Narrator:
The golden rays of the setting sun had long faded, replaced by the soft glow of torches lining the grand halls of the palace. After leaving the throne room, Princess Yumehime walked down the corridors, her heart still heavy with her father's reprimand. She tried to push away the thoughts, but the stern look on King Henry's face refused to leave her mind.
As she entered the family quarters, her mother, Queen Eleanor, and her younger brother, Prince Leo, sat together in the sitting room. Queen Eleanor was embroidering while Leo, still energetic despite the late hour, was playing with a wooden sword.
Leo was the first to notice her, his eyes lighting up as he saw his sister approach.
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Leo:
"Hime! You're back!" he called out, jumping to his feet. "Did Father say anything about the man you found?"
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Narrator:
Yumehime forced a smile and ruffled Leo's hair.
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Yumehime:
"Not yet, Leo. Father needs to know more before he can make any decisions."
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Narrator:
Queen Eleanor, however, was more perceptive. She raised her head from her embroidery and studied Yumehime's face, her eyes narrowing slightly.
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Queen Eleanor:
"Yumehime, what's wrong? You look troubled, dear."
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Narrator:
Yumehime hesitated for a moment before answering, but her mother's gentle yet firm gaze prompted the truth.
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Yumehime:
"Father scolded me for going near the river again," she admitted quietly.
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Narrator:
Leo, always curious, stopped swinging his toy sword and looked up at her with wide eyes.
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Leo:
"Why would he scold you for that? You weren't alone, were you?"
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Yumehime:
"Of course not. Sir Edward was with me the whole time. But Father thinks it's dangerous, and... he's right. He's just worried."
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Narrator:
Queen Eleanor set her embroidery down, her face thoughtful yet calm.
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Queen Eleanor:
"Your father worries because he loves you, Yumehime," she said softly. "You're his only daughter, and the kingdom depends on you. It's not just about your safety—it's about the responsibilities you carry."
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Narrator:
Yumehime sighed and sat down next to her mother, feeling the weight of those responsibilities pressing on her.
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Yumehime:
"I know, Mother, but sometimes it feels like I can't do anything without everyone worrying. It was just a walk by the river, and then… that man appeared."
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Narrator:
Queen Eleanor reached out and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind Yumehime's ear.
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Queen Eleanor:
"Your father carries the weight of this kingdom on his shoulders. He must always consider the dangers—both seen and unseen." She paused, giving her daughter a knowing look. "But that doesn't mean he loves you any less. He simply wishes to protect you."
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Narrator:
Leo, still standing nearby with his wooden sword, crossed his arms and pouted.
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Leo:
"I don't think it's fair, hime. You're the bravest person I know. You even found a man in the river!" He waved his sword dramatically. "If I were king, I'd let you go wherever you wanted!"
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Narrator:
Yumehime couldn't help but laugh, her brother's fierce loyalty warming her heart.
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Yumehime:
"Thank you, Leo," she said, pulling him into a hug. "But you might understand more when you're older."
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Narrator:
Queen Eleanor smiled softly at their exchange, then turned to Yumehime with a more serious tone.
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Queen Eleanor:
"Did your father say anything more about the man you found?"
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Yumehime:
"Not much. Sir Edward is making sure he's taken care of, and Father wants to speak to him when he wakes. But no one knows who he is yet."
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Narrator:
Queen Eleanor's brow furrowed slightly, but she didn't press the issue further.
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Queen Eleanor:
"Very well. For now, you should rest. Tomorrow may bring more answers."
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Narrator:
Yumehime nodded, rising from her seat.
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Yumehime:
"I will. Goodnight, Mother. Goodnight, Leo."
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Narrator:
As she left the room and made her way to her chambers, Yumehime's thoughts returned to the stranger in the river. Her father's scolding may have stung, but her curiosity remained unshaken. Who was he, and why had he appeared in their kingdom? She would find out soon enough.