"Ms. Anderson. My apologies for the sudden request," said Lt. Commander Davin Bryant as Cynthia entered the private restaurant of the Kingdom Hotel.
Cynthia glanced around in surprise. The entire place was empty. The hotel was known for being crowded at all hours — yet tonight, not a single guest was in sight. The silence felt heavy.
She had almost refused his call earlier, until he mentioned that it was about the King — and about her daughter. That was enough to make her agree to meet. She hadn't told Eden or Paula about it.
The past month had been unbearable. The news of King Darius's death had shattered her. She still couldn't accept that he was gone — that she would never again hear his voice, never tell him how sorry she was for leaving, never confess that, through all the years, her heart had only ever belonged to him.
"Lt. Commander Bryant?" she asked, studying him carefully. The name Bryant was familiar — one of the wealthiest families in the country, owners of a major shopping mall chain. She'd even endorsed their brand once. His father, General Andrew Bryant, was a decorated officer.
"I'm sorry I had the restaurant closed for this meeting," Davin said when he noticed her glancing around. "I hope that's all right."
"You… closed the entire place?" she asked, still a little stunned.
"It's not important," he said, pulling out a chair for her. "Please, have a seat."
Reluctantly, Cynthia sat down. The air between them felt charged with unspoken questions.
"It was unexpected, your call," she began. "You mentioned King Darius — may I ask what this is about?"
Davin nodded. "I think you already know what happened to His Majesty."
Her hands clenched together on the table. "Yes."
"I was asked by Prince Alaric and Prince Rowan to find their lost sister," he continued. "But before they could learn her identity, the tragedy occurred."
Cynthia's brow furrowed. "They were looking for her?"
"Yes," Davin said. "And not just the princes. Her Majesty, Queen Eleanor, personally asked me to find her as well."
"Queen Eleanor…" Cynthia whispered, disbelief tightening her chest.
Davin hesitated for a moment, then placed two photographs on the table — one showing a young woman in disguise, another of her real face.
"With the King gone," he said quietly, "their country needs a new ruler. Your daughter — the King's daughter — is the only heir left."
Cynthia's breath caught. Her eyes fell to the photos, and the world seemed to stop. The face staring back at her was Eden's.
"Her Majesty the Queen has known your whereabouts these past twenty years," Davin began, his tone measured. "She's had you followed—quietly. She's watched her grandchild grow into a fine young woman, and she believes she's the one fit to inherit the throne. Even now, she prepares Valenor for her arrival."
Cynthia's brows furrowed. "Do you really think showing me those photographs is enough for me to believe you?" Her voice trembled with restrained anger. "Do you even understand what happened between us? Why I left the court?"
"The Queen told me," Davin replied softly. "And she regrets her part in it. Watching over her granddaughter was her way of atonement. It was her wish to reunite you and the King—but his death came too soon."
He placed a folder on the table. "She gave me this."
Cynthia hesitated before reaching for it. Inside were documents—their marriage certificate, photographs she didn't know existed. Her breath caught. They had been watching her.
"This isn't enough," she whispered. "What if all of this is—"
Davin set down a ring. Its silver surface gleamed faintly in the dim light, etched with the seal of Valenor.
Her words faltered. The ring was unmistakable—bestowed only upon those trusted by the royal family, a mark of the ruler's personal blessing.
"I'm here under the Queen's order," Davin said. "Their enemies are already moving. It's only a matter of time before they discover who your daughter really is. I've been sent to protect her."
"Why?" Cynthia demanded. "Why would you do this? You don't even—"
"I understand," he cut in, his voice calm but firm. "I took an oath, Ms. Anderson. No bloodline or border will keep me from fulfilling it. And your daughter deserves to know who she is."
"I can't do that," Cynthia whispered. "If what you're saying is true, then revealing her identity will only put her in danger. I've kept her away from politics her entire life—and I intend to keep it that way, even if I have to hide the truth forever."
Davin's gaze softened. "And what about your daughter? Does she feel the same way?"
Cynthia hesitated. Eden had never asked about her father, never complained, never demanded the truth. She had only ever been patient, gentle… understanding.
"She's always tried to understand me," Cynthia murmured.
"Then maybe it's time you understand her," Davin said quietly. "She deserves to know. And Valenor needs her."
Cynthia's eyes flickered toward the ring once more. Her fingers brushed its cold surface, and for the first time, she wasn't sure whether it symbolized duty or loss.
"I'll think about it," she said finally. "But you already know what's happening here. Nothing is simple anymore."
"Eden," Cynthia called softly as she approached her daughter, who was watching the staff prepare the tables for the upcoming press conference.
It was the day she would finally announce her retirement — and the day she would set the record straight.
"Ma," Eden said, turning to her. "Sorry. I should have—"
"It's fine, sweetheart." Cynthia smiled and took her daughter's hand. "After this, there will be no more reason for us to hide. I'm sorry you had to suffer because of me."
"I'm fine," Eden said gently. "As long as I'm with you."
Cynthia's chest tightened. She doesn't even know yet, she thought. And still, she stands beside me.
"Hey," Cynthia said, forcing a small smile. "There's something I want you to have."
She placed two rings in her daughter's palm.
"Ma? What are these?" Eden asked, tracing the smooth metal with her fingers before looking up in confusion.
"They're my wedding rings," Cynthia said softly. "Hold on to them. I'll explain everything later, okay?"
Before Eden could respond, Nancy called from across the room. "Everything's ready. Are you sure you want to go through with this? We can still cancel."
"No," Cynthia said firmly. "Let's get this over with."
She was about to step inside when Paula stopped her.
"Are you sure about this?"
"More than ever." Cynthia managed a faint smile. "Will you still stay with me after all this?"
"Is that even a question?" Paula asked with a half-laugh. "You didn't tell me everything, but I'm your best friend, your family. We're in this together, always."
Cynthia squeezed her hand. "Thank you."
Then, with one final breath, she turned toward the waiting doors.