Chapter 41: The War and the Parting Gift
The Emperor's Command
The air in the imperial palace felt heavy as the emperor issued his royal decree. The war between the empire and the neighboring kingdom was nearing, and the emperor's decision was clear: Chris, as the crown prince, would be sent to lead the army. Alistair's mother's schemes had worked, her whispers in the emperor's ears convincing him of the need for Chris to take command at the front lines. She had, after all, wanted to see her son, Alistair, rise to the throne.
Chris, though always prepared for duty, did not hide his unease at the prospect. He was needed at home, not on a battlefield. But the emperor's order was absolute, and as the crown prince, he could not refuse.
Tiara's Farewell
Meanwhile, Tiara sat in her father's study, her fingers lightly tracing the edges of the embroidered handkerchief she had been working on for weeks. It was a giftâa token of her care for Chris. She had woven delicate flowers into the fabric, the threads shimmering in the sunlight.
Her maid Lily had been watching her for some time, curiosity filling her gaze. "My lady, will you give this to His Highness?"
Tiara nodded, her expression a mixture of uncertainty and resolve. "He's going away. I want him to have something to remember me by, something to remind him of his home while he's fighting in the war."
Chris's Visit to the Everhart Estate
Later that afternoon, Chris arrived at the Everhart estate to say his goodbyes. His usual composed demeanor had a trace of sadness in his eyes, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He wasn't a stranger to war, but this was differentâhe was leaving his family, his responsibilities, and Tiara.
Tiara met him at the gates, her hand clutched around the handkerchief she had so carefully made. The moment their eyes met, she couldn't help but feel a pang in her heart.
"Chris," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Tiara," Chris greeted, stepping closer to her. His expression softened as he looked at her, though there was a distinct tension between them.
"I wanted you to have this," Tiara said, holding out the handkerchief with both hands.
Chris took it, his fingers brushing against hers as he carefully unfolded the cloth. His gaze lingered on the embroidery for a moment, the flowers and threads reflecting the care she had put into making it.
"It's beautiful," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, Tiara."
Tiara smiled faintly, though there was a quiet sadness behind her eyes. "I know you'll come back safe. You have to."
Chris nodded, though his own uncertainty was clear. "I'll do my best. But no matter what happens, Tiara, I'll always remember this." He gently tucked the handkerchief into his jacket pocket.
The Departure
The day of Chris's departure arrived, and the Everhart family gathered at the estate to see him off. Tiara stood beside her father and Cedric, her heart heavy with unspoken words.
"Take care, Your Highness," Cedric said, giving Chris a respectful nod.
Chris returned the gesture, his expression resolute. "I will. Thank you, Cedric."
Tiara stepped forward, her gaze fixed on him. "I'll be waiting for you," she said softly, the words carrying more weight than she intended.
Chris's eyes softened, and for a moment, he hesitated. "Take care of yourself, Tiara. I'll return as soon as I can."
With a final nod to the Everharts, Chris mounted his horse and left the estate, heading toward the battlefield where his fate awaited.
The Calm Before the Storm
As Chris rode off into the horizon, Tiara stood silently, watching him disappear from view. A heavy silence enveloped her, but it was soon broken by the voice of her father.
"Tiara, this is the world we live in. You must not let yourself be swallowed by it. Focus on your duties, on your responsibilities. The time will come when you'll be needed in ways you can't imagine."
Tiara nodded, though the sadness in her heart was still raw. "I understand, Father."
As Tiara's heart clung to the hope of Chris's safe return, Alistair's plots and Lilith's ambitions continued to brew in the background. But for now, the world would move on, and Tiara would find herself stepping into new roles, gaining new experiences, and preparing for the storm that was to come. The first chapter of a new era had begun, and Tiara Everhart's journey was far from over.