The soft hum of the estate settled over the evening, a comforting rhythm that Elena had come to rely on. Yet, as she sat in her study, her mind was anything but calm. Her thoughts lingered on Aiden and the quiet power he carried. There was no denying his brilliance, but his otherworldly presence unsettled her ,her mind also swirling with thoughts of the impending war. The kingdom's forces were preparing, but so was the enemy. Every day brought new reports of their movements, and each day Elena's heart grew heavier. She had seen enough battles in her life to know the cost of war, and this time, the danger felt far too close.

Her thoughts drifted to her daughter, Lyria, as she often did. She could sense the turmoil within her, though Lyria rarely spoke of it. It was the same quiet worry, the same burden of responsibility that Lyria had always carried, even in her youth. As much as Elena admired her daughter's strength, she hated seeing her so weighed down by it all.

The door creaked open, and Lyria stepped inside, her soft blue dress swaying with the movement. Her posture, once so firm and unyielding, had softened. The determined gleam in her eyes was still there, but it was now tempered by a quiet exhaustion.

Elena's musings were interrupted by the sound of light footsteps outside the door. Moments later, the familiar creak of the hinges announced Lyria's arrival.

"Mother," Lyria said softly, her voice tinged with hesitation. She stepped inside, her soft blue dress swaying with her movements. Despite the strength in her posture and the determination in her eyes, there were still faint traces of weariness etched into her features.

"Mother," Lyria greeted, her voice gentle but filled with hesitation. "Am I interrupting?"

Elena smiled and gestured to the chair across from her. "Not at all, my dear. Come, sit with me."

Lyria sank into the chair, a sigh escaping her lips as she ran a hand through her hair. There was a weariness about her, something Elena had noticed more and more in recent days.

"How has the day treated you?" Elena asked, pouring a cup of tea for her daughter.

"Busy," Lyria admitted, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of the teacup. "Aiden has been... active, as always. He's growing so fast. It's hard to keep up sometimes."

Elena chuckled softly, the warmth of her smile lingering. "He does have a way of surprising us, doesn't he? I've never met a child so curious, so... aware."

Lyria nodded, but there was a shadow in her eyes as she looked down at her tea. "He's more than that, Mother. Sometimes... sometimes I wonder if he sees things we can't."

Elena's gaze softened with understanding. She knew what Lyria meant. Aiden had always been different, even from the moment he was born. His intelligence, his intensity—it was unsettling at times. But Elena had always believed in her grandson, in his potential. She didn't understand it all, but she had no doubt that he was meant for something extraordinary.

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"You worry about him," Elena said, her voice gentle, but laced with concern.

Lyria looked up, her expression conflicted. "It's not just him, Mother. It's everything. The kingdom... Keiran..."

Elena's heart tightened at the mention of her son, Keiran. As the King of Celestia, he carried the weight of the kingdom on his shoulders, but to Elena, he was still her little boy, the one who had once needed her protection. Now, he was the one who needed to be strong for everyone.

"The news from the border doesn't look good," Lyria continued, her voice strained. "Keiran is preparing for battle. The enemy forces are getting closer every day. I fear that it's only a matter of time before they attack."

Elena could hear the worry in her daughter's voice. She knew that Lyria's concern wasn't just for her brother. It was for the entire kingdom—the people Keiran had sworn to protect. But what pained Elena the most was the uncertainty in Lyria's eyes. She knew her daughter too well. Lyria was scared, not just for the kingdom, but for Keiran's safety.

"Mother," Lyria spoke again, her voice trembling. "I don't know what's going to happen. Keiran is under so much pressure. The kingdom, his family... I feel as if he's carrying the weight of everything alone. What if it becomes too much for him?"

Elena placed a hand on Lyria's, her grip firm, but comforting. "Keiran is strong, Lyria. He carries his burdens, yes, but he carries them for all of us. He's always known the path he must walk. He's not alone in this, not while you're here, not while I'm here."

Lyria looked at her mother, her expression pained. "I know that, but... I worry about what the war will cost. How many lives will be lost? What will happen to Aiden if anything happens to Keiran?" She paused, struggling with her emotions. "I can't stand the thought of losing him. I can't imagine the world without Keiran in it."

Elena's heart softened as she pulled Lyria closer. "You're not alone in this, Lyria. And Keiran is not alone, either. He's had to make difficult decisions, but his love for this kingdom, and for you, his family, will guide him through. We just need to have faith in him."

Lyria wiped a tear from her cheek and nodded, the uncertainty still hanging in her eyes. "I'll stand by him, Mother. I'll do whatever I can to help him. I'll fight for our family, for Celestia."

Elena smiled, her pride in her daughter clear. "You always do, Lyria. You always have."

Lyria stood up, straightening her posture as she prepared to leave. "Thank you, Mother. For everything." She paused, her gaze lingering. "I'll check on Aiden now. I need to make sure he's all right."

Elena nodded. "Go to him, dear. He needs you."

As Lyria left the room, Elena turned her thoughts back to her son, Keiran. She knew that, despite the distance between them, her love for him had never wavered. He was the king now, but he was still her son, her boy who had once sought comfort in her arms. The road ahead was uncertain, but Elena had faith. She would support him in whatever way she could. They would face this together, no matter what came.