In the city, the afternoon was beginning to fade. The sun was no longer high overhead but had started its descent toward the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange.
—Young master —Elara said, gently touching Aito's shoulder—. I think it's time to head back.
Aito, who had been watching a craftsman work leather in his workshop, turned with a disappointed expression.
—We're leaving already? —he asked, a hint of sadness in his voice—. But... I wanted to stay a little longer. It's not fair.
Elara felt a small pang in her heart seeing him like this. But she knew she had to be firm. The king and queen trusted her to take care of him, and that included bringing him back at a reasonable hour.
—We can't stay any longer, young master —she said softly but firmly—. It will be dark soon, and the streets become dangerous when night falls. Your parents would worry.
Aito lowered his head, absorbing the news. For a moment, Elara feared he might get angry, stomp his feet, make a scene like other noble children she had seen. But Aito was not like other children.
He lifted his head and, though his golden eyes still reflected sadness, nodded with determination.
—Okay —he said—. Let's go.
They began the walk back in silence. Aito walked with his head down, processing everything he had seen, everything he had felt. Elara watched him from the corner of her eye, concerned about his mood.
—Don't be sad, young master —she finally said, breaking the silence—. You'll be able to go out more times. When you're a little bigger, you can explore the whole city if you want.
Aito looked up at her. For an instant, his eyes lit up with a spark of hope.
—Do you really think I will?
—I'm sure —Elara replied with a smile—. You'll grow up fast, you'll see. And when you're older, the world will be yours.
Aito processed her words, and then, suddenly, a smile lit up his face. A genuine, warm smile that restored all the energy he had lost.
—Yes, that's true! —he exclaimed, jumping a little—. I'll be able to go out more when I grow up. Hahaha!
Elara couldn't help but laugh too. This child's ability to recover his spirits was astonishing. One minute he was sad, and the next, he was laughing and jumping as if nothing had happened.
What a special child, she thought. What a wonderful child.
---
The palace appeared in the distance, imposing and majestic against the orange evening sky. As they crossed the great entrance and entered the main courtyard, Aito took a deep breath, recognizing the familiar smells, the familiar faces of the guards, the safety of his home.
—Mother, big sister, I'm back! —he greeted loudly, entering the main hall with renewed energy.
Cecilia, who was sitting in an armchair reading a book, looked up and smiled upon seeing him.
—Oh, welcome back, son —she said, setting the book aside—. How was it?
—It was go... —Aito began, but couldn't finish the sentence.
—Aito!
Calithia appeared out of nowhere, like a whirlwind of bright eyes, and planted herself in front of him with her hands on her hips.
—Naughty brother! —she exclaimed, frowning in an attempt to look angry—. How dare you go out without me?
Aito blinked, surprised by his sister's sudden appearance.
—It's just that I didn't see you, sister —he replied honestly—. I looked everywhere, but you weren't there.
—And what kind of lame excuse is that? —said Calithia, not buying his explanation—. Couldn't you come find me in my classes? The tutor understands if I tell him it's a family matter.
—Daughter —Cecilia intervened gently—, don't be angry with your little brother. It was a last-minute thing.
Calithia huffed, but her posture relaxed slightly. Aito, seeing an opportunity, decided to take advantage.
—So, sister —he said with a conciliatory smile—, what must I do to earn your forgiveness?
Calithia's eyes sparkled with mischief. She had been waiting for that question.
—Well, in that case, you have to...
—Hello, Aito! —interrupted a male voice from the entrance—. You're finally back!
Eliel entered the hall with a book under his arm and a wide smile on his face. Apparently, he had just finished his studies for the day and was looking for some conversation before dinner.
—That's right, brother Eliel —Aito replied, happy to see him.
But Calithia... Calithia was not happy.
She slowly turned toward her older brother, and her eyes flashed with the promise of a storm.
—Hey —Eliel said, noticing the intensity of her gaze—, why are you looking at me like that, little sister?
—And you dare ask me why I'm looking at you like that? —Calithia replied, in a voice that could freeze blood—. I had just gotten Aito to apologize to me, and I was going to ask him for something incredible, and YOU ruined it!
Eliel blinked, completely clueless.
—Huh? What did I ruin? —he asked, confused.
Cecilia, from her armchair, watched the scene with an amused smile. This promised to be interesting.
Aito, for his part, watched his siblings with a mixture of confusion and amusement. He didn't quite understand what was happening, but seeing Calithia so angry with Eliel was... entertaining.
—Don't hurt me, little sister! —Eliel exclaimed, retreating as Calithia advanced toward him with determination.
—It's too late for pleas, Eliel Greymont! —Calithia declared—. Prepare to pay for your interference!
And so, amidst laughter and mock screams, the three siblings began to run around the hall, chasing and dodging each other, filling the palace with a joy that no luxury or title could buy.
Cecilia watched them, her heart full of gratitude. Her family. Her home. Her life.
And as Eliel ran desperately, Calithia chased him mercilessly, and Aito laughed heartily at the spectacle, the queen knew, with absolute certainty, that she would not trade this moment for anything in the world.
Thank you, she thought, looking at the ceiling, at that capricious destiny that had given her everything she had ever dreamed of. Thank you for this family. Thank you for this love. Thank you for everything.
The sun set on the horizon, the stars began to appear in the sky, and the royal palace was once again filled with laughter, with light, with life.
As it should be.
As it always would be.