Hazel finished reading her father’s letter, then carefully folded it and tucked it into her dress pocket.

"Thank you, Ren," she whispered, her voice trembling as tears began to fill her eyes, slowly spilling over in silent streams.

Ren Canahy, a man more accustomed to unraveling complex schemes and outmaneuvering scheming adversaries, found himself unprepared for this moment. His instinct urged him to comfort her, to promise that everything would be all right, but he held back, painfully aware that he couldn’t guarantee it.

"Um… here, take my handkerchief. It’s clean," he stammered, finally coming up with something.

"Thanks," she murmured, taking it without hesitation. Ren was taken aback; he’d expected her to politely decline and insist she was fine. This vulnerable side of her, so different from the composed, authoritative presence she’d projected the night before, caught him off guard.

He paused, choosing his next words carefully. “I know this is delicate, but… would you mind if I asked about your mother? What kind of person was Queen Fretia?”

Her expression hardened just a bit as she pulled herself out of her sorrow. "Why?"

"My sources in the kingdom are conflicted," Ren explained. "The official report is that both the king and queen were assassinated, but none of my people can confirm the queen’s death specifically. They’re among the best at what they do. If they can’t verify something, it means there might be… a possibility that it didn’t happen."

Hazel’s eyes widened as a fragile hope mixed with caution lit up her face. "Wait… are you saying there’s a chance my mother survived? Don’t play games with me, Ren. We may be allies, but my family’s memory is not something to toy with."

He held her gaze, steady and reassuring. “I’m not making any promises. There’s just the slightest chance—and I think you should be open to the possibility, even while preparing yourself for the alternative.”

Hazel’s expression softened as she absorbed his words. "I see… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have lashed out. You were just trying to help."

Ren nodded, a hint of relief in his eyes. "No need to apologize. For now, let’s focus on the larger task at hand."

Ren was curious about the contents of the letter, but he held back, respecting Hazel’s privacy. The king had made it clear that the letter was meant for her eyes only.

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After a moment, Hazel spoke, her voice steady. "My father wrote a few things… among them, a list of allies the royal family still has in the government. When the time comes for us to return to the capital and reclaim the throne, these people will be ready to support us."

Ren’s face lit up with a genuine, unguarded smile. The relief and joy in his expression were unmistakable, and Hazel found herself feeling unexpectedly proud. Seeing her efforts bear fruit and watching Ren’s guarded exterior crack just a bit—it was deeply rewarding.

Ren had a way of inspiring those around him, even unknowingly, to strive harder, to be stronger. Hazel could feel it in herself now: a growing determination to make this plan a success—not just for herself, but for him as well.

Ren finally nodded, clearly pleased. "That’s great news.”

“And I imagine you’ve already strategized with Ogren and Magron. Ogren has sway over many legions in the royal army, especially as he’s a Krowl. With I also being a Krowl, we have an even stronger foothold," Hazel continued.

"Yes, but..." Ren hesitated before continuing, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "While it’s useful now, my goal is to create a united country. I want to dissolve the tribal divides that have held us back. The people need to unite under one banner if we’re ever going to stand strong against the other nations."

Ren's words hung in the air, serious and resolute. Hazel blinked, then broke into a smile of her own—a bright, genuine one that lit up her face in a way Ren hadn’t seen before.

"Finally," she started, her voice filled with excitement and relief. "Someone who understands. I was afraid you’d be as stuck in the old ways as the Aropians. Hearing this… hearing you speak about unity… I want to support you even more."

She reached out, a gleam of conviction in her eyes. The spark between them shifted, as if this shared vision had created a deeper bond. And for a moment, Ren felt a warmth that had been missing from his life for far too long.

Ren allowed himself a brief moment of happiness and satisfaction, but quickly tempered it.

He felt a quiet admiration for Hazel and was pleased by her support, yet he knew the dangers of letting this alliance become one where he felt bound to please her.

He didn’t want their dynamic to be one of constant agreement, nor to encourage the notion that he’d yield to her will in every matter. He foresaw times when their paths would diverge—when difficult decisions and compromises would test their unity. Preparing her for those inevitable challenges was as crucial as rallying allies.

He straightened, adopting his usual calm, steady gaze, the faintest trace of a smile in his eyes but his tone resolute. "Make whatever preparations you need. We’ll depart for the capital at dawn."

Hazel nodded, her own expression serious, clearly absorbing his words.

Ren continued, "I don’t expect open confrontation—not with you by my side. Your presence will be our shield." He held her gaze, making it clear that he saw her as a partner, not just an ally or subordinate.

In that quiet moment, he set the tone for their shared goal—a balance between respect and independence, trust and readiness for dissent. It was the groundwork of a partnership that could withstand whatever trials lay ahead.