After receiving his father's approval, Ethan hurried to share the happy news with Rowena. His heart was pounding with excitement. He found Rowena in the royal garden, where the sunlight played softly among the blooming flowers. Standing before her, Ethan took a deep breath and smiled.
"Rowena, I have wonderful news for you," Ethan said, trying to contain his excitement. "I told my father about my feelings for you, and he has given us his blessing!"
Rowena's eyes widened in surprise, and then a radiant joy spread across her face. Tears welled up in her eyes, but soon a bright smile appeared. "Really? Ethan, that's amazing news!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him in pure happiness.
Ethan held her tightly, sharing in her joy. "Yes, this is just the beginning. But we haven't told everyone yet. So far, only a few trusted people know—Raidne, Willy, John, Wenona, your father, the Queen, and the King."
Rowena nodded in understanding. "Yes, that makes sense. There's still time to make this public. But for now, I'm just happy to share this with you and our closest friends."
As the end of the holiday approached, Ethan's school term drew near. He and Rowena spent their remaining days together, taking long walks, chatting in the palace gardens, and discussing their future. "Don't forget to write me letters," Rowena reminded him firmly.
When Ethan's holiday came to an end, and it was time for him to return to school, the moment of farewell arrived. Standing at the palace gates, they embraced one last time. Rowena's eyes reflected the sadness of parting, and Ethan felt the same sorrow at not being able to stay by her side. They promised to write to each other.
As Ethan traveled back to school, his thoughts and emotions swirled within him. Returning to Heirs Academy not only meant continuing his education but also maintaining his relationship with Rowena.
Upon arriving at Heirs Academy, Ethan was warmly greeted by his friends. Pamela, Lydia, and Harry excitedly shared their holiday experiences with him. Ethan briefly recounted his break and mentioned his relationship with Rowena. His friends offered their support and best wishes.
Pamela and Lydia, filled with enthusiasm, exclaimed, "We can't wait to meet Rowena!"
They were eager to get to know her, convinced they would become great friends.
Overhearing the conversation, Kaida smirked. "Oh, what's this, pirate? Are you planning to marry that healer girl someday? Or will you break her heart instead? I bet you'll break it because that's what suits someone like you!" she sneered, her voice dripping with mockery.
Fury surged through Ethan, and he lunged toward Kaida. But Harry intervened just in time, holding him back. Ethan struggled against Harry's grip, shouting, "I swear, I'll grab Kaida by her hair and smash her against the stone walls!"
Ethan's voice echoed through the halls, drawing a crowd around them. Students gathered, intrigued by the commotion. Kaida watched with amusement, clearly enjoying the chaos she had caused. Then, with a smug expression, she walked away, leaving behind a furious Ethan.
Once she was gone, Harry finally released Ethan and warned, "Don't give the triplets an opportunity. They're trying to make you look bad."
It took over an hour for Ethan's friends to calm him down.
Once his anger had subsided, Ethan spent time with his friends, who were determined to lift his spirits. Pamela and Lydia reassured him, "Don't pay attention to Kaida. She just wants attention. What really matters is your relationship with Rowena and the friendships you've built here."
Harry, ever the voice of reason, added, "We all know Kaida is trying to provoke you. She's trying to distract you. Don't let them get to you."
Taking a deep breath, Ethan nodded. "You're right. What's important is Rowena, my friends, and staying focused. I won't waste my energy on Kaida's words."
But a troubling thought lingered in Ethan's mind: how did the Draconis heirs always seem to know his every move? As he considered Kaida's behavior, he realized, "There must be more traitors besides Derek in Ravenna. We need to find them and make them answer for it."
His friends continued to support him, encouraging him to set those worries aside for the time being. "Right now, you should focus on your school life. We're here for you, and your education matters. That's what's important," Harry reminded him.
As the days passed, Ethan gradually adjusted to the new school term. His friendships with Pamela, Lydia, and Harry helped him regain his balance. He also became more cautious around Kaida and her siblings, determined not to fall into their traps.
However, the lingering question remained in his mind: How do the Draconis heirs always know my every move? Are there more spies besides Derek in Ravenna?
One afternoon, as Ethan sat in the academy garden, he read a letter from Rowena, trying to clear his thoughts. In her letter, she expressed her love and faith in him.
"No matter what happens, I trust you, and I will wait for you," she had written.
Ethan held onto her words, feeling strength return to him. He knew now, more than ever, that he had to grow stronger—not just for himself but for Rowena and his friends.