Cynthia hadn't told Darius about her conversation with his mother. She had also asked the Queen to grant them a few days together, especially since she could see how fond the two young princes were of their youngest sister. She didn't want the children to be hurt if she suddenly left.
"Dad!" Alaric and Rowan exclaimed as Darius entered Eden's room, dressed in his national uniform for the coronation that day.
"You two really like staying here, huh? I hope you're not giving your little sister a hard time," Darius teased, glancing at Eden sitting in her crib, wearing a beautiful dress and a tiny tiara. His lips curved into a soft smile.
"You look like a real princess, my little angel," he said, stepping forward and lifting her gently from the crib.
"You're growing up so fast," he added, looking at Cynthia, who stood nearby watching them.
"Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be heading to the cathedral?" Cynthia asked, taking Eden into her arms.
"I just wanted to see you before I go," Darius said, smiling.
"Nervous?" Cynthia teased.
"Is it obvious?" he replied.
"Not really. And there's nothing to be nervous about. You look great—you look like a true king, and you'll be a wonderful ruler. We can't wait to see you take the throne," Cynthia said warmly.
"And once that happens, nothing will separate us. The five of us will finally be a real family," Darius said. Cynthia only smiled in response.
"Now that you mention it… can we take a picture?" Cynthia asked.
Darius smiled and nodded. They began with a photo of him holding Eden, then one with him, Eden, Alaric, and Rowan, followed by a shot with Cynthia, Darius, and Eden, and finally a picture of all five of them together. Laughter and joy filled the room.
After taking their pictures, Darius bid farewell to Cynthia, taking Alaric and Rowan with him to go ahead to the cathedral.
"I'll see you later," he said, pressing a gentle kiss to the foreheads of both Cynthia and Eden. "Oh, before I forget…" He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box, handing it to Cynthia.
"What's this?" she asked, accepting the gift.
"It was supposed to be for our little princess on her first birthday," Darius explained with a soft smile. "But waiting another six months seemed a bit tedious."
Cynthia opened the box to reveal a delicate necklace shaped like a miniature volcano. At the crater sat a butterfly adorned with a tiny tiara. On the back of the pendant, engraved with exquisite detail, was the princess's personal emblem — a white rose entwined with a green vine — honoring both sides of her heritage: the Rosendale name, meaning "rose of the valley," and the Auremont house, symbolizing "the mountain's enduring gold."
"Darius… I… I don't know what to say. It's beautiful. Thank you," Cynthia whispered, her eyes misting slightly at the thoughtfulness behind the gift.
"You don't have to say anything. I only want what's best for her," he replied. His love for Eden was clear, and Cynthia felt the pang of guilt for the secret she was keeping—though she knew he would never forgive her if he truly understood.
"After the coronation, let's announce our wedding. We've already married in Paris and registered it officially. Once it's public, no one can oppose the words of a king," Darius said.
"Yes… let's do that," Cynthia replied, quietly asking forgiveness in her heart for the deception.
Once Darius and the two young princes departed, the Queen's attendant arrived as planned, guiding Cynthia and Eden out of the palace. Cynthia instructed the attendant to print copies of the photos they had just taken and prepared a letter for Darius, enclosing the pictures.
They were then escorted to the cathedral, where a crowd had gathered outside, waving small flags. A large screen displayed the coronation in progress, letting everyone witness the historic moment.
After the coronation, Darius emerged from the cathedral with his sons, waving to the cheering crowd. He stood tall, regal, a true king before his subjects. Cynthia watched from a distance, tears welling in her eyes at the sight of the young monarch.
"Lady Cynthia, it's time to go," the Queen's attendant said gently.
"Yes," Cynthia replied, turning to follow as they made their way to the car that would take them to the airport.
Darius, puzzled at Cynthia's absence, hurried back to the palace after the ceremony. He first went to Eden's room, only to find it empty, the belongings he had arranged for her vanished. Panic rising, he rushed through the halls, searching desperately for his wife and daughter, but found neither.
He collided with his mother and her attendant.
"What are you doing? Running like you've lost something?" the Queen asked, raising an eyebrow.
"My wife and daughter—they're gone. They didn't attend the coronation," Darius said, his voice tight with disbelief.
"The person you're looking for is already on her way back to her own country," the Queen said calmly, handing him a letter Cynthia had left for him. Darius accepted it, opening it with trembling hands. Inside were the photos of the five of them together and Cynthia's ring.
He read her words carefully. She apologized for leaving, explained she wasn't ready for the life his position demanded, and begged him not to follow them. She asked him to lead his people well and live as a king should, respecting her sacrifice.
Tears welled in Darius's eyes. He was about to set off after them when his mother stopped him.
"You will not leave," she said firmly. "She made her choice. She cannot survive court life yet chooses to live freely. You must not pursue her. You are a king now. Do not show your people that their new ruler will sacrifice everything for a commoner. Respect her decision. What she did is noble—follow her example."
Her words struck him. Darius stayed, swallowing his anguish. Deep in his heart, he vowed to become a king worthy of his people and to find a way to bring his family back safely to the kingdom.
"Dad, Eden isn't here?" Rowan asked innocently, approaching with Alaric.
"She's on vacation," Darius said, facing his sons.
"When will she come back?" Rowan asked.
"Can we go see her?" Alaric added.
"Not today," Darius replied.
"Tomorrow?" Rowan pressed.
"You miss her already?" Darius asked, placing a hand on both their shoulders.
The princes nodded.
"Yes, I do too. But we won't see her for a little while," he said gently, holding them close.