Ophelia had fallen into a deeper slumber than anticipated. She didn't think the journey had tired her out to this extent. The only thing that woke her up briefly was the shouting outside of the carriage doors. Through blurry vision, she heard bright cheering.
"Praise be with the sun, His Highness, Prince Everest of Helios Empire has come back."
"It's the Second Prince! He has returned!"
"Welcome back, second Prince!"
Seeing as it was no big deal, Ophelia went back to sleep. The last thing she heard and thought about was the tightening of a grip on her waist. Then, the murmurs filled the air.
"Is that—"
"It really is!"
"Oh my god, it's Alpha Mavez… What in the world is happening to our empire for him to be here?"
- - - - -
