His father answered calmly.
"You are returning as the King of another nation. And..." His expression softened slightly."... you are still my son."
The words warmed him far more than the heavy winter cloak around his shoulders. He turned toward his parents.
Without hesitation, he embraced his mother first. She wrapped both arms around him immediately.
"You’ve become far too busy."
"I know."
"Visit again."
"I will."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
She gently brushed a few strands of silver hair away from his forehead before stepping back.
"There, you still look untidy."
He laughed.
"I thought I’d escaped that."
"Never."
His father stepped forward next. Unlike his mother, the embrace was brief, firm, and comfortable.
"I am proud of the king you’ve become."
Atheline lowered his head slightly.
"I still have much to learn."
"You always will."
His father smiled.
"And so do I."
Helther waited patiently until they finished, then folded his arms.
"So."
"So."
"When are we having our rematch?"
Atheline grinned.
"The next time you visit, with bows this time."
"You remembered."
"I always do."
Helther extended his hand, instead of shaking it, lightly bumped his fist. Helther laughed.
"I’ve been spending too much time with you."
"I’ll take responsibility."
"Please don’t."
The two brothers smiled at one another. No dramatic farewell was necessary, neither doubted they would meet again.
Soon enough.
Lord Helmer then approached Lilith. Although they had already spoken privately inside, he offered one final respectful bow.
"My daughter."
Lilith immediately returned the gesture.
"My Lord."
"I entrust him to you once again."
She looked toward her husband then back toward Lord Helmer.
"You have my word. He has never lacked for anything and never will."
Lord Helmer nodded once.
"I never questioned it."
Silence lingered for a moment then Lilith quietly raised one hand. Darkness flowed outward like calm water.
Unlike the violent shadows she used in battle, these were gentle and elegant. Space folded naturally before them.
A circular gateway slowly opened. Beyond it, the familiar indoor gardens of the Dark Elven Royal Palace waited beneath crystal lights.
Atheline looked back one final time. His mother waved. His father inclined his head. His brother simply called out,
"Don’t let her beat you too badly next time."
Lilith glanced toward him.
"He tells everyone that story."
"He enjoys it."
"I do."
Atheline laughed before stepping through the portal beside his wife.
The fox finally woke up, blinking sleepily as the scenery changed around it. It looked behind them just as the portal slowly closed then forward.
Recognizing the palace gardens. It immediately jumped from the Queen’s arms and onto the cold ground. The moment it touched the ground, it darted through the open side doors and shot out of the garden and into the snow.
The little beast began racing through the white powder with unmistakable excitement.
Atheline watched it disappear behind a hedge.
"...I think it remembers."
"It certainly does."
The palace attendants had already noticed their arrival. Within moments, several hurried toward them before bowing deeply.
"Your Majesty."
"Welcome home."
Lilith gave a slight nod.
"Has anything urgent occurred?"
Zelpher, who had been the first to arrive, answered.
"No emergencies. The council has confirmed tomorrow’s meeting regarding the Moon Crystals. The remaining reports have already been placed in your study."
She nodded approvingly.
"Good."
Another attendant smiled toward Atheline.
"Welcome home, Your Majesty."
"It’s good to be back."
An older butler stepped forward next.
"We prepared lunch after estimating your arrival."
Atheline blinked.
"You knew?"
The butler smiled politely.
"Her Majesty’s shadows informed us."
He looked toward his wife.
"You planned this."
She answered without hesitation.
"Naturally. You would be hungry when we arrive."
He smiled.
"I am."
They walked together through the palace corridors. Everything felt familiar once more; the polished black stone floors, the glowing plant veins lighting the dark halls, the occasional large windows that gave a magnificent view of the court below, and the quiet footsteps of attendants carrying out their duties.
After only three days away, it already felt like home. Lunch proved wonderfully ordinary; warm soup, fresh bread, roasted venison, and tea.
No councillors interrupted them and no reports were delivered. The attendants had quietly ensured they would have at least one peaceful meal together before work resumed.
The fox sat proudly between them, occasionally receiving tiny pieces of meat from both sides.
Atheline looked toward his wife.
"I think it missed you more than it lets on."
She gently scratched beneath the fox’s chin.
"It also missed being spoiled."
"I can’t argue with that."
After lunch, neither returned immediately to work, instead, they wandered through the palace gardens. Despite the cold outside, the garden was in full bloom and maintained its beautiful look.
The indoor pool shimmered beneath the afternoon sun coming through the large windows. Lilith quietly slipped her hand into his.
He smiled.
"I missed this."
"So did I."
They continued walking slowly between the trees and flowers with no destination or purpose, simply enjoying one another’s company after three days apart.
The kingdom could wait a little longer, for this afternoon, they were simply husband and wife enjoying a peaceful winter day together before duty called once again.
.
.
.
The following morning, the Dark Elven Royal Palace returned to its usual rhythm.
Servants hurried through the corridors carrying stacks of documents, while officials arrived one after another through the palace gates.
Unlike the relaxed atmosphere of the previous afternoon, today was the day that the entire nobility had been anticipating for almost three months.
The distribution of the Moon Crystals.
Ever since the Blood Ocean Ruin had been conquered and the crystals brought back to the kingdom, every noble family had speculated about how they would be divided.
Rumors had spread through the capital almost daily. Some believed the oldest bloodlines would receive the greatest share. Others argued that the military should be prioritized because they defended the borders.
A few ambitious nobles had even quietly tried to gather support for private proposals before today’s council meeting.
None of it mattered now, the decision rested with one person.
The Queen.