"Good morning, Princess Eden Claire," Donna greeted as she stepped into the room.
Eden was already awake, standing by the terrace with the morning breeze brushing her hair. From where she stood, the ocean shimmered under the golden light — endless, calm, and painfully free.
"I didn't know you were an early riser," Donna continued with a smile. "That's good. It means we can start your day early."
Eden turned from the terrace, blinking at the woman's cheerful tone. "Eden Claire?" she repeated, a faint crease forming on her brow.
"Yes, Your Highness. Is that a problem?" Donna asked gently.
"No, not at all. It's just... you're the first person to call me that. I'm not used to it. Everyone usually just calls me Eden." She smiled faintly, though the warmth didn't quite reach her eyes.
"All right then," Donna replied, still smiling. "Princess Eden."
She gave a brief signal toward the door, and a few maids entered, pushing racks of elegant dresses in soft pastels and royal fabrics.
"You have an early meeting with your language instructor," Donna explained. "Please choose what you'd like to wear, Your Highness."
Eden didn't move. Her gaze lingered on the dresses — silk, lace, jewels — none of which felt like her. Her thoughts drifted instead to her mother. She must be worried sick by now.
"What's wrong, Princess?" Donna asked, her voice filled with concern. "Do you not like—"
"No," Eden interrupted softly. "Donna, can I ask you something?"
"Of course, Your Highness."
"How long will I be staying here?"
Donna paused for a moment before replying, "Your grandmother will be here for twenty days to attend the summit and several diplomatic meetings. On the twentieth day, there will be a banquet — that will also be the day you're officially introduced as Her Majesty's successor. After that, you and the Queen will return to Valenor together."
Eden blinked, the words sinking in like slow-moving waves. "Wait," she said, cutting her off. "I'm sorry, but did I hear that correctly? I'll be going to Valenor? With the Queen? I'll be… leaving this country?"
"Yes, Your Highness," Donna confirmed gently. "You'll eventually take over the throne of Amatea and rule as the next Queen."
Eden's knees weakened, and she sat down abruptly. "I'm fine," she said quickly as Donna rushed toward her. "I just… can't absorb all of this. What about my mom? She must be so worried right now."
"That's something you don't need to worry about, Princess," Donna reassured her. "The Queen left early this morning to meet the President — and your mother. It's one of her first priorities today."
Eden's eyes lifted, hope flickering faintly in them.
"I think you should get ready now," Donna continued softly. "Your instructor is waiting downstairs."
Eden nodded and approached the dresses. After choosing one, the maids helped her prepare for the day. Even in the bath, she noticed attendants nearby — polite, distant, but always watching.
Later, she stepped into the garden near the shoreline, where her language and etiquette teacher awaited her. The air smelled of salt and jasmine, and the sea stretched endlessly before her — the same sea that now separated her from the world she once knew.
As the lesson began, her eyes wandered to the guards stationed around the estate. Their presence was steady, disciplined — and for a fleeting moment, she remembered him.
Davin.
His calm voice, his steady eyes, the quiet way he protected her. He hadn't said goodbye. She didn't even know if she would ever see him again.
Ashmaria once told her that Davin rarely had a permanent assignment — that he was often sent abroad for special missions. Still, a small part of her couldn't stop hoping that somehow, he would come back.
Even if just to say goodbye properly.
"Your Majesty," Cynthia said softly as Queen Eleanor entered the VIP room of the Kingdom Hotel, flanked by two royal guards.
Paula rose beside her, bowing respectfully.
Cynthia had chosen the hotel for its privacy and security, but as soon as she saw the Queen, old memories stirred. It felt as though the years had folded in on themselves — the same regal bearing, the same commanding aura that once filled the palace halls. Though age had touched her features, the Queen still carried herself like she owned the world.
"You look as radiant as ever," Queen Eleanor said warmly, a faint smile curving her lips.
"You flatter me, Your Majesty. Thank you," Cynthia replied with quiet grace.
"I'll go straight to the point," the Queen said, lowering herself into the chair across from her. "I believe you already know why I am here."
"I do, Your Majesty. Commander Davin informed me about Eden…"
"Good," the Queen interrupted gently. "Then let me tell you myself — in a few days, Eden will be moving to Valenor with me. She is our only successor, and I trust you understand what that means."
"Yes, Your Majesty, I do," Cynthia said softly. "But Eden… she's still so young. She has no experience in—"
"That will not be a problem," the Queen said firmly. "Valenor may not be large, but it has a rich heritage. I've already arranged capable tutors for her. In time, she will become the most fitting princess to inherit the throne."
Cynthia fell silent. Her hands tightened on the edge of the table. She didn't want to see her daughter burdened by royal duty — a life of protocols, expectations, and loneliness. Yet she knew she had no right to stop what was bound by blood and destiny.
"Also," the Queen continued, taking an envelope from her bag and placing it on the table. "You should have this."
Cynthia hesitated before opening it. Inside was a familiar document — the marriage contract between her and Darius. Her breath caught as she traced the faded royal seal.
"My son kept that document," Queen Eleanor said softly. "It was his treasure. As king, he could have gone to you anytime he wished — but he didn't. He respected your choice when you left."
Cynthia's voice trembled. "He loved his country more than anything else."
"That's true," the Queen agreed. "But he also became a great king because he knew there was someone out there who loved him deeply. That love gave him strength."
The Queen's gaze softened. "I know I was hard on you, Cynthia. I didn't approve of you then."
Cynthia smiled faintly, shaking her head. "It's all in the past, Your Majesty. I don't blame you. I loved Darius, but I wasn't ready for his world. We came from two very different lives — and I stand by the decision I made twenty years ago."
She drew a slow breath before continuing, her voice trembling. "But I have one request, Your Majesty. A selfish one."
"If it's within my power, I will grant it," the Queen said gently.
"Before you return to Valenor… may I see my daughter one last time? Half her life, she's been away from me — living in a world I can never reach. And now, she'll be taken into another."
Her voice cracked. She lowered her head, blinking back tears. Paula placed a comforting hand on her back.
"Of course," Queen Eleanor said softly. "I'm sure my granddaughter feels the same. I'll send Commander Davin to escort you to our residence when the time comes."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Cynthia whispered.
When the Queen departed, Cynthia sat in silence for a while, gathering herself. Paula gently closed the envelope and placed it beside her.
"She's really going to Valenor," Paula said quietly.
"Yes," Cynthia murmured. "And once again, she'll be far from me."
Paula sighed, then tried to lighten the mood. "Nancy's been looking for her everywhere. After what happened at the event, Eden's become a sensation online — number one in searches across social media."
Cynthia smiled faintly. "She's always been special."
Paula nodded. "And Empire and Kingdom are thriving because of her. The new perfume line — Royalty — has already boosted their market value. It's the first joint product the companies launched together. They say it embodies the grace of true nobility… and now everyone associates it with Eden."
Cynthia's gaze softened, pride and sorrow mingling in her chest. "She really is her father's daughter," she whispered. "Born to stand in a world higher than the one I can reach."