The throne room still buzzed with hushed excitement as courtiers began to disperse, many bowing or curtsying to Rena as they departed. Some faces radiated hope, others a careful neutrality. And though whispers of "the lost princess" threaded through the chamber, not everyone seemed equally pleased. Gareth positioned himself discreetly along one wall, watchful eyes flicking over the lingering nobles.
King Darius gently guided Rena forward, and Queen Maribel kept one trembling hand on her arm. Rena's head spun with a swirl of emotions—relief, amazement, and an undercurrent of dread as she recalled Gareth's warnings about court politics. Yet the king and queen's warmth blunted her fears for the moment.
"Come," Queen Maribel said softly. "We shouldn't make a spectacle. Let's speak in private."
At a subtle gesture from King Darius, the palace guards escorted the last of the courtiers out. A few high-ranking officials—including Chancellor Eldorin and Lady Halene—lingered, but they remained at a respectful distance. Gareth hesitated, unsure whether to follow, but King Darius motioned him closer with a tired smile.
"You, too, Gareth," the king said. "I'd hear your account of how you found our daughter."
A hush fell as they exited the throne room through a side door leading to a more intimate receiving chamber. This space was richly furnished yet cozy by palace standards—a plush carpet spanned the floor, and tall windows overlooked the castle's inner gardens, where white lilies swayed in the breeze. Once everyone was inside, the guards took up positions at the door, closing it firmly behind them.
Queen Maribel guided Rena to a cushioned sofa near the windows. The queen's hand trembled slightly, and Rena felt her own heart clench at the sight. She could hardly imagine the years of grief and uncertainty these two must have endured. King Darius lowered himself into an ornate chair, wincing as if plagued by some lingering illness. He looked older now, weighed down by sorrow and duty.
For a moment, none of them spoke. The warm light streaming through the windows illuminated Rena's silver-white hair, and her eyes flicked between the king and queen, uncertain how to begin. She felt both relieved to be free of the public gaze and strangely vulnerable in this intimate setting.
Finally, Queen Maribel exhaled shakily, her voice hardly more than a whisper. "Your name is Rena… That's what you were called in Whisperwood?"
Rena nodded, folding her hands in her lap. "Yes. My aunt—well, she's not my aunt by blood, but she raised me. Aunt Sorren found me as a baby. She never knew anything of my past except that pendant." She drew it out for them to see again, the tarnished lily and crescent moon catching a beam of sunlight. "She kept it hidden, fearing someone might come and…" She trailed off, swallowing.
"Take you away," King Darius finished gently. He exchanged a pained look with the queen. "We understand. There were many rumors after you vanished—fears that bandits or enemies of the crown might use you as leverage. We searched for years, to no avail."
"You were stolen from us," Queen Maribel added, tears shimmering in her eyes. "We never discovered how or why. Our hope dwindled as time passed… yet we never truly gave up."
Rena's chest grew tight. She reached out, tentatively resting a hand atop the queen's. "I—I'm sorry for all you've gone through. If I had known sooner… I would have come back."
Queen Maribel pressed Rena's hand in return. "Don't apologize, child. You were only a baby, and then you were raised in a safe place."
To Rena's surprise, King Darius leaned forward, his tone tinged with urgency. "We have so many questions. About your life in Whisperwood. About your healing gift. Word has spread of your powers, rumors that you can mend even dire wounds."
Rena bit her lip, recalling the anxious nights she'd spent tending to villagers and lost animals. "I—I can't always save everyone. I'm still learning. But I suppose I have some… knack that goes beyond ordinary herbal remedies. Aunt Sorren taught me so much, but even she wasn't sure where the power came from."
A flicker of relief lit the king's weary face, mingled with curiosity. "You bear a trait said to run in our bloodline—though it hasn't manifested strongly in generations. It seems the legends were true: under the right circumstances, our lineage can wield profound healing gifts." He glanced at Queen Maribel, his voice softening. "And it appears our daughter received a potent gift indeed."
Rena's heart fluttered at our daughter. Though it felt surreal, part of her was grateful to have a name for her powers—an inheritance, however mysterious. But the moment of solace passed quickly as she remembered the greater reason she had come.
King Darius shifted his gaze to Gareth, who stood quietly off to the side. "You mentioned that bandits set upon you. Were you carrying news of Rena's whereabouts before you found her?"
Gareth cleared his throat, bowing respectfully. "I was dispatched to comb the outlying regions for any leads about the princess, Your Majesty. I'd been gone some weeks, following rumors of a silver-haired healer in Whisperwood. My group did indeed encounter bandits, and I was separated from my men." He hesitated, remembering that painful moment. "I barely escaped into the forest. That's when the boar attacked, and Rena saved my life."
Queen Maribel's lips parted in a small, grateful smile. "We owe you a debt, then. Without your efforts, our daughter might have remained hidden—or fallen into greater danger."
Gareth bowed again. "It was Rena who saved me, Your Majesty. I merely followed what rumors I could." He paused, glancing at Rena. "She risked exposing her gift when she healed me so completely. That's when I knew she had to be the princess we'd heard about."
Rena ducked her head, cheeks warming at his praise. "I did only what Aunt Sorren taught me. I… couldn't let you die."
King Darius nodded gravely. "You have courage. That alone tells me you are truly part of this family."
A tense silence followed. Then Lady Halene, who stood near the door, cleared her throat delicately. She exchanged a look with Chancellor Eldorin. "Your Majesty," she began, "forgive the interruption, but… we must address the matter of Lord Severin. He will surely hear of the princess's return, if he hasn't already."
Rena straightened, recalling the guarded expressions on certain nobles' faces. "I've heard his name spoken like a threat. Who is he?"
Queen Maribel's features hardened, and King Darius let out a weary sigh. "He was once a loyal steward, overseeing critical affairs of state. But over the years, Severin consolidated influence, imposing heavy taxes and forging alliances with nobles who oppose the crown's gentler policies." He paused, pressing a hand to his temple. "We suspect he has designs on the throne, especially while my health remains uncertain."
Rena's stomach twisted. "You're ill?" she asked softly, eyes darting to the king's pallor.
Queen Maribel's gaze flickered with pain. "Darius has been unwell for months. The court physicians believe it could be a wasting sickness, something stress worsens. Severin exploits this weakness at every turn."
The gravity of the situation settled over Rena like a shroud. Finding her birth family was only the beginning. Now she faced the reality of a kingdom on the brink of turmoil—perhaps even civil war. "What… what can I do?"
Lady Halene clasped her hands. "Your very presence may inspire the court to rally around the rightful heir. But we must tread carefully. Severin has a web of spies. If he feels threatened, he may strike swiftly."
King Darius nodded. "We'll announce a formal reception soon, to present you to the nobility and the common people. That will make Severin's maneuvering more difficult—he won't be able to claim the crown is without an heir. But until that reception, your safety is paramount."
Rena swallowed, remembering Aunt Sorren's caution about becoming a target. She looked to Queen Maribel. "I understand the risks. Still… if there's a way to help, I'll do it."
The queen's eyes glistened, and she reached for Rena's hand. "Thank you, my dear. For now, you should rest and familiarize yourself with the palace. Chancellor Eldorin will arrange for a suitable room. There will be many formalities—tutors to catch you up on royal customs. But know we are here for you."
Rena managed a shaky smile. She had never worn a fine gown or navigated a royal court. The thought was daunting, yet a strange resolve burned in her chest. I came to help, and I won't run now.
After a few more words of gratitude and reassurance, the king and queen retired briefly. A pair of servants arrived to lead Rena to guest chambers, while Chancellor Eldorin and Lady Halene remained to discuss pressing affairs with Gareth. As Rena followed the servants down another stately corridor, she felt her mind spinning with all she had learned. Her father was ill; her mother had barely dared to hope for this reunion; and a dangerous steward lurked in the background, plotting.
The servants stopped at a grand door paneled with intricate carvings. "This room shall be yours, Princess," said one with a polite bow. "If you require anything—food, a bath, new attire—simply call."
"Thank you," Rena murmured, still feeling awkward at being addressed as "Princess." She stepped inside.
The room was larger than the entire cottage she shared with Aunt Sorren. Sunlight spilled across an ornate rug, revealing a canopied bed draped in silk, a writing desk of polished wood, and a private fireplace lined with scented logs. A mirror on the wall reflected Rena's stunned expression.
Closing the door behind her, she wandered the space in a daze. Her fingertips trailed over the embroidered blankets on the bed, the fine glass vases on a nearby shelf. Everything was exquisite, a world away from her humble forest life. For a moment, a pang of homesickness nearly overwhelmed her. She missed the smell of herbs, the worn wooden floors, Aunt Sorren's soft humming in the evenings.
Exhaling, she forced herself to focus. This is my chance to protect the people of Silverstrand, to help my father and mother. She touched the pendant at her throat, remembering the swirl of silver light that had confirmed her royal blood. I belong here, in some strange way—even if I feel out of place.
A knock sounded at the door, startling her. When she opened it, Gareth stood there, features laced with concern. He gave a half-bow, then leaned on the doorframe. "Are you all right?"
She nodded, though her eyes brimmed with fresh anxiety. "Just… overwhelmed. It's so much to take in: the throne room, my parents, this wariness about Severin…"
Gareth offered a tentative smile. "I understand. Palace life can be daunting, especially under these circumstances. But you handled yourself well today."
Rena stepped aside, inviting him in. He glanced at the lavish surroundings, raising an eyebrow in mild amusement. "Quite the upgrade from Aunt Sorren's cottage, isn't it?"
A small laugh escaped her, tinged with sadness. "Yes. I'd trade some of this luxury for my old, simple life—if it weren't for what's at stake."
He nodded, resting a hand gently on her shoulder. "The king and queen are grateful you've come. I've seen the weight on their faces these past months. Now there's hope where there was none."
Hope. The word felt warm despite the shadows lurking in the palace corridors. "Thank you, Gareth," she said softly. "You've done so much for me already—risking your life, guiding me here."
He shook his head. "You saved me first. And I serve the crown, which now includes you, Princess." He paused, then cleared his throat. "Chancellor Eldorin wants me to help coordinate security. We suspect Severin may try to discredit your claim before the formal announcement. I wanted you to know that… well, I won't let that happen."
Rena's heart squeezed. She recognized the sincerity in his voice, and it steadied her rattled nerves. "Be careful," she whispered, remembering that bandits had already nearly claimed Gareth's life once. "I can't heal you again if you charge into battle alone."
A faint grin tugged at his lips. "I'll keep that in mind. You should rest now. Eldorin mentioned tutors will arrive soon enough to prepare you for your official presentation."
With a last grateful look, he excused himself, slipping back into the corridor. Left alone, Rena closed the door and leaned against it, the echo of Gareth's words lingering in her mind. Hope. It was a fragile spark in these uncertain times, but it was hers to nurture—and she intended to do just that.
Stepping to the window, she gazed over the castle gardens. In the distance, the city rooftops glimmered under the midday sun. Somewhere out there, Lord Severin was plotting. Her parents were relying on her. And the people of Silverstrand—peasants and nobles alike—would soon hear that their lost princess had returned.
She rested a hand over her pendant, the symbol of her birthright. I won't fail them, she vowed silently. Even if it meant stepping into danger, she would learn to navigate this new life. She would stand by the king and queen, and use her gift to protect the realm that had, for so long, yearned for her return.