I took a deep breath, my gaze steady as I locked eyes with Leo, the weight of my decision hanging in the air like a thick fog.
"I have decided. I'm going to Nokturna."
The reaction was immediate and explosive. Lysander slammed his hands on the table, his voice rising in disbelief. "No! Did you even understand a—"
"Let me finish," I interjected, not allowing him to boil over. My voice was firm, but my heart raced. "For me, this place I lived in holds no more significance than Lys, Glenn, and the people I've met. Above all, I owe significant favors to Lys, favors I cannot fully repay. This choice isn't merely for the citizens of Aethorador; it extends to the very country that might declare war against us. If I marry the King of Nokturna, then no one will dare attack Aethorador. And even if a war should break out, I know Lys will defend us."
Both Leo and Lysander seemed taken aback, stunned into silence at my resolve. My heart was pounding in my chest, heavy with the weight of the decision I was making, but I held my ground. I couldn't let countless lives be put at risk because of my fears or hesitations.
'Perhaps this is the reason why I came to this world.'
I was suddenly enveloped in Lysander's embrace, and the tension in his body was palpable. "Nerina," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion, "you don't have to do this for me. You don't owe me anything."
I gently pulled back, just enough to meet his eyes, grounding myself in the moment. "This isn't just for you, Lys. It's for everyone. If my decision can stop a war, if it can save lives, then it's worth it."
Finally, Leo broke the silence, his voice imbued with respect. "Lady Nerina, your selflessness and courage are remarkable. We will ensure your transition to Nokturna is as smooth as possible."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," I replied, feeling a flicker of conviction wash over me.
"What should we do next?" I asked, poised and ready to continue the conversation, but before Leo could respond, Lys stood abruptly, the tension etched in his features making my chest tighten.
"I need time to think," he said, almost too quietly as he exited the room, leaving a heavy silence in his wake.
My heart sank, understanding the hurt he must be feeling, but I couldn't falter now. I had made my decision, and I had to see it through. Gathering myself, I turned back to Leo and Lorenzo, who remained seated, the atmosphere thick with unspoken emotions.
Lorenzo offered me a gentle smile, attempting to ease the tension. "Yes, Nerina. It won't be easy, but we'll support you every step of the way. You'll need to learn court etiquette, how to conduct yourself in formal settings, and how to navigate the politics involved. But rest assured, this family will stand by you."
Leo nodded in agreement. "We'll give you as much time as we can before sending you to Nokturna. I'll initiate the adoption process immediately. We'll disguise you as our long-lost sister. From this day forward, you will be known as Lady Nerina Wystan, our sister." His words echoed in my mind, reframing my identity in ways I hadn't anticipated.
The reality of it all sunk in like a heavy stone in my gut. My quiet life at the plantation, filled with laughter and simplicity, was slipping away, replaced by the monumental challenge of stepping into a role I had never envisioned for myself.
"I... I understand," I said softly, nodding slightly, feeling a mix of apprehension and determination bubbling beneath the surface.
"You'll have plenty of help," Lorenzo assured me, his tone warm and encouraging. "For now, get some rest. Tomorrow we begin preparations. There is a great deal to cover, and we want you to be as ready as possible."
With that, I nodded again, feeling a flood of conflicting emotions. Anxiety gripped me tightly, yet alongside it was an undercurrent of resolve. I was stepping into the unknown, but I was not alone. This family, these royal brothers, had offered me not just support but a chance to protect everything I held dear.
As I left the room, my heart still pounding, I knew the path ahead would be fraught with challenges—the challenge of becoming someone new while still striving to remain true to myself.