"Shall I help you with your dress, my lady?"
"No, it's alright. I've got it."
Ella carefully buttoned up her gown and settled in front of the large mirror.
"Allow me to brush your hair, m'lady," her handmaiden said, lifting a small brush and running it gently through Ella's long, fiery locks. She always adored this moment, the way Ella's hair shone under the morning light, smooth and perfect under her fingertips.
"It's so beautiful, my lady… your hair," the maid whispered.
"Thank you," Ella replied softly.
She studied her reflection and could hardly believe the transformation. Her once plump, childlike face had matured into a delicate almond shape, her deep blue eyes softened with maturity, her lips fuller, her figure graceful yet strong. Years of growth, training, and living in the royal sphere had shaped her into a woman both beautiful and formidable.
"Almost done, m'lady…"
Knock knock!
"I'll be down in a few minutes!" Ella called, surprised. Who would be knocking on her door at breakfast?
Knock knock!
Before she could answer again, a tall, handsome man strode into the room, clad in armor, helmet tucked under one arm.
"You want to keep your big brother waiting outside?"
"William!" Ella exclaimed, rushing to embrace him. "I've missed you so much!"
William, now twenty-four, had grown into a striking figure, a true knight, engaged to a beautiful Gavarian lady. Though he'd been living abroad for years training with Gavarian knights, his visits always brought warmth and comfort to Ella.
"Look how you've grown," William said, patting her head affectionately. "Even more beautiful than ever. Prince Nathan must be very pleased."
Ella rolled her eyes. She and Nathan were close, training together, dining together, attending every royal event side by side. Nathan's devotion was unquestionable, yet love for him had never fully blossomed in her heart. She cared for him deeply, but something was missing.
"How is he?" William asked. "I thought I'd return and find you living with him at the palace."
"Calm down, William," she said, leading him down the stairs to the dining hall. "Father would never allow me to live with a man I'm not married to, prince or not."
"Then why don't you marry him?"
Ella froze. Marry Nathan? The thought was heavy. To commit to a man who could never leave, whose life, and hers, was entwined eternally, was… daunting.
"I… I'm still thinking about it," she said, her voice tight.
William studied her face, knowing her too well. "Ella… you don't love him, do you?"
She hesitated. "William…"
"Tell me. I'm your brother. You can."
Ella pursed her lips. She didn't love Nathan in the traditional sense, but he was steady, kind, unyielding. And with him, she knew she would never be abandoned, never face the void of losing someone she loved, like she had with Jillian.
William noticed her pause. "Then why are you with him?"
"It's complicated," she admitted.
"Is it because he's the prince? Is he forcing you?"
Ella shook her head. "No. He's… good to me. Respectful. Gentle."
"Then what is it?" William pressed.
Ella stepped back, hugging herself. "I told you… it's complicated."
Her brother's eyes narrowed. "Ella… did that bastard get you pregnant?"
Ella's eyes widened in shock. Pregnant? She hadn't even considered it. Could she even conceive? Would her child carry the same rebirth curse? The thought chilled her.
"William, I'm not pregnant! Please, stop!"
"No, Ella! You're my little sister! If you can't open up to me, how can I call myself a knight?!"
Tears prickled Ella's eyes. "I'm with Nathan because… he can't die! He can't leave me like Jillian did!"
"Wait… what?" William blinked, utterly confused.
Ella bolted past him, racing down the stairs to the dining room. She had already revealed too much.
*
The breakfast table was unusually quiet. Even after years apart, the family hadn't seen William so long without chatter.
"How's training, son?" Lord Morrell asked.
"Going well, Father. In fact, I'll be officially knighted in two weeks. I came to personally invite you all to Gavaria for the ceremony."
"Congratulations, darling! We're so proud," Lady Morrell said warmly. "I've already sent word to Jonathan, Alexander, and Bahram, they'll be joining us as well."
Her sons, Jonathan and Alexander, the twenty-eight-year-old twin knights, and Bahram, the thirty-year-old lord of Guria, were esteemed and respected.
"It'll be wonderful to see them again," Lady Morrell cooed.
The butler approached, bowing. "My lord, the prince is here to see Lady Ella."
Nathaniel Aldos entered, now twenty-four, tall, firm, and well-built. His short silver hair highlighted his sharp jawline and masculine features. Ella couldn't help but wonder why her heart had yet to surrender to such a man.
"Lord Morrell, Lady Morrell, good morning," Nathan greeted politely, bowing.
He turned to William, face breaking into a broad smile. "William! Is that you?"
The two embraced, exchanging hearty laughter and playful punches on the shoulder.
Nathan's gaze then fell on Ella, seated quietly. He approached, taking her hand and pressing a polite kiss to it.
"Good morning, gorgeous," he said softly.
"Good morning, Nathan," Ella replied.
"You look beautiful as always," he murmured, sliding into the seat beside her.
He turned to her parents. "My lord, my lady… I will attend the royal knighting in Gavaria on my father's behalf, and I wish Lady Ella to accompany me, if you will allow it."
Lady Morrell smiled. "What a coincidence! William just invited us as well."
Nathan's face lit up. "Excellent! I look forward to traveling with my future father- and mother-in-law."
He kissed Ella's cheek, and she returned a warm smile.
William, however, furrowed his brow, recalling her earlier words:
I'm with Nathan because he can't die and leave me like Jillian did!
What did she mean? Was the prince… truly immortal?