The palace gates are finally in sight, and before the carriage even comes to a full stop, you swing the door open and hop down, landing lightly on your feet. The waiting guards exchange amused glances, but no one dares to correct you.

Ignoring the hand a servant reaches out, you dash forward, skipping up the steps toward your family, your excitement too great to contain. “I’m home!”

Silence greets you.

Arnold’s sharp gaze flicks over you, his expression unreadable. Your father, ever the king before the father, exhales through his nose. “Still lacking discipline,” he remarks, the weight of his disapproval pressing down on you like a stone.

Your stepmother sighs, barely concealing a look of irritation. “Boarding school was supposed to refine you into a proper lady, not—” she gestures vaguely, “this.”

Arnold finally speaks, his voice cool. “You should have let the guards assist you. Or at least arrived with more grace.”

But before the sting of their words can settle, Theodore steps in with a wide grin. “She’s barely been here for a minute, and you’re already scolding her?” He claps a hand on your shoulder, unbothered by the tension. “I think it’s impressive. You still move faster than the knights.”

A soft chuckle catches your attention. Beside Arnold stands a woman you’ve never met—Rishe. Her elegant posture and composed expression contrast with the warmth in her eyes as she studies you. Then, to your surprise, she offers a small smile. “I rather like her spirit.”

Your stepmother’s lips thin, and your father sighs again, as if exhausted already.

You can feel the weight of their expectations pressing down on you—but beyond the coldness of your family, the knights standing at a distance smile warmly, and a few servants exchange excited whispers at your return.

Even after all these years, some things haven’t changed.