Years passed, and the kingdom of Drach continued to thrive under King Easton's rule. His children grew into their own strengths, each carrying a piece of their mother’s legacy.
Princess Roxanne, now a young woman, had stepped into a guiding role for her siblings, always watching over them with quiet determination. Princess Joane, full of fire and passion, sought her own place in the world, refusing to be bound by expectations. Prince Michael, growing into a man, bore his father’s sense of duty but carried his mother’s wisdom. And little Princess Cassaline, still the precious light of the family, brought joy where sorrow once lingered.
Though time had softened the pain of losing Marlowe, Easton never stopped missing her. He found solace in his children, in the kingdom they had built together, and in the quiet moments when he felt her presence still near.
But as peace settled upon the land, whispers of unrest began to stir beyond Drach’s borders. New challenges lay ahead—ones that would test the strength of the royal family once more.
__
After a long month away handling diplomatic affairs in distant lands, King Easton finally returned to Drach Castle. The weight of ruling without Marlowe still hung over him, but he pushed forward, knowing his children needed him.
As he stepped inside the castle, he expected a warm welcome, but instead, he was met with a strange silence. He furrowed his brows—where were his children?
Roxanne, now 18, had taken on more responsibilities in his absence. She had been presiding over court matters, ensuring the nobility remained in order. She had also been deep in study, refining her leadership skills in preparation for the day she would officially take on a greater role. However, there was a hint of exhaustion in her eyes—handling the court was no easy task.
Joane, at 17, had practically disappeared from court life. Unlike her sister, she spent most of her days training in swordsmanship and combat tactics. She had taken it upon herself to ensure the security of the castle while their father was gone. Many knights and guards were already looking up to her, despite her young age. When Easton returned, she was out sparring in the training yard, too focused to notice his arrival.
Michael, now 14, had grown restless. With his father gone, he had started sneaking out of the castle to explore the capital city, mingling with commoners and merchants. He had even gotten into a few harmless scuffles, much to the frustration of his tutors. When he heard Easton had returned, he was in the middle of trying to tame a wild horse he had taken an interest in.
And then there was Cassaline, still just 7. She had missed her father the most and had taken to sleeping in his study while he was gone. When she heard of his return, she ran straight to him, nearly knocking him over as she hugged him tightly.
Seeing his children so grown and independent, Easton felt a mixture of pride and sadness. They were no longer the little ones he had once held in his arms. But they were strong, just like their mother.
As he looked at them all, he realized that while he had been ruling the kingdom, they had been learning to rule their own lives. Now, it was time to reconnect as a family.
[Drach Castle – Grand Dining Hall]
The long wooden table was filled with steaming dishes, warm bread, and fine wine. Candles flickered softly, casting a golden glow over the royal family as they gathered for their first dinner together in a month.
Easton sat at the head of the table, watching his children settle in. Cassaline had climbed into her seat beside him, her little hands gripping a spoon too big for her. Joane and Michael bickered playfully over a platter of roasted duck, while Roxanne poured herself a glass of wine with the elegance of a future queen.
Easton cleared his throat, drawing their attention. “It’s been too long since we sat like this.” His voice carried both warmth and regret.
Roxanne took a small sip of her wine before speaking. “You were gone for a month, Father. We had to keep things in order while you were away.”
Joane smirked. “And by ‘we,’ she means herself. I was too busy training, and Michael was busy sneaking into the city.”
Michael, caught mid-bite, nearly choked. “I wasn’t sneaking! I was… observing.” He grinned. “Besides, if I don’t know the people, how can I rule them one day?”
Easton raised an eyebrow. “You’re not next in line for the throne, Michael.”
Michael leaned back with a dramatic sigh. “But what if I was? Just imagine—King Michael the Great.”
Joane snorted. “More like King Michael the Reckless.”
Cassaline, who had been quietly nibbling on her food, looked up at her father with big eyes. **“Did you bring me anything from your travels,
Easton chuckled at his youngest daughter's question and reached into his coat pocket. "Of course, I did. I wouldn’t dare return home empty-handed."
He pulled out a small, delicate wooden horse, beautifully carved and polished. He handed it to Cassaline, whose face lit up with pure delight. "This is from the finest craftsman in the kingdom. He told me it brings good luck."
Cassaline beamed. "Thank you, Papa! I'll keep it forever!" She hugged the little horse tightly before setting it beside her plate.
Joane smirked. "I see, so Cass gets gifts while the rest of us get lectures?"
Easton gave her a playful glare. "You? I got something even better." He reached into his bag and pulled out a set of finely crafted daggers. "For your training. These are made of the finest steel, balanced for precision."
Joane’s eyes widened with excitement. "They're perfect!" She picked one up, testing the weight. "I bet I could slice through—"
Roxanne shot her a warning look. "Not at the dinner table, Joane."
Michael leaned forward, eager. "And me?"
Easton smirked. "You, my son, are a bit too eager. But I did find something fitting." He pulled out a leather-bound book. "It’s a collection of strategies from past rulers. Read it, and maybe one day, you’ll earn that ‘King Michael the Great’ title you dream about."
Michael took the book, flipping through the pages. "Tactics, war strategies, political maneuvers... This is incredible." He glanced at his father. "Thank you."
Easton then turned to Roxanne. "And for my eldest, something that befits a future queen." He handed her a delicate golden necklace with a sapphire at its center. "It belonged to my mother. It’s a symbol of strength and wisdom."
Roxanne traced her fingers over the jewel, her expression unreadable for a moment before she nodded. "I’ll wear it proudly, Father."
For a moment, silence fell over them—not out of awkwardness, but in the warmth of being together again.
Cassaline suddenly spoke up. "Can we have dinner like this every night?"
Easton softened, looking at each of his children. "I will try my best, little one."
Roxanne raised her glass. "Then let’s make tonight count."
Joane smirked. "To Father’s return."
Michael grinned. "To future rulers."
Cassaline giggled, lifting her cup of juice. "To my new horsey!"
Laughter filled the dining hall as they clinked their glasses together, savoring the rare moment of peace and family.
--
Next morning, Easton goes to his children's room one by one . But when he came to Michael room he found a letter and side that were name , "Lady Winnie " he was suspicious , so he tried to open it , who knew it was a love letter
Easton raised an eyebrow as he unfolded the letter, his curiosity turning into amusement as he read the delicate, handwritten words.
"My dearest Michael,
Your letters have been the brightest part of my days. Even though distance separates us, my heart is always near to yours. I long for the day we meet again, to speak without ink and parchment between us. Until then, know that I think of you always."
It was signed, "Lady Winnie."
Easton smirked, leaning against Michael’s desk. "So, my son has a secret romance?"
Just then, Michael walked into his room, stretching from his sleep. The moment he saw his father holding the letter, his tired expression turned to shock.
"Father—! That’s private!"
Easton held up the letter teasingly. "Lady Winnie, huh? Since when did my son become a poet?"
Michael rushed forward to grab the letter, but Easton smoothly lifted it higher, out of reach. "I see now why you've been so eager to read about political strategies. Are you strategizing for love, my boy?"
Michael groaned, rubbing his face. "Father, please. Give it back."
Easton chuckled, finally handing the letter over. "I won’t pry—too much. But tell me, who is this Lady Winnie?"
Michael hesitated, then sighed. "She’s... someone special. We’ve been writing to each other for a while."
Easton studied his son for a moment before nodding. "Love letters at your age? I can’t say I disapprove. But if you truly care for this girl, be honorable."
Michael straightened. "Of course, Father. I would never do anything to disgrace her."
Easton clapped a hand on his son’s shoulder. "Good. Because one day, you might have to introduce her to your family. And trust me, your sisters will not be as merciful as I am."
Michael groaned again. "That’s what I’m afraid of."
Easton only laughed as he left the room, shaking his head in amusement. His son was growing up faster than he realized.
_
After his amusing discovery in Michael’s room, Easton made his way down the hall to his youngest daughter's chamber. Cassaline, now five years old, was the baby of the family, and despite her growing independence, she was still his little girl.
He knocked gently on the door before pushing it open. The room was bathed in soft morning light, curtains swaying from the gentle breeze. Amidst plush pillows and stuffed animals, Cassaline was sitting on the floor, carefully dressing one of her dolls.
At the sight of her father, she gasped dramatically and scrambled to her feet. "Papa!" she squealed, running toward him with tiny, hurried steps.
Easton knelt just in time to catch her as she leaped into his arms. He lifted her effortlessly, spinning her around before settling her on his hip. "Good morning, my little star," he said, brushing a strand of golden hair from her face.
Cassaline beamed. "I was waiting for you! You were gone for so long."
Easton sighed, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I know, sweet one. And I missed you very much."
She pouted slightly, poking his chest. "You didn’t even come to my tea party yesterday! We saved you a seat and everything."
Easton chuckled. "A great tragedy indeed. How shall I make it up to you?"
Cassaline tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Hmm… You must have tea with me today. And! You have to wear a crown, like a real king."
Easton grinned. "Well, I do happen to be a real king. But for you, I’ll wear any crown you give me."
She clapped her hands, delighted. "Yay! You will be King Papa, and I will be Queen Cassaline!"
Easton carried her over to the little tea table in the corner of her room, where several dolls and plush animals were already seated. "Then let’s have our royal tea party before the kingdom falls into chaos."
As she giggled and poured imaginary tea into tiny cups, Easton felt a warmth in his heart. These moments, small and precious, were the ones he treasured most.