CHAPTER 72: AFTER THE LANTERNS, BEFORE THE STORM

She nodded, gently sliding the note into her pocket.

"I’ll tell you later."

Lucien raised a brow from a distance but said nothing.

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡

At sunset, everyone gathered for the floating lantern release.

A sea of paper lights glowed soft hues of gold, pink, and pale silver. Each one held a blessing, a memory, or a secret.

Evelisse’s lantern read:

"To all the things I don’t understand yet. I’m trying."

As she released it, her fingers brushed the side of the boat.

The paper lantern drifted away, glowing a soft blush-gold, joining hundreds more that floated across the dusky lake like quiet prayers made of fireflies. She watched it sway, rise slightly on a breeze, then settle among the rippling reflections. Music played faintly in the distance—chimes, flutes, and the rustle of silk robes.

Snugglewuff yawned beside her and curled up on a cushion. Fluffy hovered above, quiet for once, eyes wide and solemn.

"Princess," Fluffy murmured. "You okay?"

’Mm.’ Evelisse hugged her knees to her chest, voice soft. ’I think so. I don’t know what the note meant. But I feel like... someone knows more than I do. And they’re watching.’

Fluffy hesitated. "Do you want to go back to the villa? The fireworks are next."

She shook her head. ’I’ll join them in a minute. I just... need to breathe.’

A voice called gently from behind. "Evelisse?"

It was Marcus, dressed in dark sapphire robes trimmed in silver thread. His usual playful grin was softer tonight.

She perked up and turned. "Brother Marcus!"

He offered a hand. "Fancy a walk?"

She took it, grateful. Together they strolled a narrow boardwalk lined with glowing shells and blossom lanterns. Fireflies flitted past, and the sounds of music and laughter grew more distant.

"You did well today," Marcus said quietly. "I know things feel heavy, but you made it through."

Evelisse looked down. "I still feel like I ruined something."

"You didn’t," he said firmly. "And you’re not alone, Evelisse. We’ve all seen strange things in this world. I saw a lizard eat a spellbook once."

That earned a snort.

Marcus continued, "If it helps... what do you miss most about home? Once we get back to our castle?"

Her nose crinkled with thought. "I miss Marta. She always braided my hair like a jellyroll bun. And Madam Hildegarde! She scolds like she’s sword-fighting. And the knights! They let me polish their armor even though I get distracted. And—and—and Chef Bruno’s triple chocolate swirl cookies! He makes them shaped like baby dragons!"

Marcus chuckled. "Someone’s still a little foodie."

She pouted. "I’m not *little.* I’m seven and three quarters! And food is important!"

"You’re right. Without your cookie critique, the royal kitchen would fall into chaos."

"Exactly!"

He paused, then crouched to her level. "You’re the bravest girl I know."

Her eyes blinked up at him, then narrowed playfully. "Is there another seven-year-old you know personally?"

"Hmmm... no. But even if I knew a hundred, you’d still be my favorite."

She grinned and flung her arms around him in a tight hug. Marcus wrapped her up gently.

Fluffy, watching from a blossom branch, breathed a tiny sigh of relief. ’She needed that.’

"Feel better?" Marcus asked softly.

She nodded. "Much."

Unseen behind a cluster of trees, a figure lingered in silence.

Lucien.

His eyes were fixed on them, unreadable.

The hug had been too serious. The looks exchanged too loaded. Something about the quiet between them didn’t feel like a regular sibling moment. The air between Marcus and Evelisse hadn’t been just gentle comfort—it had been steeped in something heavier.

’What are they not telling me?’ he thought. ’What does Marcus know that I don’t?’

And more importantly—should he have doubled the guards in the northern wing? Should he have placed a second invisible perimeter around their little sister?

He hated this silence.

She’d looked at Marcus like she trusted him with a world of secrets. And while Lucien didn’t resent his younger brother for that bond, it... stung. Just a little.

’Have I become so cold?’ he wondered. ’So buried in my crown prince duties that she’d rather share her fears with Marcus than me?’

He didn’t realize his fist had tightened until a silver button on his cuff dug into his palm.

Lucien said nothing, though. He lingered a moment longer, then turned, cloak trailing behind him as he disappeared into the soft lights of the floating lanterns.

He didn’t speak of it.

But he was thinking. Deeply.

’Why did they look like that? What aren’t they saying?’ he thought, adjusting the ceremonial pin on his collar.

He had work to finish. But more than that—he had a decision to make.

If she wouldn’t come to him... maybe it was time he came to her.

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡

The next morning came too quickly.

The skies were painted with warm streaks of honey and coral, dew clinging to the leaves.

The entire duchy had assembled outside the lakeside gates—nobles, servants, shopkeepers, children clutching handwoven flowers. The royal family stood on a raised platform beside their carriage, surrounded by crystal lights and wreaths of ivy and starglow.

The Duchess herself, radiant in robes of dusk lavender and pearl-threaded sleeves, stepped forward and bowed low before King Aldric and Queen Seraphina.

"Your Majesties," she said, her voice carrying across the courtyard, "our duchy has never known such joy as we’ve known these past weeks. You have honored us beyond measure, and we will carry your visit in our hearts for generations to come."

She looked toward the seven royal children with soft eyes.

The Duchess smiled, then turned to Evelisse. She knelt to her level.

"And you, little starlight," she said, gently brushing Evelisse’s hair behind her ear, "brought more joy to this land than you may ever understand. You have been a beacon to our people. Your kindness, your charm, and your sincere delight reminded us of the beauty of innocence and strength of character. We thank you. We thank you all.""

Evelisse bowed respectfully, hands clasped in front of her. "Thank you, Duchess. This place is full of magic... and kindness. I will remember it with all my heart."

The Duchess laughed softly. "As we will remember you."

Evelisse gasped as petals rained from above—illusion-cast roses and moonblossoms, a swirl of color and shimmer as the crowd erupted in a spontaneous blessing of affection.

She blinked. Her throat caught.

"They really... liked us," she whispered.

"They loved you," Marcus corrected, smiling down at her. "Especially you."

She clutched his hand tighter. "This is the best goodbye ever."

"Then let’s remember it."

There were sniffles from the crowd. A few handkerchiefs waved.

Evelisse felt heat flood her cheeks. She tightened her grip on Marcus’ hand, her other one still holding her satchel where Pebbleton rested. Snugglewuff wagged his tail beside her, proudly posing in his lavender farewell scarf.

The farewell carriage shimmered—a magical construct built of floating crystals and gilded magic wheels that sparkled faintly with the family crest of Ashthorne. It hummed with gentle energy, glowing in hues of soft sunlight and spring green.

As the family began boarding, Evelisse heard it—cheers.

Thunderous, heartfelt, emotional.

Hundreds of voices rose from the gathered crowd:

"Long live the King and Queen!"

"Bless the Princess of Florabelle!"

"Return soon!"

"I’ll miss her floofy dog!"

"Long live the brave baby fluff-mage!"

Evelisse clutched Marcus’ sleeve.

"Do we have to go?"

He leaned down and gave her a reassuring smile. "We’ll come back someday. I promise."

She hesitated, then gave a nod and climbed inside.

He helped her into the carriage, where the other brothers were already finding their spots—Lucien silent in the corner, Jared grinning from ear to ear, Callum sketching the crowd with charcoal.

As the carriage lifted into the air, magic wheels spinning slowly, Evelisse curled up beside Marcus, cheeks flushed with emotion.

She felt a yawn coming.

Her head dipped slightly against his sleeve.

Marcus looked down, gently shifting his arm to cradle her more comfortably. "Sleep, baby bean," he murmured. "We’ll be home soon."

She murmured something incoherent, then drifted off—curled up in Marcus’ lap, Snugglewuff curled at her feet, Fluffy hovering protectively near the window.

Lucien watched from across the carriage.

His face was unreadable.

But his eyes were soft now.

’I need to be better,’ he thought quietly. ’If she’s afraid of me—or too intimidated to talk—I need to change that. I’ve been too distant. Too focused on duty.’

He closed his eyes.

’Next time, little star... trust me.’