Eira was cutting firewood when the sudden sound of wheels crunching over dirt caught her attention. A royal carriage rolled into view.
From the cabin bench, Edeline, Edward, Charles, and Keal turned toward the noise. They froze in shock as the door opened and the Queen stepped out.
They rushed to her side, unsure and anxious.
"Your Majesty…" Keal spoke first, his voice low and cautious. "What's going on?"
The Queen didn't speak right away. Her eyes were sad. But when Cassandra approached her with small, unsure steps, the Queen's face softened. She knelt, smiling warmly, and pulled Cassandra into a gentle hug.
Edeline stepped closer. "What happened?"
Still holding Cassandra, the Queen rose and kissed the child's forehead. "I came to see you all. Your mothers… they're very worried."
"We want to see them too," Edeline, Edward, and Charles said together, their voices filled with longing.
The Queen gave a soft smile. "They miss you very much."
