A fierce pride swells in my chest. Today, the man I love finally chose himself. He stood up for me, but more importantly, he stood up for his own future. He finally learned that he doesn’t have to carry the weight of the world on his own.
My gaze shifts to the helicopter resting in the lower field, its rotors still and silent. It’s a stark reminder that this peace is a temporary bubble. Soon, we’ll have to return to London. To the fallout. To the consequences.
That’s when the gravity of the day finally settles into my bones. Kaori Minami, the quiet engineer, hasn’t just been revealed—she’s been transformed. In her place stands the Princess Sorahino. I’ve spent years trying to keep those two lives in separate boxes, but today, those boxes shattered. Maybe they were never as separate as I thought.
I study my reflection in the windowpane. Electric-blue glasses. Messy ponytail. A faint smear of grease on my cheek from where Theo touched me. I look like myself. The same woman I’ve been for the last twenty-two years. Just sharper.
Footsteps approach softly behind me.
“You all right, kiddo?” Leon asks.
“Mm-hmm,” I murmur, though the sound comes out thin. “It’s just been a very long day. And I’m dreading what happens when we go back to London.
Leon expression softens the way it always does when he’s about to give advice I didn’t know I needed. “You don’t have to fix everything the moment you land,” he says. “Take care of yourself and let your people handle the rest.”
“My people?” I echo.
“Uh-huh.” He lifts a brow. “Theo. Me. And the small army of very competent individuals at the embassy, the palace, and whoever the rest of your family has tucked away in their royal toolkit.”
I laugh. “I’m not used to having people.”
“Well, you do,” Leon says simply. “And remember, they’re all on your side.”
“I will,” I tell him with a smile.
Twenty-Five
Derrick
We just heard the news.
Andy
Amaya says we’re not allowed to form a rebellion during business hours, but after five, I’m flexible.
Kaori
Appreciate you checking in. But I’ve got this.
Leon
She’s a regular Princess Leia.
Leon Billings has added Theo Riverton to the chat.
Andy
HELLO, SIR.
Derrick
Uh. Hi.Welcome.
Leon
Thought it was time you were looped in.
Theo
