Lily turned around in her deep red dress, a twirl which reminded Magdalena of the princess' happier days. The red dress revealed her freckled shoulders and focused on waist. The princess had started gaining weight again after her weeks of remaining in bed and the entire court felt relieved when they saw her. The blush was slowly returning to her cheeks, and the curls in her hair bounced every now and then to remind them of how they once used to dance.

Lily herself noticed the change too. She felt better though the fatigue never left. She pushed herself to go outside once or twice every day to make sure she wouldn't restrain herself to her chambers. Avoiding the conflicts in her head, she stayed up late working on important matters and studying only to wake up early in the morning.

Arthur entered her rooms. They often visited each other since they went horseback riding together as if their friendship slowly begun again. He stopped in his tracks when he saw her, a glimpse of majestic beauty. She looked up and smiled at him, her lips curved. « You're looking absolutely beautiful. » He said and he bowed as a salute. Lily laughed again and stomped his arm as she passed by him to get her white coat. « When you stop being a gentlemen, the world will have never known a greater loss. » She said and she accepted his held out arm. Together they strolled towards the carriages.

Headed to Costa Luna, Arthur and Lily shared a carriage. It was fresh inside, but the two silently talked. Arthur's hands gently rubbed Lily's fingers to avoid the cold settling in them, when the carriage stopped. Nervously Lily looked outside. The central courtyard of Costa Luna's palace was packed with civilians who were desperately trying to catch a glimpse of the arriving royalty. She didn't realize she was squeezing her fingers tight in Arthur's palms when suddenly he guided her head towards him, by gently taking her chin. « Ready? » There was a joyful hint in his eyes as if he had waited forever to take Lily out on official greetings. She nodded when she saw the familiar brown eyes.

They stepped out of the carriage to be overwhelmed by the sound of all those people gathered around. Though the mass was a bit threatening, Lily was glad she was back in Costa Luna. It was still winter here, and the castle shimmered in white snow. As they made their way towards the entrance, they were followed by her name. Everyone was pleased to see the young princess return for her sisters' wedding after missing her for almost an entire year.

When they left the crowded courtyard behind them, they were greeted by royals of all around the world. Lily desperately looked for her sister and sneaked away during the greetings. Arthur covered her up as he winked while she snuck up the spiral staircases. Lily found Athena in her rooms, as she could've thought. The chatter of the maids was enormous when she approached the door. As she entered, the room became silent.

« Lily! » Athena suddenly cried out and stood up, made her way through the big tule and embraced her younger sister. Lily held her close, Athena's straight hair tickling her cheek. The flower crown had fallen a bit down and Lily made sure Athena's look was perfect once more. « I'm so happy to see you. You're looking so much better. » The maids remained silent and observed the youngest daughter of their royal family.

« I couldn't miss the wedding of the century, now could I? » Lily joked a bit and slowly pushed Athena back to the preparations. « I'll see you in a bit, fine? » She said and with a smile, Lily closed the doors behind her. With a happy sigh, she walked over to her old room on the other side of the hallways. The sweet turquoise walls and white bed sheets were the same as she had left them. Except for fresh flowers, nothing had changed. The pile of books near her bedside table was still left unread but the last one laid open on her duvets, a thin piece of paper marking the page. Lily smiled unknowingly. She had never thought to miss her old room this much. She looked outside the ceiling-length window and over the ocean. It furious waves crashing on shore deep down the hill. They were so different than the waves on Everland. Lily was shocked by the thought once more.

Triggered she left her room and walked higher into the castle, looking for the last place she wanted to visit. Now that she was here, she couldn't help the fire inside of her burning to see it. An nauseous feeling spread across her abdomen but she couldn't help herself grabbing the doorknob. Finally she pushed open the door. The drapes inside the study were closed, revealing a spooky light inside King Magnus old study.

Lily wandered inside, not really sure what she expected. The room wasn't claimed by her sister as she would've thought. Everything was kept in place just like her own room. The globe hardly moved when Lily gently pushed it. With a sigh she sat down on the King's chair behind the desk. How many times had she seen him here, on her spot, talking about important matters as she peeked into the room. And when noticed her, the King would always wink, no matter what he was discussing. Late at night, when she had nightmares, she would sneak into his study and he would tell her what he had planned for the future whilst she sat on his lap.

As a child she found it rather boring, and so she easily fell asleep. But once a teenager, the matters gained more of her attention and often they discussed the plans until late at night.

Overwhelmed by all the memories, Lily sat back, fighting back tears. A month ago she had watched her father die for her and what had she done to repay him? She suffered and could barely focus on her daily tasks. She knew the court had granted her some time and patience, but she couldn't use that for the rest of her life. She had to finally continue. Her father would've wanted her to.

The door slowly opened and a warm voice called her name. « Lily? » Arthur stepped in the room and saw her, her lip trembling and tears hiding behind the corner of her eyes. « Are you alright? » He asked and he stalked over to her and bend down on his knees to reach her eyesight. She smiled. She was so glad she saw him. No matter what hell she went through, Arthur always brightened up the darkness inside her. She swallowed and rested her hand on his cheek. A weak smile formed on her lips « I am, actually. » Arthur frowned a bit confused and covered her hand with his. He was about to stand up when Lily pulled him closer to her.

When their lips touched, every part of her darkened soul seemed to brighten up. As if the clouds suddenly disappeared and the sun had the place all to itself. Her fingers tangled in his hair, his hands cupped her face. Their mouths could never get enough of each other's taste. She kissed him deeply, fearing that if she let go, the darkness would return. Finally she backed away. « I'm sorry... I just... » For the first time in a while, Lily doubted his feelings for her. Would he still consider them friends or did he feel the connection they had as well? Arthur laughed. « Don't ever excuse yourself for such kind of acts. » He grinned and took her hand to guide her to the festivities. Lily was glad that after all this time, her heart seemed to have started thumping again, when she believed she had lost it forever.