After a couple of days' journey, we finally returned to Sestia. I sent Lyall back to Ryujin—his family lived there, and he deserved a moment to breathe. As for me, I went straight home—to Aurelius.
The carriage came to a gentle halt, and the door creaked open. The coachman stepped forward and offered his gloved hand, which I took as I descended. My pale blue dress rippled softly in the breeze, the fabric catching light like water under the sun. My long hair had been neatly braided and tucked beneath a white hat. I had sent Nox ahead to inform them of my return, so I wasn't surprised to find the entire Aurelius household gathered at the entrance, waiting.
The mansion's personnel had gathered in neat rows, and at the front stood my father, Duke Arthur Aurelius, alongside his ever-dutiful aide, Viscount Case Ainsworth. Even from a distance, I could see it—both of them had aged. Significantly.
"Reina!" My father rushed forward and pulled me into a tight embrace.
