The Reunion
A soft, cracking voice came from the door as it creaked open an inch.
"L... Leo... is that you?"
Leo turned slowly, eyes wide.
"No way... It's you."
"...Lin." Leo stood up, whispering his sister's name. His legs froze as if rooted to the ground.
"I missed you so much," Lin whispered, tears streaming down her face. "I thought I'd never see you again."
"LEO!!!" She rushed to her brother, crashing into him with a desperate hug. Her nails dug into his back as she buried her face in his chest.
When she rushed forward, him , he caught her like falling starlight, the sister who'd lived only in memories
"Lin... I'm so sorry I left you alone," Leo's voice trembled.
After a stunned moment, his arms wrapped tightly around her.
"Finally..." Emma wiped away a tear.
Alice's fork clattered to the table, forgotten as she stared at the reunion.
Over Lin's shoulder, Leo saw King Arthur's hand covering his eyes, smiling through emotion.
The sunfield scent from their childhood kitchen clung to her hair
... She smells like sunflowers... She hasn't changed.
After a long moment, Leo gently pushed Lin back by her shoulders, eyes searching her face.
She wore a maid's dress _The coarse gray fabric of her uniform chafed her wrists a stark contrast to her bright eyes_
"Emma was right..."
"It's been a while, Lin. You've grown up," Leo said.
"You too!! your hair's so long now!" Lin's playful laugh weaved between them.
She glanced at Emma and Alice, cheeks flushing pink.
"Leo, are you...?" She covered her mouth, eyes wide.
"YES, HE IS!" Alice said with a wide smirk ,her arms crossed
"What???" Leo stared blankly, thoughts jammed.
Arthur and Emma burst into laughter at the nonsensical exchange.
"Will you stay by my side, Leo? Will we go home together?" Lin's hands clutched at her chest.
"I... I..." Leo swallowed hard, expression shifting.
His fists clenched.
"Is this beard real?!" Alice tugged the king's beard with a bread-crumbed grin.
"Ohohohoho! Yes, it is!" Arthur chuckled.
Emma stared out the window as guards patrolled, hauling something massive toward the entrance .. first a shadowed bulk like a fallen log or a swollen sack, until the shape resolved into Goro's motionless form draped over a stretched coat
"No..." Leo whispered.
"No? What do you mean?" Lin's eyes filled with concern.
Not before I see justice done."
"W... What?" Lin's hands clutched her apron stained with years of waiting
"So what will you do, Leo?" Arthur scratched his beard.
Leo hesitated.
"I'll take Lin home... and return that annoying cat to her orphanage."
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN 'ANNOYING CAT'?!" Alice hissed, striking out with clawed hands.
"Ohohoho!" The king laughed.
"Not before the feast!" His excited claps shook the room.
"A FEAST? HORRAY! WHERE'S THE CHEF?!" Alice blurred through the doorway like a hurricane
Leo approached Arthur directly as the king comforted others.
"King Arthur..."
Arthur turned slowly, already sensing the weight in Leo's tone
Leo stood rigid as stone, eyes never leaving the king's.
"I need to ask you something important. Will you have time after the feast?"
Leo , lowering his voice to a blade's whisper
".. Just the two of us."