Helena embraced her father. "Be careful. And send word when you need me to start the investigation."
"I will." Duke Romian looked at his grandchildren. "Aria, Marcus—be good. Help your mother. Study hard."
"We will, Grandfather!" they said in unison.
Elara stood awkwardly, not sure what the social expectation was for departing.
Helena solved it by pulling her into a brief embrace. "Take care of my father. And yourself. You're doing something important."
"I'll try."
"That's all anyone can ask."
The three riders left the valley, heading back toward the capital.
On the journey back, Duke Romian was quieter than usual.
"Are you alright?" Elara asked on the second day.
"Yes. Just thinking about Helena. About the risk she's taking." He stared at the road ahead. "I've spent forty years keeping her safe. Now I'm allowing her to step into danger. It feels wrong."
