her.
At last, she returned inside, clinging to Tess's hand as if it were her lifeline.
Father and Daughter
King Hendrick stepped forward. "Hello, Josephine," he said gently.
Josephine raised her hand in a shy wave.
He cupped her face with both hands, emotion welling in his eyes. "The last time I held you, you were three. And now… sixteen, tall, beautiful."
She nodded quietly.
"Don't you ever smile?" he asked softly.
Pierre answered, "No. She never has."
"She doesn't wear shoes," Tess added. "And her hair must always be braided."
"Why?" Sophia demanded.
"For personal reasons, Your Majesty," Tess said firmly.
The three friends spoke in unison: "It's important."
Hendrick nodded, ending the matter.
At that moment, the rest of Josephine's siblings arrived from the Academy: Anesthesia, Oliver, Theron, and Theodora. They froze when they saw her by the window.
"Jojo?" Anesthesia breathed.
Josephine turned, her golden eyes shining.
"Wow…" Oliver said under his breath.
"Indeed," Theodora admitted, though reluctantly.
"Aw, are you falling for her now?" Theron teased.
"No!" Theodora shot back quickly, flushing.
Josephine smiled faintly with her hands, waving at them. Oliver and Anesthesia rushed forward to hug her, Theron joining after a pause.
Nightfall
That evening, Josephine bathed and was introduced to her new personal maid, a siren with glowing red eyes.
"Greetings, Your Highness," the maid said, bowing. "I am Assia."
To her shock, Josephine stepped forward and hugged her. Then, with graceful hands, she signed: Hi. Nice to meet you.
Assia blinked, then stammered, "T–thank you… Nice to meet you too." A rare smile touched her lips.
Later, Tess came into Josephine's chambers. "Alright, Jojo. Time to rebraid your hair."
Josephine obediently sat on the floor. Tess unbraided her hair, combing it gently as it shimmered with an unnatural glow. To soothe her, Tess began singing Josephine's favorite lullaby, her voice soft as silk.
By the window, Noah and Anesthesia stood watching quietly. Josephine, calm and content, drew on her sketchpad as Tess worked.
Oliver peeked in, whispering, "Her hair… it's glowing."
"Shhh," Noah hissed, covering his mouth. "Don't make a sound."
And so, in silence, they watched the Silent Queen fall peacefully asleep for the first night in her rightful home.