𝐿𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓇 ||Descendants Jay

xix

The journey to Corona always filled Rhea with a mix of excitement and responsibility. It was the kingdom where her family lived, where the castle she'd grown up in now doubled as the seat of power—and where her role as royal advisor kept her busy. This time, she was allowed to bring Jay along for the few days she'd be staying, a privilege she was eager to share. Plus, Evie, Carlos, and Dude were tagging along too, turning the trip into a proper getaway with friends.

The carriage rumbled steadily along the cobblestone road leading up to the castle gates. Jay sat beside Rhea, wide-eyed as the familiar towers and banners came into view. Behind them, Evie was scrolling through her phone, snapping candid pictures of Carlos, who was trying (and mostly failing) to keep Dude—the ever-energetic dog—from darting out of the carriage window.

Dude's tail wagged furiously as he leaned out the window, tongue lolling, eyes bright with excitement at the new scents and sounds of the kingdom. Every time the carriage jolted, he let out a happy bark that made the others laugh.

The castle was less a fairy tale fortress now and more a bustling hub of activity, with officials, servants, and guards moving purposefully through the courtyards.

Rhea's heart swelled as they passed beneath the archway. This was home—the place of her childhood memories and the centre of her current responsibilities.

"Welcome to Corona," she said softly, smiling at Jay.

"It's changed a lot, but some things never do."

Jay nodded, clearly impressed. "It's massive. And so alive."

Evie leaned forward from the back seat, grinning. "I want to explore every secret passage here. Bet this place has loads of hidden spots."

Carlos, trying to keep Dude from jumping off the carriage, added, "And I want to sketch all of them."

Dude gave a happy bark, as if volunteering himself as the official "sniff guide" to all the secret spots.

Inside, the grand hall buzzed with advisors and nobles preparing for a council meeting. Rhea greeted her parents with a warm hug before stepping into her role, pulling Jay gently along.

"Don't worry," she whispered, "you'll get a taste of royal life, but I promise not to keep you cooped up."

Meanwhile, Evie had already started taking notes on the political chatter, intrigued despite herself. Carlos found a spot near the window, quietly sketching the intricate architecture. Dude, sensing the formality was a bit much, found his way to Rhea's feet and settled in with a content sigh, his presence somehow calming.

Rhea's days were filled with meetings, discussions of trade and security, and planning events that would impact the whole kingdom. Jay watched quietly, fascinated by the intricate dance of diplomacy and decision-making, occasionally whispering questions to Rhea during breaks.

Eli appeared sporadically, his future king duties pulling him away from the group, but each time he returned, he brought a breath of fresh air. Once, he tossed a small ball across the courtyard and Dude chased after it, tail wagging wildly, bounding over the lush grass with joyful abandon. Everyone laughed as Dude triumphantly returned, dropping the ball at Eli's feet.

In the evenings, they would retreat to the tower rooms—once Rhea's childhood sanctuary, now a quiet space where she could breathe and just be herself. Jay listened intently as she shared stories of growing up here: sneaking through secret passages, late-night talks with her family, and the weight of expectations.

Evie was often nearby, scrolling through her phone but listening, occasionally chiming in with questions or a teasing comment, while Carlos lounged on the window sill, doodling their adventures in the margins of a sketchbook. Dude, not to be left out, curled up on the rug, occasionally lifting his head to listen before drifting back to sleep.

One night, under a sky painted with stars, Rhea and Jay stood on the balcony overlooking Corona's sparkling lights.

"It's a lot to balance," she admitted. "Being a daughter, an advisor, and... trying to find moments to just be me."

Jay slipped his hand into hers. "You're doing amazing. And you don't have to do it alone."

Below them, the rest of the group laughed quietly in the garden, Evie recounting a funny mishap Carlos had with a garden hose, while Dude enthusiastically chased after a butterfly, barking in pure delight.

The next day, they explored the castle's gardens, a peaceful escape filled with blooming flowers and winding paths. Jay helped Rhea tend to a small patch of lavender, laughing when she got dirt under her nails, while Evie and Carlos debated the best way to prune the roses.

Eli showed up to join them, his usual composed demeanour softened as he tossed a stick for Dude, who bounded after it with endless energy. Carlos ended up sketching Dude mid-leap, capturing his carefree spirit perfectly.

Before they left, Rhea's parents invited Jay, Eli, Evie, Carlos, and even Dude to join a traditional dinner, welcoming them warmly into their world. The evening was filled with hearty food, lively conversation, and the kind of laughter that made everyone feel like family—even Dude, who sat loyally by Rhea's side, occasionally receiving a treat under the table.

As the carriage pulled away from Corona, Rhea leaned against Jay, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. Sharing this part of her life with him—and with their friends—made the weight of her duties feel lighter, and the future a little less daunting.

Dude gave a happy bark one last time, tongue lolling, as if to say, "Same time next trip?"

901 words

happy 10 year anniversary to descendants, an absolute banger of a franchise!!