“It was my honor and my duty,” Cedric replied.
“And the woman who stood in her place?” the king asked, his gaze flicking to the empty space next to Cedric. “We wished to thank her as well.”
“She left this morning,” Cedric said, his tone formal despite the pang of regret piercing his heart. He handed one of the letters to the king. “Her brother could no longer bear to be without her.”
The king scanned the contents of the note and passed it to the queen. Her expression softened before settling on her daughter beside her. “I understand that sentiment.”
“It is a shame she is not here,” Princess Marianne said. “I wished to thank her in person. I owe her my life.”
“Yes,” the queen agreed. “She is a remarkable woman.”
“Is there something she would desire?” the king asked. “A gift we might send after her, besides what she was already granted?”
Cedric hesitated. “She doesn’t want for more, Your Majesty. All she wanted was a home and security.”
“So little?” the queen said more as a statement.
“It is everything and more to her, Your Majesty,” he said.
The king studied him. “And what wouldyoudesire, Captain Duval?”
That question pierced him deeper than any blade. The answer was not in riches, rank, or praise.
“Forgive me, Your Majesty,” he said carefully, “but I fear it is not something you can grant.”
A knowing sparkle passed between the queen and the king.
“We may yet surprise you,” the queen said gently.
Cedric stilled, his thoughts racing. What could they know?
“Love is the rarest treasure of all,” she continued. “And sometimes it only requires permission to cross boundaries.”
His face warmed despite himself. Had it truly been so obvious?
“Yes, Your Majesty,” he said, unsure of her meaning.
“What if I told you there may be a way for you to be with what your heart desires?” the queen asked.
His breath caught. Hope surged within him, uninvited but unstoppable.
Chapter twenty-nine
The carriage turned around the bend, revealing Nin’s new home.
A quiet cottage lay beyond the city, tucked beneath a canopy of trees saturated by the warm glow of the sun. The structure, built with white stone, was adorned with ivy and blossoms, while its open windows allowed the gentle scents of petrichor and pine to drift in. The thatched roof slanted downwards, with smoke gracefully curling from the chimney. A cobbled pathway led toward the wooden door, continuing around a small garden brimming with flowers and herbs.
Two wooden rocking chairs sat perpendicular to one another, perfectly framing the door. Upon one, a familiar figure rocked back and forth—their blond hair cut and combed into a popular style among country folk. The young man placed his foot down, halting his rocking as he stood when the carriage approached.
Alain!
The carriage wheels hadn’t begun their last roll over the loose gravel when Nin flung the door open. She raced up the path,heart beating out of her chest. Hot tears burned at the corners of her eyes when her brother met her halfway.
Their arms met and fiercely clung to each other. Tears fell, streaming down Nin’s cheeks as she relished his warmth and solid presence beneath her embrace, anchoring her to the moment, reminding her that this wasn’t a dream—he was real and alive.
Alive!
She silently sent a prayer of gratitude to the Maker for the miracle. His shoulders were broader, his build filled out and not hollowed by illness and hunger. The arms that came around her held more muscle and strength than he'd had in months.
