Pamela

The grand doors of the main hall loomed ahead, flanked by imperial guards in gleaming armor. As Rowan stepped forward, the doors swung open, revealing the vast chamber within. Towering marble pillars lined the room, and at the far end, seated upon the high throne, was Emperor Edric Solmere.

The Emperor was a man of unwavering authority, his mere presence demanding respect. Though his golden robes and jeweled crown marked him as the ruler of Solmara, it was the sharpness of his gaze that truly solidified his power. Beside him, seated with quiet dignity, was Empress Vivianne Solmere, her cool eyes watching as her son entered.

Rowan strode forward without hesitation, stopping a respectable distance before the throne. Cassian and Julian remained at his back, silent as shadows.

"Rowan Solmere," his father's voice rang out, deep and commanding. "You finally return."

Rowan offered a respectful bow, though his tone held its usual ease. "Father, Mother. I trust you have been well."

The Emperor did not immediately respond, his gaze assessing. "I hear you have spent the past months indulging in your usual ventures. Trading, mingling with commoners, playing the merchant prince."

The condescension in his voice was expected, but Rowan didn't waver. "Trade strengthens the empire, Your Majesty. I would hardly call it play."

A scoff came from the side—Gareth Solmere, the third prince, standing with his arms crossed. "A real prince strengthens the empire with a sword, not by haggling in marketplaces like some lowborn peddler."

Rowan turned his head slightly, offering his brother an easy smile. "And yet, without trade, you wouldn't have the fine silks and imported wines you so enjoy."

A flicker of irritation crossed Gareth's face, but before he could retort, the Emperor raised a hand, silencing them both. "Enough." His gaze settled back on Rowan. "Regardless of your pursuits, you are still a prince of this empire. You should be here, fulfilling your duties, not gallivanting across the seas."

"Ah, but I am here now," Rowan replied smoothly. "Just in time for Lilia's birthday, no less."

At the mention of his daughter, Aldric spoke for the first time. "A child's celebration is hardly an excuse for months of absence." His tone was as cold as ever, his piercing gaze never leaving Rowan.

"Maybe not for you, dear brother," Rowan said lightly. "But unlike some, I value family."

The tension in the hall thickened. It was an unspoken truth—Aldric and Gareth lived for their ambitions, their every move calculated toward securing power. Rowan had long since distanced himself from such games, and that alone made him a threat in their eyes.

The Emperor sighed, rubbing his temple as if already tired of this conversation. "Enough of this nonsense. You will remain in the capital for the time being. I will not have my son—my blood—wandering about as though he has no place in his own kingdom."

Rowan's smile didn't falter, though inwardly, he felt the weight of his father's decree. He had expected as much.

"As you wish, Your Majesty," he said with a bow.

The Emperor waved a hand, dismissing the gathering. The audience was over.

As Rowan turned to leave, he caught his mother's gaze—calm, watchful, unreadable. Then, as he passed Gareth, his brother smirked.

"Try not to get too comfortable," Gareth murmured. "The palace is no place for a wandering fool."

Rowan didn't even glance at him as he walked past.

He had no illusions—his time in the capital would not be peaceful,That is if he actually stayed back.

As Rowan stepped out of the grand hall,Cassian and Julian trailed behind him, their silence speaking volumes. They had long since grown accustomed to these exchanges, knowing that Rowan never let them rattle him—at least, not outwardly.

"Could've gone worse," Julian remarked dryly.

Cassian snorted. "Could've gone better."

Rowan chuckled. "I think I handled it rather well, all things considered."

Julian arched a brow. "You provoked Gareth. Again."

"He makes it too easy," Rowan said with a smirk.

Cassian shook his head but said nothing. They walked through the familiar halls, and soon, they neared the private wing where the royal family's chambers were located.

And then—

"Rowan!"

A blur of golden curls and silk rushed toward him.

Pamela.

Rowan barely had time to brace himself before his younger sister collided into him, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. He laughed, steadying them both as he ruffled her hair.

"There's my little star," he said, his voice lighter than it had been all day. "Did you miss me?"

Pamela pulled back just enough to glare up at him, her bright blue eyes filled with reproach. "You disappeared for months! Of course, I missed you! And don't tell me it was because of trade. I know you could've written."

Rowan chuckled. "Ah, but where's the fun in that? Besides, if I wrote to you, you'd only scold me more."

Pamela narrowed her eyes at him but then sighed, linking her arm through his. "You're impossible."

"And yet, your favorite brother."

She scoffed. "By default."

Cassian and Julian exchanged amused glances behind them, but neither interrupted as Rowan guided Pamela down the corridor toward her wing. The palace staff who passed by bowed respectfully, though Rowan noticed how some of the nobles in the distance whispered among themselves. Nothing new there.

"Come," Pamela said, tugging his sleeve. "Let's go to my chambers. You owe me stories, and I want to see what you brought me."

Rowan smirked. "That eager, are we?"

Pamela rolled her eyes. "You're stalling."

He sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine."

As they walked, Rowan subtly glanced around, ensuring they weren't being closely observed. He knew better than anyone that nothing in the palace was truly private, but even so, he had long since learned how to speak without truly speaking.

Once they reached Pamela's chambers, the guards at the door stepped aside, opening the heavy wooden doors for them.

Inside, the space was as lavish as ever—golden drapes, silk cushions, and delicate paintings adorned the walls. But Rowan had always thought Pamela's chamber felt more like a gilded cage than a place of comfort.

Pamela sat on a cushioned chair, arms crossed. "Now, tell me, what ridiculous adventure did you get yourself into this time?"

Rowan smirked, settling onto a nearby seat. "Ridiculous? Sister, you wound me."

Pamela raised a brow. "Rowan."

He sighed, shaking his head. "Fine. Let's just say… trade negotiations in the East can be far more dangerous than one might expect."

Pamela leaned forward, intrigued. "Dangerous how?"

Rowan smiled lazily. "That's a story for another time."

Pamela scowled. "You're insufferable."

He only chuckled, reaching into his coat. "Here," he said, pulling out a small, ornate dagger with a beautifully carved hilt. "I saw this in one of the markets and thought of you."

Pamela's eyes widened slightly as she took the dagger, running her fingers over the craftsmanship. For a moment, her expression softened, almost reverent.

"It's beautiful," she murmured, tilting it under the light.

"I thought it suited you," Rowan said casually, watching her reaction.

Pamela gave him a pointed look, something unspoken passing between them. He knew. She had been training. And she knew that he knew.

She said nothing about it, only tucking the dagger away carefully. "Thank you."

Rowan leaned back, arms crossed. "Consider it an early gift. Not for your birthday, of course. That belongs to my dear Lilia."

Pamela smirked. "Oh? And what did you bring her?"

Rowan grinned, reaching into his coat. He pulled out a delicate silver bracelet, adorned with a tiny sapphire at its center. "Something fitting for a little princess. Plus a music box,but that can't fit in my coat now,can it?"

Pamela inspected the bracelet with approval. "She'll love it. She already adores you more than her own father."

Rowan chuckled. "I can't help being the favorite."

Pamela shook her head, amusement dancing in her eyes.

Pamela stood, stretching. "You've seen Father right?"

Rowan exhaled. "Yeah."

Pamela gave him a knowing look. "Good luck."

He smirked. "I always have luck."

After spending some time with his sister,he left for his chambers. Julian and Cassian right behind him