The night wore on, revealing majestic sight of full moon suspended in the velvet blackness of the sky. Hestia moved to the window her gaze drifting outward as Rylynn's gentle snores filled the room and Raymond escorted by a soft-footed servant, had retired to another room leaving Hestia alone with her thoughts. she inhaled deeply letting the crisp night air filled her lungs, the beauty of the night had always brought her peace and she felt most alive under the watchful gaze of the full moon surrounded by thousands of twinkling stars.
Memories flooded her mind as she stood there reminiscing about the countless nights spent with her father gazing up at the stars listening to his tales of old. But tonight the nostalgia stung leaving her feeling empty and melancholic. Her eyes wandered to the castle grounds below where people bustled about their movements peaceful and serene. The contrast between the tranquility of the night and the turmoil within her stirred a longing to doubt does the sacrifices made her maintain this harmony?.
Just as she was lost in thought a faint knock on the door broke the spell.
"Come in" she called out.
The door creaked opened and prince Ezekiel slipped inside.
The door creaked opened and prince Ezekiel slipped inside his eyes scanning the room before settling on Hestia. "I've brought the physician" he announced quietly.
She nodded her gaze shifting to Rylynn's sleeping form. "She was asleep should I wake her?"
He shook his head "no need to wake her."
"Come in" he called out and middle-aged man with a kind face and wispy gray hair emerged to her view.
He offered a respectful bow and she reciprocated with a curtsy.
"Greetings my lady my name is Edward Anderson" he said his voice warm and soothing.
Lady again!
"Oh! I'm Hestia Kensington" she replied her smile genuine. "It was a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise, lady Kensington. Are you the I've been summoned to attend?"
"No, sir my sister."
She led him to the bed where Rylynn slept peacefully. As Edward began his examination she observed the gentle way he moved and the kindness in his eyes and she was relief.
"I think her body needs a secluded area"Edward suggested his eyes scanning the room. "Would you mind moving to a silent area so I can do my job comfortably?"
"Secluded area?" Hestia's brow furrowed in confusion.
"Yes a place with no people no interruptions" he clarified. "Your highness if you mind she can be in my house for the best care."
"Hestia what is your......"
"We're three" she hurried to say "are you sure we won't bother you anymore?"
"No worries my house is a crowd-free place."
"Are you sure about this?" Ezekiel asked Hestia his eyes searching for any hesitation.
Yes! If they leave everything puzzles would vanish. Leaving the castle would distance her from the mysteries.
"Yes I'm sure" she told him firmly.
"Alright I'll set the carriage now" he said his tone decisive.
"Thank you" she suddenly said.
"The pleasure is always mine" Ezekiel responded his eyes lingering on hers for a moment before he turned to Edward. "Let's prepare for departure."
