Lily rose early in the morning to prepare for the last day of her travel. Today, they would be entering the capital; hence, despite her dislike for corsets and jewellery, she made an effort to put them on and dress up a bit. She also applied some light makeup, arranged her curly hair in a bun, and wore a small crown adorned with green gems to match her jungle-green dress. She stood in front of the mirror to check herself one final time, and satisfied, she took Marian’s hand and headed to the hall.

She arrived at the dining hall, where her brother, the archduke, and Liora were already seated.

“Good morning,” Lily said, announcing her arrival.

All three turned to look at her, and the hall fell silent as they stared. Lily rubbed her hand on her dress, shifting awkwardly.

“You look lovely, Lily,” her brother said, recovering first. He stood quickly, took her hand, and helped her to sit.

Lucien followed, standing and bowing. “Good morning, Your Highness. I hope you had a good night.”

Lily nodded. “Thanks to you, Archduke, I did. I heard it was a peaceful night. Thank you once again for hosting us,” she added.

She turned to the unusually quiet Liora and frowned, as if to ask why she wasn’t speaking.

“Hehe,” Liora laughed sheepishly. “You took our breath away. You look so beautiful, Lily.”

Lily looked down, the tips of her ears reddening.

Shortly after, a large breakfast was served. Lily ate quietly, listening to Liora chatter about how the surprise attack on the assassins had gone, while Evander and Lucien discussed the travel plans. After a while, breakfast was finished.

“I will take a walk while the carriage arrives,” Lily said.

“Let me help you,” Evander said, offering his hand. Lily placed her hand in his and gave a small nod to Lucien, and they started walking out together.

After walking a short distance in silence, Evander spoke. “Sorry, Lily. I wasn’t available these past few days to see you.”

“It’s okay, brother,” Lily said, looking at him with a small smile of reassurance. “I understand. You were busy organising everything here. Thanks to you, I get to travel comfortably, with no worries,” she added.

He squeezed her hand gently. “When did you grow so sensible?” he teased, then looked into the distance. “We’ll be in the capital today,” he said, his voice full of reluctance.

“Yes,” Lily replied softly, and the atmosphere turned solemn.

“How long will you stay?” Lily asked.

“As long as you want me to,” Evander said, which made her smile.

“Father won’t like that,” she replied.

“That’s his fault for marrying you off this far,” Evander countered.

“But you are the Crown Prince of Selmira,” she said.

“And also your brother,” he added firmly.

Lily felt a warm, fuzzy feeling inside, one she had never known before. In her former life, her siblings had shunned her, but now she felt loved in a way she never had. Before she realised it, her eyes welled up with tears.

“Ah Lily, I’m sorry, please don’t cry!” Evander said, startled. “What’s wrong? You don’t want to get married? It’s okay, we can go back if you want to!”

He froze when Lily suddenly hugged him.

“I’m not unhappy, brother,” Lily said softly. “On the contrary, I’m pleased that you are my brother. Thank you.”

She released him, then realised he had gone completely still, not even breathing.

“Brother?” Lily said, tapping his hand, snapping him out of it.

“Sorry,” she said, smiling faintly. “I got emotional.”

“No, Lily, it’s okay,” he said, his own voice gentle. “Your brother is happy too.” He took her hand again. “We have a long road ahead, let’s go.”

As they walked toward the gate, Lily didn’t see his reddened ears or the small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Lily and Evander reached the gate, where the carriages were already waiting. Lucien sat upon his horse beside her brother’s steed, while Liora was already within the carriage, peeking out eagerly.

Evander helped Lily into the carriage before mounting his own.

“Did you cry?” Liora asked the moment Lily sat down.

“How did you know?” Lily replied, surprised.

“Your eyes and nose are red,” Liora said with a teasing grin.

Lily chuckled softly. “I became a little sentimental, that is all.”

“Aww… a brother and sister moment,” Liora said with a playful sigh.

“Let us depart!” came Evander’s commanding voice from outside, ringing clear.

The sound of hooves and carriage wheels soon filled the air and thus began the final stretch of the journey that would deliver the woman who would one day become the great and beloved Empress of the Velmira Empire.