“Finally... we're back,” Dame Aisha sighed, her voice carrying both relief and nostalgia as she stood near the ship’s railing. The salty breeze of the open sea tugged at her cloak, and in the far distance, the hazy outline of the desert isnd slowly emerged from the horizon.

  Though the trip had only sted a month in the capital, the return felt like a long-awaited homecoming. “It was just a month away, but it feels like forever,” she added with a smile, eyes narrowing slightly against the sun.

  She turned to gnce at the man standing behind her. The wind caught his cloak just as he stepped forward, his features calm, but his eyes held a flicker of warmth and nerves.

  “Hard to believe your married man now, huh, Vice Captain?” she said pyfully, nudging him with her elbow.

  John chuckled and ran a hand through his short, wind-tossed hair. “Yeah... Honestly, I was anxious the whole time. I kept worrying that Her Highness wouldn’t allow Katrina to join me here in Jo.”

  Dame Aisha tilted her head and gave him a reassuring look. “Come on, Vice Captain John. She’s your wife now—your family. Of course Her Highness would let her come.”

  He nodded, smiling a little more genuinely now. “You’re right. I guess I should’ve had more faith in Her Highness. She might talk tough, but she really does care for her people.”

  Aisha let out a light ugh, one hand on her hip. “Are you sure about that?” she teased. “From what I know, she always says, ‘I’m only protecting my possessions.’ She treats her people like treasured weapons. valuable, yes, but still possessions.”

  John ughed along with her, though a trace of thoughtfulness remained in his eyes. “Maybe... but even weapons need care to remain sharp. And I’ve never seen her let harm come to a single one of us without retribution.”

  A smirk tugging at the corner of Aisha’s lips. “Still, it’s good to be back. Even if our master rules like a dragon guarding her hoard, at least we’re the hoard she won’t let anyone steal.”

  The desert isnd drew nearer with every wave, its towering dunes and red-stone cliffs beginning to take clearer shape. Familiar banners fluttered in the wind from the buildings, welcoming them home.

  Aisha’s smile widened. “Jo may be harsh... but it’s home.”

  Second Grand Meeting Hall – South Wing, Imperial Pace, Capital of Ancorna

  Serena held her porcein teacup delicately, her eyes thoughtful as she sipped the blend of spiced hibiscus and mint. "So... Father boxed her in," she said finally, breaking the silence. "He gave Ravenna an official order of expansion."

  Across from her, Non leaned back in his chair, zily crunching into a honey-gzed biscuit. He swallowed before replying, "He’s trying to prevent a civil war. If Ravenna dared to attack the coastal towns just to open trade routes, the nobles backing Landon and William would have every justification to mobilize their forces. It would turn political friction into full-blown barbaric war ."

  “I know that,” Serena muttered, pcing her cup down a little too forcefully. "But right now, we're just sitting ducks—stalling while our siblings consolidate their strength. We need to act or we’ll lose all momentum."

  Non raised an eyebrow and reached for another biscuit. “I don’t know about you, Serena, but I’ve already got a way to carve out a faction of my own.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “What are you talking about?”

  Pushing his chair back with a smooth scrape, Non rose to his feet, adjusting the cuffs of his finely embroidered coat. His voice was calm, almost too calm. “Just like Landon suggested... I think it’s better we all stop pretending to work together. We're rivals in a succession war, not comrades at a tea party.”

  Serena stood as well, her voice rising with disbelief. “We all agreed that Ravenna is the worst possible candidate for the throne! She’s reckless, arrogant, self-centered- framing her for Mother’s death wasn’t exactly a minor betrayal!”

  Non’s smile faded slightly, repced by a calcuting expression. “And yet, despite all our effort, she's back. Reinstated as fifth in line. Just like that. The nobles didn’t even hesitate.”

  He began walking toward the door, each step echoing through the hall. “I’m turning thirty this year, Serena. Father still hasn’t named a successor. I’ve been patient long enough. I won’t keep pying safe while the rest of you gamble your pieces across the board.”

  “You’re starting your own faction?!” Serena shouted after him, her voice bouncing off the marble walls. “We both agreed that dividing the loyalties of the empire’s subjects was a fool’s game—it weakens the very foundation we need to rule!”

  Non paused at the threshold, gnced over his shoulder, and gave her a sideways grin. “Yes. We agreed. And?”

  With that, he stepped through the towering doors, leaving Serena standing alone amidst the quiet ctter of tea and ambition.

  Port of Jo City – Jo Isnd

  The sun cast a golden glow over the bustling port of Jo, its rays dancing across the calm sea as gulls cried overhead. The salty breeze rolled in from the ocean, fluttering banners bearing the sigil of Jo isnd.

  Alice stood at the forefront, her posture upright, expression composed despite the growing anticipation. Beside her were Hughes, Sarah, and the rest of the key administrative officials. Behind them, the High Priest James stood solemnly with a dozen robed priests, their ceremonial staves in hand. A dozen armored knights stood at attention, swords sheathed but eyes alert. All had gathered to witness the moment.

  The ship’s sails rippled as it docked, its pnk lowered with practiced ease. A hush fell over the crowd as the figure they had waited for emerged from the vessel—her presence commanding, her steps purposeful.

  Ravenna descended onto the port with a poise that made the gathered staff instinctively lower their heads.

  “Welcome back, Your Highness!” they greeted in unison, their voices echoing across the harbor.

  Ravenna gave a slight nod, her expression unreadable yet undeniably regal. “It’s good to be back,” she replied, her voice carrying the weight of both exhaustion and authority.

  Her eyes found Alice, who stepped forward to greet her more personally. But before she could speak, Ravenna continued, “Prepare a full briefing on the current state of the city. I want it ready in my office... after I’ve rested.”

  Without another word, Ravenna turned and walked toward the carriage that stood waiting nearby, its polished surface reflecting the midday sun. Behind her followed Marie, trying to keep pace.

  Alice gave a small, respectful bow. “Yes, The bath has already been prepared. You can rex the moment you arrive,” she said, allowing a warm smile to break through her professional demeanor.

  As Ravenna stepped into the carriage, the door closed behind her with a gentle thud. The crowd began to disperse slowly, their hearts steady with a shared thought—the mistress of Jo isnd had returned.

  Read 12+ Chapters by becoming a Patron: 116. A Real Family