The Reverie of a Mother

The sun had begun its slow descent as the Edelhardt party prepared to leave the capital. The grand carriage, lacquered black with golden accents, waited silently outside the palace gates. Lady Amalia lingered a moment in the royal gardens, beside Empress Giselle.

The empress's delicate hands folded over a bouquet of fresh blossoms, her eyes soft yet serious. "You carry more than just your own burdens, Amalia. The court watches, always. But you have friends here, and allies who believe in you."

Amalia inclined her head respectfully. "Your kindness will not be forgotten, Your Majesty. For Liora's sake, I will fight to honor what your support represents."

The empress smiled faintly, pressing a hand to Amalia's arm in farewell. "Then go with strength, and may the blossom's roots hold firm."

The carriage doors opened with a gentle thud, and the Edelhardt children climbed inside, their chatter filling the air as the horses trotted steadily away from the city.

Mathilde, clutching a small embroidered pouch, whispered, "I'm glad we didn't have to stay."

Leopold grinned, nudging Elias, "The court was huge! And did you see the tapestries? Like giant paintings on the walls!"

Elias nodded, his eyes wide. "I hope I can see more someday."

Annalise, perched beside Liora, sighed. "I wish the prince hadn't danced with me. I don't know what to do with all these looks."

Michael, sitting opposite, shot a sharp glance at Annalise but then softened. "You handled it well. Don't let their games rattle you."

Liora listened quietly, her gaze drifting to the window as the countryside blurred by.

Back at Edelhardt estate, the late afternoon sun cast long shadows over the sprawling rose garden. Lady Amalia's voice cut through the quiet, firm yet laced with exhaustion.

"You're weakening this house with sentiment," Hadrian's tone was sharp, his eyes cold. "The girl is a stray, not a legacy. She has no place here."

Amalia met him with steady defiance. "She's more legacy than you'll ever understand, Brother. Blood isn't the only thing that binds a family."

From behind the thick hedges, Liora crouched, heart pounding. The words felt like shards of ice sinking deep.

Hadrian's gaze suddenly swung toward her hiding spot. His smile was thin, cruel.

Fear seized her, and she bolted from the garden, breath catching as she ran back to her room, the chill of Hadrian's words lingering like a shadow.

Liora's breath came in ragged gasps as she slammed the door behind her, leaning against the cool wood. Her hands trembled, clutching the hem of her sleeve, eyes wide with panic. The words Hadrian had spoken echoed relentlessly in her mind: "Eavesdropping is a dangerous habit, little one."

She sank onto the edge of her bed, the faint scent of roses drifting through the open window. Outside, the garden seemed peaceful, but inside her chest, a storm brewed. How could someone so close wish her harm? What did Hadrian truly want?

The sitting room was dimly lit by a crackling fire, casting flickering shadows on the walls. The other children were gathered on the worn rug, Mathilde quietly sewing a torn puppet, Elias stacking small wooden blocks, and Leopold idly tapping his fingers on a carved box. But Liora sat apart on the edge of a velvet armchair, her gaze fixed on the dancing flames.

Michael settled next to her with a soft sigh. "You've been quiet all evening. That's not like you."

Liora's fingers clenched the armrest. "I overheard something… Hadrian said I'm not part of this family. That I'm a stray."

Michael's eyes darkened, but he said gently, "He doesn't get to decide that. We do."

Annalise, who had been listening from across the room, stood and crossed the floor to sit beside Liora. "He's just afraid. Afraid you'll take something from him."

Liora's voice trembled. "But what if he's right? What if I don't belong?"

Leopold looked up from his box, his young face serious beyond his years. "You belong with us. I don't care what grown-ups say."

Mathilde, never one to mince words, chimed in, "And if Hadrian tries anything, he'll have all of us to answer to."

Elias, eyes wide and earnest, looked to Michael. "Can we really protect Liora? Like knights?"

Michael smiled faintly, ruffling Elias's hair. "We're not knights yet. But we'll learn. Together."

Liora's lips quivered as she finally allowed herself a small, grateful smile. "Thank you… all of you. I don't want to be alone."

Annalise took her hand firmly. "You never will be. We're your family now. No matter what."

Michael stood and stretched, eyes flicking towards the door. "Let's make a pact. No matter what comes, we stand together. Like the blossom tree, you know, strong roots and all."

Leopold grinned. "I like that. The Council of Blossoms, forever!"

The room filled with quiet laughter, the weight of fear lightening, even if only for a moment.