A week after leaving the palace, the young mother still lay in a room at a nearby inn. Weakened by the undernourishment of the past month, she had not yet opened her eyes. A healer had been summoned to tend her, and she was slowly regaining strength.

  Owen watched over her day and night, never leaving her side. He feared every knock at the door, probing the minds of those who entered to ensure their intentions were pure.

  The room was warm and bright. The muffled sound of a bowed string instrument drifted in from the street below, mingling with the scents of incense and medicine in the air.

  The young mother awoke slowly. Her breathing deepened and evened out, the fragrances filling her nostrils, her heartbeat quickening slightly. She caught the faint strains of distant music. Opening her eyes, she scanned her surroundings in silence, wary, bracing herself for any unpleasant surprise.

  Her gaze fell on a small figure with silver hair and bright eyes. She flinched. But seeing it was her son, her expression softened with relief.

  “Owen? Are you alright? Where are we?” she whispered.

  “Safe. Mom, I’m so glad to see you…” Owen replied with a soft smile.

  The young mother drew a deep breath and studied him closely. It felt as if she were waking from a long nightmare… or perhaps it was still a dream.

  “Me too, darling… But… what happened?”

  “We left the palace. Don’t worry.”

  Incredulous, she furrowed her brow.

  “H-How is that possible? What did you do?”

  “I told you I would save you. I kept my promise.”

  “But didn’t His Majes… your father come looking for you?”

  Owen shook his head.

  “It’s complicated. But he allowed us to leave.”

  Her eyes widened. It seemed impossible. She tried to sort her thoughts in silence.

  “Owen… do you think… he had it all planned?”

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  He said nothing. His gaze slid toward the floor, his jaw tight; a shiver ran down his shoulders before he let out a brief sigh.

  “I… I don’t want to talk about it.”

  After a moment, she slowly raised a trembling hand and gently caressed her son’s cheek. She smiled.

  “You’ve grown so much.”

  A wave of relief swept over her, tears gathering at the corners of her eyes. Owen moved closer and sat beside her, holding her in his arms. Long minutes passed as they remained entwined, savoring the moment of reunion.

  Still cautious, they exchanged glances, communicating without words.

  Finally, Owen broke the silence.

  “Everything is fine now, Mom,” he murmured. “I’ll never leave you alone again. But… it’s not over. Once you’re stronger, we’ll leave.”

  “Where? Where do you want to go?” she asked, curious.

  “In my readings and lessons… I’ve heard of a place… a place for people like us.”

  She tilted her head, intrigued.

  “People like us?”

  “Like Father and me. A place where we’ll both be safe. But it’s a bit far…”

  She pondered his words, watching him silently for a moment.

  “Alright, darling. I trust you. I’ll follow you wherever you wish. I don’t care where it is, as long as it’s far from here.”

  Owen smiled and took her hand.

  “Can I ask you something?” he said.

  “Yes?” she replied, her voice unsteady.

  “Your name… it’s Cerena, right?”

  “I… Your father called me that once…”

  “It’s a beautiful name. Truly a princess’s name!”

  Blushing, she answered,

  “If you really think so… then I accept it.”

  It took a few more days for her to almost fully recover. Only then did Owen and Cerena set out for distant lands, where they could live in peace…

  ???

  Elsewhere, at the heart of the palace, a man with silver hair sat motionless on his throne. Nothing betrayed his thoughts, save for the faintest shadow of a smile brushing his lips. His golden eyes scanned the darkness, watching the future.

  He had let his son go.

  When the time came, their paths would cross again.