Standing just inside the gates of Dunstead’s palace, Rhett looked out over the city as the sun rose from the east. He took a deep breath, smelling the faint scent of ash still lingering in the air. He exhaled slowly with a sigh, more out of relief than weariness.

  Today, him and his family were finally leaving Dunstead. Leaving behind what remained of Drurus, and returning home to Sylvaris.

  Behind him, the courtyard was busy. Servants moved around, securing the last of the chests and saddling the horses. Soldiers yelled out to one another, doing the final safety checks before they left.

  But it wasn’t just Rhett who was leaving Dunstead. Mathias, Kenna, Zayn, and Yasir were going home as well. Jesup and Aliyah were staying behind as planned to help with the vassal king’s transition and rebuilding efforts. However, the unexpected change in plans was Ashur, who had chosen to remain.

  Not for a few weeks, like Jesup and his wife. No—Ashur had made it clear he intended to stay in Dunstead for months, perhaps longer. He had spoken of wanting to discover who he was, and after helping Rhett with the war against Drurus, he realized that he couldn’t find it back at his parents’ nest. By staying behind, he hoped for a chance to stretch his wings—as he put it—and find his place in the world.

  Rhett respected Ashur’s decision, but not everyone was happy about it. Kenna had been reluctant to let her second youngest go. She had pleaded, reasoned, even ordered him to come home with her. But in the end, Mathias had to quietly persuade her to let him stay. Still, the empress hadn’t taken it well. She barely slept the night before, and this morning wasn’t any better.

  Rhett glanced over his shoulder, looking back at the others. Kenna had her arms wrapped tightly around Ashur, with her face buried in his chest. The young prince looked mildly panicked, glancing from his brother to his father, as if begging to be rescued. But the sight was too amusing to watch—Kenna was small and petite compared to her sons. In theory, Ashur could have easily pulled away. However, he acted as if she were a wild bull clinging to him, too strong to shake off.

  Rhett chuckled to himself before looking toward Mathias, who spoke with Yasir or Zayn. Or rather, mostly with Yasir. The two men were close in age, yet they had rarely had the chance to meet with one another in the past. Their kingdoms were cordial, but without bordering territories, they rarely crossed paths. Now, however, they spoke like old friends.

  Knowing Mathias, Rhett was willing to bet he was inviting the Crown Father to join him on one of his hunting trips. Probably in the northern mountains of Vespera, where there was snow practically year-round.

  As Rhett’s gaze continued around the courtyard, he spotted Amara, standing with Jesup and Aliyah. The crown princess of Vespera was holding Lilibeth, using her dragon’s powers to create flowers on the tips of her fingers. She let the petals fall in front of the baby, floating down gently onto her little blanket. Lilibeth stared at the flowers with wide eyes, watching the various colors and shapes as they passed by.

  A voice beside Rhett pulled his attention away from his thoughts. He turned to his left and noticed Walden standing there, as if waiting for a response.

  “I’m sorry,” Rhett said, blinking as he shook his head. “I wasn’t listening.”

  “I said everything’s ready to go,” Walden repeated, gesturing toward the gates. “The soldiers are lined up, the horses are saddled, and the caravan is waiting just outside the city walls.”

  Rhett gave a small nod and turned to the nearby horses. The streets of Dunstead were still in shambles from the battle, and the roads weren’t in any shape to handle the carriages. So they had chosen to ride out on horseback.

  But even then, they had to be smart about it. With so many people needing to leave the palace and reach the outer gates, the narrow roads would become impassable if flooded by riders. Instead, they would ride in pairs, cutting the number of horses in half.

  Rhett brought two fingers to his lips, letting out a whistle.

  “Alright, everyone!” He called out. “Let’s get ready to move!”

  While others went to their horses, Rhett crossed the courtyard toward Jesup, Aliyah, and Amara. Jesup met him halfway and embraced him tightly.

  “I’m going to miss you, little brother,” he said, patting Rhett’s back. “Even if it was for war, I’m glad we spent the last few weeks together.”

  “You’re welcome to visit Sylvaris anytime,” Rhett replied, wincing slightly as he stepped back from the crushing hug. “And I should resume my yearly visits to Vespera. It’s long overdue.”

  “Yeah, well—king or not, my mother won’t forgive you for skipping out on us for another two years,” Jesup smirked. He then turned to Amara, giving her a gentle hug and kissing her cheek. “It’s been a pleasure finally meeting the woman who stole Rhett’s heart.”

  Amara scoffed playfully as Aliyah handed her Lilibeth.

  “I didn’t steal anything. We’re mates, remember? He was going to love me no matter what.”

  “Maybe so,” Jesup said with a shrug. “But you’ve made him a better man, no question.”

  “That she did,” Rhett agreed as he reached over and pulled Aliyah into a hug. “Make sure Jesup behaves himself.”

  “Don’t worry,” the crown princess grinned. “I’ve got him under control. But you, take care of your beautiful wife and that little girl of yours. They deserve every bit of happiness fate allows.”

  “That they do,” Rhett murmured, watching Aliyah embrace Amara.

  The two women whispered to one another, and Rhett noticed the sudden blush on Amara’s cheeks as she nodded slightly.

  “What was that about?” He inquired, raising a curious brow.

  But before Amara could answer, Kenna and Mathias approached, followed by Ashur.

  “I see you finally pried yourself free of your mother’s grip,” Rhett smirked.

  Ashur rolled his eyes and nudged the Sylvaris king—hard enough to make him stumble. But as Rhett nearly fell, Ashur caught his arm to steady him. Rhett growled half-heartedly and shoved the prince back before pulling him into a quick hug.

  “If staying in Drurus isn’t to your liking, you’re always welcome to Sylvaris. I’m sure I could put you to work there.”

  “Or you could just come home,” Kenna interjected quickly.

  Ashur chuckled and looked away, avoiding her gaze.

  “I might have to take you up on that,” he murmured to Rhett.

  Eventually, after the last of the goodbyes, endless hugs, and farewell kisses were done, the little group broke up and mounted their horses.

  Rhett sat on an older stallion, and in front of him was Amara, leaning against his chest as she cradled Lilibeth. A soft wrap was tied around the mother and daughter, keeping the baby secure and close for their ride through the city.

  Rhett leaned forward, pressing his lips just beneath Amara’s ear.

  “Did I tell you how beautiful you looked this morning?” He murmured, looking down at the simple pink gown she wore.

  “I haven’t slept much in the last several days, my dress smells like milk,” Amara said, glancing back at him. “And apparently there’s a dragon drooling on my shoulder.”

  “Hmm, drooling is right,” he chuckled, kissing the skin at the base of her neck. “But can you blame us? Silas and I do love looking at you.”

  Heat crept up Amara’s neck, and she quickly turned her attention back to Lilibeth, smiling at herself.

  Nearby, Mathias had finally given up on waiting for Kenna and simply scooped her up by the waist, tossing her onto their horse.

  “Mathias!” Kenna scolded, swatting at him. “I was still talking to Jesup!”

  “You were taking too long,” he said smugly, climbing up behind her. “And don’t pretend you don’t love it when I throw you around.”

  “Only when no one’s watching,” she hissed, glaring at him as she adjusted herself in the saddle.

  “No one needed to know that,” Rhett muttered as he shifted his attention to the rest of the procession.

  Tristan stood nearby, holding the reins in his hand and letting his heavily pregnant wife have the saddle to herself. Molly Rose sat sideways, with one hand resting on her round belly and the other gripping the front horn for balance.

  “Are you sure you want to walk the whole way?” She questioned, frowning at Tristan.

  “My flower, I don’t think there’s room up there for you, me, and that baby in your belly,” he smirked.

  “Sure,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Just don’t trip and make a fool of yourself.”

  “Wouldn’t dream of it,” he retorted, giving her a mock bow.

  Just behind them were Zayn and Yasir, uncomfortably sharing a horse with one another. The Crown Father was still recovering from the battle, and Zayn insisted on keeping an eye on his father in case he suddenly grew weak.

  Kieran and Stella sat silently behind them, anxiously waiting to get back home to Sylvaris. Further back, Amara’s maids—along with her younger sister—shared mounts. Finley and Riley rode together, while Amara’s father, Westin, rode at the back of the line. He sat with Libby, keeping her calm as she held Adley in her arms. Behind them, a company of soldiers carried chests, bags, and crates—supplies packed for their trip.

  Once everyone was ready, Rhett held up his hand, signaling them to depart. The procession moved slowly through the city streets, and the sounds of hooves against cobblestone echoed through the air. Ruggeweyn soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder along either side of the road, acting as a wall of protection. Walden himself walked alongside Rhett’s horse, keeping his eyes on the crowds as they went through Dunstead.

  At first, the city was quiet. The people stood on their doorsteps, peering through windows, and gathering at the corners of alleyways. Many still wore soot-stained clothes or looked exhausted from many sleepless nights. Children stayed near their parents, and some of Drurus’s former soldiers cautiously stayed back.

  But then, a woman called out to them as they passed.

  “Thank you!”

  “You saved us!” Another added.

  With that, the people’s silence finally broke. Cheers spread slowly at first, growing louder as the procession went further into the city. People clapped, wept, and reached for the soldiers as they passed.

  “Bless you!”

  “Long live the king!”

  “Thank the gods that Arnav’s reign has ended!”

  Zayn sat tall in his saddle, raising a hand to wave, as if he were back in Riven among his own people. Yasir simply pinched the bridge of his nose, scowling at his son.

  “Show off,” he muttered under his breath.

  Ahead of them, Rhett kept his expression neutral, offering only simple nods. But when they passed a cluster of women, he couldn’t help but soften as they noticed Lilibeth.

  “Is that the queen on the front horse?” One questioned, pointing toward Rhett and Amara. “What’s that in her arms?”

  “It’s a baby!” Another shouted excitedly.

  “Is it a boy or girl, Your Majesties?”

  “A girl,” Rhett answered with a big grin.

  “Oh, bless the little princess!”

  Amara shifted slightly in the saddle, surprised by how excited the people seemed to be over the baby. Slowly, she moved the wrap, revealing more of Lilibeth’s face for the people to see.

  Beside them, Mathias and Kenna rode in silence. Their hands rested on the reins as they stared at the gathering crowds.

  “I don’t think I missed this,” Kenna eventually whispered. “Coming home after a war to people cheering…”

  “I don’t know,” Mathias murmured. “There’s something exhilarating about a warm welcome home after months of fighting. Makes you feel like a hero.”

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  “Not if that war nearly killed you,” she frowned, glancing over her shoulder at her husband.

  “But I didn’t die,” he grinned. “I mean, sure, I technically stopped breathing for a few minutes—but who’s counting?”

  “I was…” Kenna said dryly.

  “I know you were, little thorn,” Mathias sighed, wrapping an arm around her waist. “But look, I didn’t die… and I have you to thank for that.”

  “Did I ever tell you I sometimes regret saving you?” She questioned with a huff.

  “Every time you were pregnant, every time you were in labor, and every time I upset you,” he nodded wearily.

  “Good,” she whispered, smirking to herself.

  Once outside the city, the group kept going until they reached what remained of the military encampment. Most of Rhett’s forces had already started the long march home the day before—but they didn't go alone. Before they left, Rhett had ordered the release of the Sylvaris nobles from the dungeons of Dunstead Palace. He allowed them to live, despite their betrayals. However, they didn't go without punishment.

  They were stripped of their titles and lands before being forced to march with the army back home. As a final mercy, Rhett would allow each of them to return briefly to their estates—under a strict escort—to pack one trunk's worth of belongings. After that, they would never return.

  But not every noble had been granted freedom... Reece, the former Earl of Walford, was still rotting in the dungeons. Rhett had considered killing him for allowing Emmett to suffer. But all of the vengeance so far hadn't brought him peace. Willie...Myles...Kohen...none of their deaths had dulled the ache or filled the emptiness in his heart.

  Because of this, Reece was left where he was, where starvation would be his eventual death sentence. He was to be left in the dark with no food and given only a little bit of water so that he could experience the same slow, helpless decline Emmett had endured during his final weeks.

  Rhett's gaze turned to his few remaining companies still in Dunstead—all of Ruggeweyn's soldiers and a handful from Onlon. Vespera had already sent half of its men back home, with the rest remaining to help keep the peace in Dunstead for the next few weeks.

  The only army still fully present was Riven’s. Their soldiers stood at attention in the distance, waiting patiently. They would not leave until their king and Crown Father returned to lead them home.

  Rhett was the first to jump down from his horse before turning to help Amara dismount. She handed Lilibeth off to him first, then slid down beside him, adjusting the wrap before taking the baby back.

  Next to them, Mathias groaned as he dismounted, arching his back and stretching until something popped.

  “By the gods,” he muttered. “I feel like I’ve been in the saddle all day.”

  “Are you getting too old to ride a horse now?” Rhett teased with a smirk.

  “Look here, son,” Mathias grumbled, helping Kenna down from the saddle. “When you get to be my age, everything hurts. Hell, just thinking about all of the stairs I have back at home hurts.”

  “And the more battles you fight when you’re young, the worse it gets,” Yasir chimed in as he approached. “So get ready, Rhett. You’re in for a rough time in a few years.”

  “Only a few?” Rhett retorted before offering his hand to the Crown Father with a smile. “Thank you again for everything, Uncle. If it weren’t for you and Zayn sending Jadiel to Jux, I don’t think any of us would be standing here.”

  Yasir looked at Rhett’s hand, then pulled him into a tight embrace instead.

  “There’s no need to thank me,” he said softly. “I could say I did it for the land or some other ulterior motive. But truthfully? I did it for Yasmin. She would never let me be in my next life if I sat back and did nothing. And… it was simply the right thing to do.”

  Rhett nodded, touched by his uncle’s words. He then looked at his cousin, but Zayn was already shaking his head.

  “I’m not hugging you,” he declared, holding out a hand. “One sentimental old man in the family is enough.”

  “Fair enough,” Rhett chuckled as he shook it. “But still—thank you, Zayn. Truly.”

  The Riven king grinned before shifting his gaze to Amara and the baby. He stepped forward, gently taking Amara’s free hand and kissing her knuckles.

  “When things calm down in Sylvaris, come visit us in Riven. We’ll take you to the southern coast where we have white beaches and clear waters. You’d love it.”

  “Thank you,” Amara smiled, glancing between him and his father. “It was good meeting you both.”

  Zayn and Yasir then turned to Mathias and Kenna, exchanging handshakes and final words. Yasir kissed Kenna’s hand, and Zayn boldly kissed her cheek before stepping out toward a clearing.

  Tristan and Molly Rose approached the little group next to say their goodbyes.

  “Oh, my sweet boys,” Kenna said, pulling both Tristan and Rhett into a hug. “I’ll miss you both.”

  When she pulled back, the empress kissed both of their cheeks before turning to Amara, the baby, and Molly Rose.

  “And I’ll miss the three of you,” Kenna sighed, carefully embracing the women one at a time. “I will write often, and when we can, I’ll come down to Sylvaris to visit you.”

  “Maybe after we travel to see Enki, we can stop for a few days,” Mathias added before leaning in to kiss Amara’s cheek. But before he could step back, Lilibeth wriggled in her mother’s arms, fussing slightly.

  “Ah, sorry, little one,” Mathis chuckled. “Did our goodbyes wake you?”

  “I think it’s about time for her to nurse again,” Amara murmured, glancing down at her chest with a sigh before looking at Rhett. “We might need to ask Libby if she can help.”

  “I’ll have her ride in the carriage with you and the other ladies,” Rhett said gently, nodding before shifting his attention to Mathias.

  The older man approached, saying nothing before pulling Rhett into a tight embrace.

  “You take care now,” Mathias whispered. “If you ever find yourself struggling—whether it’s with ruling or something more personal—don’t hesitate to come to me.”

  “I won’t,” Rhett murmured, feeling a tightness in his throat. He swallowed his emotions and moved back to Amara.

  Mathias then turned his attention to Tristan and Molly Rose, hugging them for a moment before stepping back. With one last nod of his head, Mathias led Kenna away from the others, toward the clearing where Zayn and Yasir waited.

  “Turn around,” Rhett whispered to Amara.

  She frowned at first, confused, but listened. Rhett glanced at the rest of the group and whistled, motioning for them to turn as well.

  Back out at the clearing, Zayn and Yasir began undressing. Mathias followed soon after, discarding his tunic and trousers. Within moments, ripples went through the air as the men began to shift.

  Zayn was the first to change into his dragon, stretching out his light blue scales before turning to his army. He let out a loud roar that echoed across the field, then shot upward into the sky, followed closely by Yasir. With their king and Crown Father in the air, the Riven soldiers moved out, heading toward home.

  After Mathias shifted, he remained on the ground, wrapping his dark blue wings around Kenna. It created a private shelter where she could undress without the soldiers watching. A few moments later, a bright light shot out from behind his wings, and a gold dragon formed across the ground.

  Rhett smiled, finally turning Amara around so she could see them. But the moment her eyes landed on Kenna, she gasped.

  “She’s beautiful…”

  Rhett nodded, but he was soon distracted by the baby in her arms. Lilibeth wasn’t crying. Even after Zayn’s roar and the sounds of the dragons launching into the sky, she was calm. Her eyes were wide, staring toward Mathias and Kenna’s dragons.

  On the other hand, Adley was wailing in Libby’s arms only several feet away.

  Out of curiosity, Rhett gently lifted Lilibeth from Amara’s arms and stepped toward the dragons. Mathias turned his head toward them, but it was Kenna who stepped forward first. She lowered her snout, stopping just inches from them.

  Rhett stepped in closer, carefully lifting Lilibeth’s tiny hand to brush against the golden scales. The baby was too young to laugh or babble, but her gaze was focused on the dragon—at least as much as a six-week-old could be.

  “You like the dragons, huh?” Rhett murmured, smiling down at his daughter. “Just wait until Silas is strong enough for me to shift again. You’re going to love him.”

  Kenna’s dragon let out a low, amused snort—almost like a chuckle—as she stepped back. Mathias approached next, lowering his head to them. He paused for a moment, just staring at the child. But when Lilibeth only blinked up at him with the same wide-eyed expression, he moved closer and gave them both a quick lick.

  “Oh, come on, Ozai!” Rhett growled, wiping the dragon’s drool off his cheek and Lilibeth’s face. “Really?”

  A rumble went through the dragon’s chest before turning toward the pile of their belongings. A few soldiers moved in to help, looping the net full of chests over Ozai’s claws. Once secured, the men stepped back.

  The dragon beat his wings several times before taking off into the sky. Kenna went up just a moment later, with little sparks of electricity crackling around her with each flap of her wings.

  Amara stepped up beside Rhett, taking Lilibeth back into her arms.

  “She really wasn’t scared at all,” she whispered.

  “Perhaps she’s just too young to be frightened by them,” Rhett replied, watching the dragons as they flew toward the north.

  After a minute, he began to usher Amara off to the side, where their caravan of carriages were waiting. He helped her into the first one, holding Lilibeth until Amara was settled, before handing her back the baby. Molly Rose and Stella climbed in after her, sitting on the cushioned seat across from the queen. Libby was the last to enter, cradling a still-sniffling Adley against her chest.

  Rhett closed the door gently, then turned and scanned the rest of the caravan. The remaining women and attendants were helped into their carriages one by one. Soldiers secured the trunks, checked the horses, and signaled when ready. Behind him, Tristan, Walden, and Kieran were already mounted on horses, talking amongst themselves.

  After confirming that everyone was accounted for, Rhett mounted his own horse. He looked toward the soldiers, giving them a nod. With a soft click and nudge of his heels, he led the procession forward. The caravan moved behind him, traveling slowly to the north toward the Lotus Marshlands.

  When they left Dunstead, it was just after mid-morning, but by the time they reached the docks, it was nearly nightfall. After giving everyone the chance to stretch their legs and eat a quick dinner, they loaded up onto the boats.

  Chests and trunks were offloaded from the carriages and secured onto the barges. The Vespera soldiers who had driven the carriages turned back, returning to the capital. The two dozen horses Rhett and his men had ridden were passed to some of his scouts, who would ride along the water’s edge to keep an eye on things from land.

  By the time the moon rose in the sky, the boats pushed off from shore and began making their way through the swampy waters.

  The journey lasted three days, and they only stopped once to restock water and to let everyone get a break from the boats. Surprisingly, it had been a smooth trip, with Lilibeth and Adley rarely crying. The movement on the waters was barely noticeable, and the babies had spent most of the time either sleeping or in their mothers’ arms.

  On the third afternoon, the boats docked along a rocky riverbank near the Nocktal Mountains. They were an hour east of Jux, but Rhett wouldn’t be going there today, or at least for some time. He and everyone else were eager to return to Casshire, where they could rest before getting back to rebuilding and ruling over two kingdoms.

  Another caravan of carriages waited along the dirt road by the bridge, along with two men standing off to the side. One of those men was Joel, who stood with his arms crossed as he watched the boats approach. Beside him was a thin man wearing clothes that looked too big for his body.

  “Archie?” Libby gasped the moment she saw her husband from the boat.

  Still clutching Adley to her chest, she rushed across the deck, barely waiting for soldiers to put down the plank before hurrying off the boat. Archie ran off the bridge, meeting her halfway on the dock, catching her in his arms.

  Libby sobbed into his shoulder, holding him with one arm while trying not to drop Adley with the other. Archie pressed kisses to her face and head as tears fell down his cheeks.

  “Gods,” he choked out, moving Libby’s hair away from her face. “You’re here… I can’t… I can’t believe it. And… is that…Adley?”

  “It is,” Libby nodded as she turned their daughter to face him.

  Archie blinked hard, stunned by how big she was.

  “I can’t believe how much I’ve missed,” he whispered, taking the child in his arms. “She was just a few days old the last time I saw her…”

  By then, Rhett and Amara had disembarked the boat and approached the reunited couple. Rhett gave them a moment before clearing his throat. Libby turned quickly, still teary-eyed, before straightening her back.

  “Your Majesties… this is my husband—Archie.”

  The man looked up and was startled when he noticed the royal couple. He quickly bowed to them before taking a cautious step back.

  “Your Majesties,” he echoed softly.

  Rhett stared at him before glancing toward Joel, then back at Archie.

  “So, you were in Jux during the siege?”

  “Yes, sire,” Archie said, swallowing hard. “I-I had been a blacksmith who had marched with Drurus's army. Fixing armor, horseshoes, weapons—anything they could shove at me.”

  “And when the battle turned against them, what happened with you?”

  “Everything happened so quickly,” he replied with furrowed brows. “I had been in the city working a forge, and didn’t even know a fight was happening until probably partway through. And by the time I made it out into the streets, the army was already retreating.”

  “And they left you?” Rhett inquired curiously. “It seems like a blacksmith would be one of the most important people to take.”

  “I guess I wasn’t fast enough,” Archie shrugged. “And I can assure you, they didn’t care about me. I mean, look at me. I’ve lost so much of the muscle needed to do my job, and it wasn’t because I was underfed as your prisoner. I was underfed as their blacksmith.”

  Libby looked at Rhett nervously, biting her bottom lip.

  “I already told you that they took him from our home without giving him a choice,” she said, trying to stand up to the dragon king, though there was a noticeable tremor in her voice. “My husband isn’t a bad man or evil like those soldiers. He’s a good man… I swear it.”

  However, Rhett’s expression was unreadable. There was no hint of approval or anger on his face, which only made Libby more anxious.

  “Tell me, Archie…” Rhett said, turning his attention back to the young man. “Are you any good at blacksmithing?”

  “I’m not the best at making things from scratch,” Archie admitted hesitantly. “But I can repair anything that’s metal—especially armor. I know how to reinforce weak joints, patch dents, reshape blades…”

  “I’m surprised the Drurus army didn’t keep you close. You seem quite useful,” Rhett said dryly. However, after a moment of tense silence, the young king nodded. “You’ll need to work, of course. To pay off your part in the war.”

  Archie’s back stiffened, and his arms tightened slightly around Adley, but he nodded without hesitation.

  “I understand… I’ll accept any punishment you deem fit, Your Majesty.”

  “You’ll be paid, of course,” Rhett continued with a small teasing smile. “And housed in the palace. Libby is my daughter’s nursemaid after all. Seems only right that her husband joins her in Casshire.”

  “Wait… what?” Archie blinked.

  “You’re not in trouble,” Rhett said as his expression finally softened. “But we could use a good smith—and I’m offering you a job, not giving you punishment. Would you take it?”

  “I—yes. Absolutely, yes!”

  Rhett extended his hand, and Archie stared at it before slowly reaching out to shake it. His eyes went wide in disbelief.

  “Look, Libby,” he whispered. “I’m shaking hands with a dragon king.”

  Libby laughed before quickly covering her mouth.

  After a few more words with Archie, Rhett turned to Joel, who was patiently waiting nearby. The young king brought Amara forward, gesturing to the baby in her arms.

  “Joel,” Rhett greeted warmly. He gently reached for the baby in Amara’s arms and presented her so Joel could see. “This is Lilibeth… our daughter.”

  Joel raised a brow, glancing at Rhett and Amara before stepping closer to look at the baby. He knew what had happened to the queen and how she couldn’t have more children. However, he wasn’t about to question how they had suddenly returned home with a baby. Instead, he simply smiled at the child.

  “Well now… hello, little princess,” he said before looking back at Rhett. “Congratulations. She’s beautiful.”

  “Thank you,” Rhett nodded. “We’re… we’re grateful. And hopeful. She will become the next queen of Sylvaris, and because of that, I have a favor to ask of you. Would you be willing to teach Lilibeth as she gets older? It would do her good to learn of the world beyond the walls of the palace—and the people within her kingdom.”

  “I’m not much of a teacher,” Joel stated firmly. “But I’d be honored to help improve Sylvaris’s future. Even if it means helping the little princess understand what life is really like for those under her.”

  Rhett chuckled before looking behind Joel, watching as the others gathered around the carriages. The young king placed a hand on Amara’s back before motioning for his advisor to follow.

  “How are things in Jux?”

  “Stable. Quiet for now,” Joel replied as he walked alongside them. “I’ve arranged things so I can come with you to Casshire for a few weeks.”

  “Good,” Rhett nodded. “That’ll give us time to review the many changes that have happened since we last saw one another.”

  But then he paused as they passed Walden, smiling as he handed Lilibeth back her mother. Amara continued to the carriages, leaving the men alone to talk.

  “One of those changes involves this man,” Rhett said, slapping Walden on the back. “I’ve named him as one of the two generals over my army. He will be setting a new military force in Jux—permanently.”

  “Is that so?” Joel raised a brow, glancing at Walden.

  “Hopefully, the two of you can go over logistics,” Rhett continued. “Especially before he gets too comfortable.”

  “Looking forward to working with you, old man,” Walden smirked. But before Joel could respond, Walden noticed something off with his soldiers, and he jogged away, yelling out orders as he went.

  Joel sighed dramatically before giving Rhett a blank stare.

  “If I must…”

  Rhett held back a laugh before ushering Joel to the bridge.

  “Come… We can talk about things until we make camp for the night.”