promise

The wind tugged at Eleanor's hair as she rode, the steady rhythm of her horse's hooves calming her nerves. Her mind, however, was far from peaceful. She kept thinking about her encounter with Sebastian Montrose.

Is he like me?

The question wouldn't leave her. It wasn't just the fact that she saw him again; it was the way he spoke to her. He knew. There was something in his eyes, the way he smiled. She couldn't ignore it.

Was he reincarnated too? Did he remember everything from their past life? Was he trying to change, just like her?

She remembered his role in her previous life. Sebastian had been one of the people who helped destroy her. He had turned the kingdom against her, using lies and deceit to bring her down. He was the one who plotted her demise.

Eleanor squeezed the reins, trying to focus on her riding. I can't let anger control me.

But it was hard. The anger was still there. Sebastian had been the one who hurt her most, and now he was standing in front of her again, pretending nothing had ever happened. Could he be trying to change?

She slowed her horse to a walk, the rhythm of the ride helping calm her thoughts. It was hard to trust him, but it was just as hard to ignore the odd feeling that maybe

just maybe

he wasn't the same person he used to be.

What does he want from me?

Eleanor had always known Sebastian as a master of manipulation. His charm was his weapon, and he used it to get what he wanted. But today, he hadn't tried to deceive her. He hadn't tried to put her down or pressure her. He'd simply talked to her like they were friends.

Was he testing me?

She couldn't be sure. But there was a part of her that wondered Is he trying to make amends?

But why now?

Eleanor squeezed the reins again, urging her horse forward. The answers weren't clear, but one thing was: she couldn't let her guard down. Not with someone like Sebastian.

Her thoughts circled back to his smile, his easy words. He had seemed too genuine, and that bothered her. Could he really have changed?

The more she thought about it, the more questions kept popping up. She pulled her horse into a turn, trying to shake off the unease. Her instructor's voice brought her back to reality.

"Princess," he said gently, "you seem distracted today."

Eleanor smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Just focused on the lesson," she replied, keeping her tone calm. The words felt strange, but they worked.

"Very well," the instructor said, nodding in approval. "Let's finish up for today."

Eleanor dismounted, but her mind was still on Sebastian. She couldn't stop thinking about him. The more she did, the more questions she had. Was he remembering his past life? Was he really trying to change?

The answers weren't clear yet. But she wouldn't be caught off guard again. This time, she would be ready.

She had a second chance, and she wasn't going to waste it. I won't make the same mistakes.

Eleanor's heart was still racing from her ride, but as she made her way back toward the palace, the rush of emotions slowly faded. She tried to calm her thoughts, but they kept circling back to Sebastian and his odd behavior.

When she reached the palace grounds, the sight of her younger sister, Eloise, playing with a cat on the lawn caught her attention. A soft smile tugged at Eleanor's lips, unbidden but genuine.

Eloise's laughter, so innocent and carefree, filled the air as she gently stroked the cat's fur. It was a sight Eleanor hadn't seen in years hadn't thought she'd see again.

I'm sorry, Eleanor thought, her chest tightening. I should have listened to you.

In her past life, Eleanor had been so consumed by her own pain, jealousy, and ambitions, that she barely took the time to notice her sister's struggles. Eloise had always been there, trying to warn her, trying to protect her from the dangers that lurked within the palace and the kingdom. But Eleanor had been too wrapped up in her feelings for Aurian, too focused on her own desires.

It had cost her dearly. Eloise had died at the hands of the rebellious citizens who stormed the palace. She had been one of the first to try to defend Eleanor, to shield her from the chaos that had erupted around them. But in the end, it hadn't been enough.

The citizens had been merciless, and despite Eloise's efforts, she had been killed.

Eleanor's throat tightened at the memory. Her younger sister had always been so kind, so selfless, even in the face of danger. Eloise had done everything she could to protect her, and Eleanor hadn't even realized the extent of her sacrifice until it was too late.

I was too busy with Aurian to notice. The thought stung, a reminder of all the things she had taken for granted.

She stood there for a moment, watching Eloise with the cat, her heart aching with regret.

She had a second chance now, but that didn't mean she could erase the mistakes of her past. The hurt she had caused, the lives lost it was something she would never be able to undo. But maybe, just maybe, she could make things right this time. Maybe she could protect Eloise, truly listen to her, and not let her slip away in the chaos again.

Eloise looked up from the cat and caught her sister's gaze. Her eyes sparkled with joy, and she waved enthusiastically, not seeing the quiet sadness in Eleanor's expression. "Sister! Look! It's the sweetest thing!" she called out.

Eleanor blinked, quickly wiping the tear that had slipped down her cheek. She forced a bright smile onto her face as she walked toward her sister. "It certainly is," she said softly. Her voice caught slightly, but she masked it with a laugh. "You always had a way with animals, didn't you?"

Eloise beamed, holding the cat up to Eleanor. "You should pet it! It loves attention."

Eleanor gently stroked the cat, trying to shake off the lingering grief. I will protect you this time, she promised silently. I'll listen to you. I won't make the same mistakes.

She could feel the weight of her past decisions pressing against her chest, but she couldn't afford to dwell on them now. There was too much at stake. Her sister's life, the kingdom's future, and her own redemption all of it rested on her making the right choices this time.

As she knelt beside Eloise, her sister's laughter filling her ears, Eleanor allowed herself a brief moment of peace. It wouldn't last forever, but for now, it was enough.

She just hoped she could hold on to this second chance long enough to make it right.