“That looks like it should settle things, Ashbal.”
The king’s speech had concluded, and Claudia and Noah, having observed it from the shadows, now stood before Ashbal to bid their farewells.
Having just finished his speech, Ashbal had yet to loosen the stiff collar of his ceremonial attire. He placed a hand over his chest in a gesture of gratitude.
“Claudia, Noah, I owe you both a great debt. You have done more for this kingdom than I could have ever hoped for. Thank you.”
“I told you from the beginning, didn’t I?” Claudia replied. “This is merely an exchange. In return, you will keep a vigilant eye on the Kingdom of Lemilsia.”
Ashbal nodded. “I understand. I will ensure that we remain on high alert and keep you informed of any developments.”
Of course, Ashbal’s challenges were far from over. Though the kingdom had ample reserves of wealth to stave off immediate collapse, the true test of its strength was only just beginning.
Yet, this desert kingdom has existed for only twenty years. In that short time, trade routes, commerce, and infrastructure have been established. Even without the gold, there is a foundation upon which they can build, so long as they stand together.
From this day forward, the role of the king would surely change. Noah’s expression grew pensive, but before he could speak his thoughts, Ashbal let out a knowing chuckle.
“I already know what you’re thinking, Noah. The leeches in my court will be dealt with first. If my father’s old ties make it difficult to remove them, then I’ll use those same ties to build something better.”
“That would be advisable,” Noah said. “In that regard, I suspect Lord Faraz will prove most...resourceful.”
“Oi, lad, don’t go dumping work on me like that,” Faraz muttered. “But yeah, I’ll take care of it.”
Claudia laughed softly. Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps approached.
“Claudia!”
“Oh? Naila.”
The young woman had changed out of her ceremonial dress into something more practical. The outfit complemented her well, striking a balance between beauty and ease of movement.
“Are you leaving already?” she asked, a hint of distress in her voice.
“Yes,” Claudia admitted. “I would have loved to stay for your wedding, but...”
She let the words hang in the air, watching as Naila’s cheeks turned a faint shade of pink.
Though engaged for some time, the wedding date had remained indefinite...until now. In the wake of all that had transpired, they had set the date for six months from now.
Naila looked away in embarrassment, then, a cloud passed over her face.
“It will be lonely,” she admitted. “I miss you already.”
Claudia smiled. “Thank you. I will miss you too. And Mira as well.”
“Then promise you’ll come visit!” Naila urged. “And please, come to the wedding.”
Claudia could not make that promise. But she also could not bring herself to say no, so instead, she pulled Naila into a firm embrace. Seeming to understand the unspoken words, Naila let out a quiet, startled breath.
“I look forward to seeing you again,” Claudia murmured. “Until then, stay well, and love the one you cherish.”
“I will.” Naila held on to her friend tightly and returned the sentiment. “And you too, Claudia,” she whispered. “Stay well...with the one you love.”
Claudia smiled.
And so, Claudia and Noah had departed from the golden sands of the desert.
Back within the quiet sanctuary of her tower, Claudia sat in her usual chair, fingers curled around a warm porcelain cup. She inhaled the delicate scent of apple tea before releasing a contented sigh.
“I’ve never had tea that smells of apple before. Sharavia has such lovely goods. I imagine they will thrive for years to come.”
Noah silently returned the teapot to the tray.
Satisfied, Claudia placed her cup back onto the table.
“I’ve sent my letter to my father, and Karlheinz will ensure he reads it. I included letters for my brothers as well, so I expect they’ll receive them soon.”
“Your Highness.”
“Noah, the tea was delicious.”
Although he was clearly uncomfortable, she turned to him with a small, affectionate smile. He had taken great care to master the art of preparing tea precisely to her liking. And now Claudia truly believed it to be the finest tea in all the world.
“Everything you do for me—your magic, the way you style my hair, even the dresses you create—I love them all. More than I could ever love anything I make for myself.”
Still, he did not speak.
“Noah?”
Normally whenever Claudia praised him, he would respond with something. This time, though, he stood in silence for a while, eyes downcast, before he found the words to say.
“Please don’t speak as if we are parting forever. And don’t force a smile while saying such sad things.”
Nonetheless, Claudia didn’t drop her gentle expression as she rose to her feet. She moved to the bed and plopped onto it with a soft bounce before gesturing for him to come closer.
Noah obeyed without hesitation, moving to kneel before her, but she caught his hands and pulled him forward.
“Sit here.”
“Your Highness...”
He sat beside her, his attention on her and her alone. She saw in his eyes many unspoken thoughts: frustration, sorrow, and perhaps even a hint of childish sulking.
“You look like a puppy about to be left behind by its master.”
“That comparison isn’t entirely inaccurate.”
“Oh, but that isn’t the case at all.” Claudia stroked his hair, reassuring him with the touch. She whispered, “I will always be by your side—even after my so-called ‘death.’”
Noah clenched his fists, his brows drawing together in pain.
She took that moment to repeat what she’d told him earlier. “This body of Claudia cannot sustain the soul of Adelheid. That’s why I grow so tired when I use magic. No matter how much I grow, this will never change.”