On the Road Back
Riven walked down the forest path leading away from the palace, her boots crunching softly over the leaves. The moment she was far enough from the guards, MorriVayne materialized beside her — a shifting shadow keeping pace with her steps.
"So," MorriVayne purred, "you refused the king's reward. Why?"
Riven shrugged lightly.
"I didn't refuse. I just didn't take anything yet."
MorriVayne tilted her head. "Not yet?"
"The king doesn't trust me," Riven said calmly. "Even after saving Princess Lyria, he still sees me as a threat. If I asked for anything big now, he'd think I was plotting something."
MorriVayne smirked. "Smart girl."
"That's why I asked him to help the orphanage instead," Riven continued. "It shows him I care about this kingdom and I'm not dangerous. I need him to trust me more before I ask for what I actually want."
MorriVayne chuckled, her voice dark and amused.
"Oh, and you copied the princess's healing ability. What a bonus."
Riven nodded.
"The royal bloodline's healing magic is purer than anything I've ever seen. Stronger than most healers… maybe even stronger than the queen's. Useful."
MorriVayne drifted behind her like a satisfied whisper.
"You're starting to have fun. I like it."
Life returned to its slow, peaceful rhythm.
In the mornings, Riven helped the nun wash clothes, sweep, cook, and organize supplies for the children.
In the evenings, she trained with her master in the empty yard, her movements sharp and precise under the fading light.
No curses.
No palace drama.
Just… quiet.
Riven almost forgot trouble existed.
The Fourth Day
When Riven walked out of the kitchen carrying a basket of vegetables, she froze.
A large carriage, decorated with the royal crest, stood at the orphanage gates. Crates of clothes, food, blankets, and medicine filled the back.
And in front of them, standing with perfect posture, was Princess Lyria.
"…What?" Riven muttered.
The nun hurried out behind her — and immediately smacked Riven lightly on the back of her head.
"Is this how you greet guests?" she scolded.
"Sorry," Riven muttered, rubbing her head.
Lyria pressed a hand over her mouth, laughing softly.
The nun bowed deeply to her.
"Your Highness… this is an honor. May I ask the reason for your visit?"
Lyria bowed her head gently in return — respectful, warm.
"I came to ensure these supplies were delivered properly. There will be a carriage like this every month from now on. I hope it helps."
The nun's eyes immediately filled with tears
"My lady… thank you. Truly, thank you."
As Lyria followed Riven inside, small heads peeked out from behind door frames.
"Who's that pretty lady?" one child whispered.
"Is she Riven's friend?" another asked.
A third child gasped. "Her hair is so beautiful!"
"And her dress! It sparkles!"
Lyria heard every word — and smiled, soft and bright.
"Yes," she said, looking at them kindly. "I'm Riven's friend."
Raven looked at her calmly and wondered, "Are we friends?"
A little boy stepped forward nervously.
"Does that mean… you'll come here more often?"
Lyria tapped her chin playfully.
"Well… if you want me to."
Another child pointed dramatically at her.
"You're not here to steal Riven from us, right?!"
Lyria burst into a soft, melodic laugh.
"No, no, I won't take her from you."
The children sighed with relief, then shouted in unison:
"Then you can come every day!"
Before anyone could stop them, they sprinted into the garden to play, leaving Riven and Lyria alone in the quiet living room.
For a while, they talked:
About the children.
About Lyria's training.
About Riven's progress in recovery.
About the incoming celebration the royal family was preparing.
Lyria seemed relaxed — more than Riven had ever seen her in the palace.
There was something gentle in her eyes when she looked at Riven.
Something warm.
And Riven , as always, didn't notice.
MorriVayne, watching from the shadows, nearly rolled her nonexistent eyes.
After a short while, the princess stood.
"I should return now," she said regretfully. "But… the celebration will be in two days. Don't forget — you must come."
Riven nodded.
"I'll be there."
Lyria stepped into her carriage, giving one last smile before the horses pulled away.
Riven watched the carriage disappear down the road with cold and quiet face .
Then the nun elbowed her.
"She likes you."
"What?" Riven stared blankly. "Why?"
The nun sighed deeply.
"Because you're hopeless."
MorriVayne cackled behind Riven.
"Oh, this is going to be entertaining."
And so the day ended — with new supplies, new bonds…
And a princess who was starting to care far more than she realized.