"You're traveling to Meria yourself?!"
Prince Adam could understand how important this alliance was, but in all his years, he had never known his father to leave the throne unattended. The king always preferred sending representatives or knights.
"Don't you think that's a bit reckless, Father? There will be chaos if people learn of your absence."
King James Burchard patted his son on the head before taking a seat beside his wife.
"Only a select few will know," the king replied calmly.
"But who will oversee the kingdom's affairs?"
"You're always talking about becoming king one day," King James said, tearing into a piece of steak. "Well, here's your chance. Consider it a trial run."
"But, Father—"
Adam paused.
If the wizard's words were true… if his dreams were prophecy… then Meria might hold answers. And maybe, just maybe, the red-haired girl from his dreams was there.
She certainly wasn't in Gavaria. He had searched, quietly, relentlessly. Nothing.
"I want to come with you," Adam said firmly.
"And who will remain with your mother?" the king countered, taking a long drink of ale. "We both cannot leave. You'll stay here until I return. Besides, Meria is a dull place. You won't miss much."
Except the chance to find her…
"I'll make you a deal," the king added. "Once the alliance is secured, I'll allow you to travel freely. Meria… or anywhere else your heart desires."
Adam's eyes lit up. "Do I have your word?"
"You have my word."
The king stood and kissed his wife's cheek. "I should rest. It's a week-long journey, and I'll need my strength."
"Sleep well, Father."
*
Ella entered the dining hall and took her seat beside William. She had woken late; the rest of the family was already eating.
"Nice of you to finally join us," her mother said dryly.
"Forgive me, Mother. I've been having trouble sleeping," Ella replied.
Ever since her conversation with Prince Nathan, her thoughts had been restless, chasing patterns, chasing answers. For the first time in countless lifetimes… she felt close to understanding the curse.
"Too busy thinking about Nathan?" William teased.
"I knew the prince wouldn't resist my beautiful daughter!" Lord Morrell beamed. "Soon you'll be queen of all Meria."
"Oh, you would make such a lovely couple," Lady Morrell added. "The other girls must be green with envy."
"I want to make one thing clear," Ella said sharply, sipping her tea. "The prince and I are just friends. So I suggest you don't get your hopes up."
"That's exactly what I said when I met your father," her mother replied with a laugh.
The table erupted in giggles.
"Ah, the wedding will be magnificent," Lord Morrell mused, already lost in fantasy. "Nobles from every corner of the land—"
"I'm a little jealous," William added. "You become queen, and I end up a knight."
The chatter continued, piling onto her like stones.
And then—
CRACK.
Ella slammed her teacup onto the table, splintering it slightly and spilling tea across the polished wood.
"Will you all stop it?!"
Silence fell instantly.
They stared at her, stunned. Ella, who was always composed, always quiet… erupting like this?
"Nathan and I will never be together, so please just let it go!"
"But, darling…" her mother said gently. "Why not?"
Ella slapped her hand away.
"Because my heart belongs to Jillian!"
The words hung in the air like a spell.
"Jillian?" Lord Morrell echoed.
Ella's breath faltered. Reality rushed back in.
What had she done?
"May I be excused."
She stood and walked away, her untouched food left behind. Each step felt heavier than the last, as though the hallway itself had stretched to keep her trapped in that moment.
She refused to cry. Not here. Not in front of them.
But the second she reached her room—
The door slammed.
And the dam broke.
"Oh, Jillian…"
Her sobs filled the room, raw and unguarded.
How could she move on?
How could she love again… when her heart had already chosen, lifetimes ago?
*
"Adam?"
The queen stepped closer, placing a hand on her son's shoulder.
He had gone pale, stumbling slightly as if struck by something unseen.
"Are you unwell?"
"I'm fine," Adam said, steadying himself. "I just… felt something strange."
A wave of sorrow had crashed over him out of nowhere. Heavy. Suffocating.
"Mother… when does Father leave for Meria?"
"In a few hours. The procession is already prepared."
"I see…"
That feeling again. A pull. A thread tightening.
Something was waiting for him in Meria.
"How long will the alliance take?" he asked. "Do you know how long Father will be gone?"
The queen studied him closely. "You've taken quite an interest in Meria lately. Is there something I should know?"
Adam met her gaze and smiled softly.
"I've heard it's beautiful. I'd like to see the world before I'm bound to the throne."
A half-truth.
Because somewhere in that distant kingdom…
A girl with red hair and ocean-blue eyes was waiting.
Even if he didn't yet understand why.