Celestia brought Elowen to the rear section of the palace grounds, near a massive grey stone wall that stretched high above them. From the outside, it looked just like any ordinary part of the fortress structure, solid and impenetrable.
However, Celestia stopped right in front of one particular spot. She traced a distinct pattern against the rough stone surface with her fingers and pressed down firmly in specific places. Slowly, silently, a hidden doorway began to slide open, revealing a dark passageway behind it.
"Does anyone else know about this place?" Elowen asked instantly, her eyes scanning their surroundings carefully to make sure they were truly alone.
Celestia shook her head, a small secret smile playing upon her lips.
"There is absolutely no need to worry, sister. Only the two of us are aware of its existence. Besides..." she added confidently, "this door will only open if you speak the special passphrase known only to me and you."
Together, they stepped inside. The corridor was dim and shadowy, illuminated only by soft glowing blue lights embedded evenly along the walls. The sound of their footsteps echoed softly around them as they walked deeper into the passage. A few minutes later, they stepped out at the far end, emerging directly outside the palace walls, completely unseen and unescorted.
Everything about the world beyond the palace grounds felt different, freer and far more vibrant than Elowen remembered.
"Come on, let's head straight into town!" Celestia said enthusiastically, her energy bright and infectious.
The market town was bustling with activity and noise. People walked busily in every direction, traders loudly called out to advertise their goods, and delicious smells of freshly cooked food drifted through the air, wrapping around them warmly.
Elowen paused in her tracks for a moment as a wonderful aroma drifted toward her. It was the scent of warm, freshly baked bread, filling her senses completely.
"...Smells amazing," she murmured quietly, breathing it in deeply.
Celestia smiled seeing her reaction.
"Do you want to try some?"
Elowen nodded immediately.
They walked over to a small bakery stall, and Celestia bought two loaves, still steaming hot and wrapped carefully inside thin sheets of paper. Elowen took hers gently and took a slow bite.
The texture was soft, warm and simple—but absolutely perfect in every single way. Her eyes widened slightly in pleasant surprise.
"...It tastes wonderful," she whispered, a genuine soft smile finally appearing naturally on her face.
She realised then that she had never experienced something so simple and ordinary, yet which brought her so much peace and happiness.
"Delicious, isn't it? And really affordable too," Celestia said proudly, grinning broadly.
Side by side, they strolled casually through the town, enjoying this rare freedom and ordinary atmosphere—something completely impossible and unimaginable within the strict boundaries of palace life and royal duties.
"Do you often sneak out like this?" Elowen asked curiously after a while.
"Sometimes," Celestia replied casually, taking another bite of her bread. "Usually whenever I feel bored or trapped inside those high walls."
"Completely alone? Without guards or protection?" Elowen pressed gently, concern beginning to creep into her tone.
Celestia simply nodded casually, as if it were nothing to worry about.
"No one would ever guess or suspect that I am actually a princess, so I'm safe enough."
Elowen looked closely at her younger sister. She admired her courage and independence, yet at the same time, worry gnawed quietly inside her heart.
"But what if you encounter people with bad intentions... or those who wish you harm?"
Celestia smiled softly, her expression gentle and reassuring.
"I am always careful, Elowen. You really don't need to worry so much about me."
Elowen didn't answer her words, but her eyes continued to scan their surroundings vigilantly, alert and watchful over her sister every single step of the way.
As evening slowly approached, Celestia led Elowen toward the shoreline.
The sky was changing colours beautifully—streaks of orange, purple and gold blending perfectly along the horizon. Gentle waves washed softly against the sand, while crowds of townsfolk gathered together to admire the breathtaking sunset view.
Elowen stood silently, captivated by the magnificent scenery laid out before them.
"It's absolutely beautiful," she whispered softly, her voice full of wonder.
"The whole world is full of such beautiful things," Celestia replied quietly beside her.
"So much more than what we can ever see or know from deep inside our palace walls."
Elowen smiled warmly. In her previous tragic life and timeline, she had been so consumed by her duties, fears and responsibilities, she had never once stopped or slowed down long enough to appreciate simple beauty like this. Never.
But now... she was seeing it all clearly, and experiencing it all alongside the person who meant more than anything else in the entire world to her.
"Elowen..." Celestia called softly, breaking her thoughts.
"Tonight... can I sleep together with you in your room?"
Elowen looked down at her younger sister, her expression softening instantly.
"Of course you can," she answered immediately without hesitation.
That night, they returned safely to the palace using the same hidden passageway. Celestia walked straight into Elowen's private room as naturally as she used to do years ago, and slipped comfortably into bed beside her sister just like they used to when they were little girls.
There were no barriers between them now. No coldness or distance left standing in their way. Only warmth and closeness, something Elowen had lost and longed for deeply for so many years.
Elowen stared silently at the ceiling above her for a little while. For the very first time since she woke up in this second life... her mind was completely free from worries about the throne, from fears about death, or from questions about how time had been rewound and changed around her.
Only one thought mattered clearly in her mind: Celestia was safe, happy, and right beside her.
That night felt calm, peaceful and perfect. Almost too calm—as though the whole world was deliberately holding its breath, giving them just a brief moment of happiness before fate began to shift and change everything once again.
.......
The sea breeze blew gently, brushing against Elowen's skin as she stood by the shore, watching the waves crash endlessly against the sand. The rhythmic sound of the ocean was soothing—a stark contrast to the chaos, wars and bloodshed she had endured in her past life. For a brief moment, she simply allowed herself to enjoy the peace and quiet surrounding her.
Three more days remained until the great assembly with nobles and people of the kingdom. A meeting that would decide the future of Wonderveil once and for all.
"...What exactly should I say to everyone?" she whispered softly to herself, uncertainty weighing heavily upon her heart.
"Your Majesty."
A voice suddenly broke through her quiet contemplation. Elowen turned sharply around. Standing only a short distance away was a familiar figure—the man with dark blue hair whose face was etched deeply into her memories.
Ashveil.
Elowen froze completely. He was alive. He was standing there in front of her, breathing and real, exactly as he had been before... as if the tragic day they lost their lives had never even happened at all.
"Ashveil..." Her voice came out quieter and softer than she intended. "I told nobody that I had come here. How did you find me?"
Ashveil walked slowly closer towards her, his expression calm and composed, just as she always remembered him to be. "I was looking for you, Your Majesty," he answered respectfully. "Truthfully, I never expected to find you here of all places."
He stopped a few steps away from her, keeping an appropriate distance yet his presence felt steady and reassuring. "Are you doing well, Your Majesty?"
Elowen looked at him closely. This was the very same man who had willingly walked toward his own death, sacrificing everything without hesitation just to give her a chance to escape and survive.
"...Yes. I am fine," she replied eventually, steadying her emotions.
The wind blew stronger once more, carrying the salty scent of the sea around them.
"What is weighing on your mind so heavily, if I may ask?" Ashveil asked gently, noticing the thoughtful look in her eyes.
This time, Elowen did not try to hide her true feelings or evade the question. "I do not wish to take the throne and become Queen," she stated clearly and firmly. "I want my younger sister to take her rightful place as ruler instead... and I intend to stand right beside her, supporting and protecting her every step of the way."
Ashveil showed absolutely no sign of surprise or shock upon hearing this decision. He simply nodded slowly in understanding. "I understand perfectly, Your Majesty. Whatever decision you make and whatever path you choose to take, you can always count on my full support and loyalty."
Elowen turned her gaze back toward the endless ocean before asking him a question that had lingered in her heart for so long. "Ashveil... why did you choose to follow me? Why did you remain loyal to me, even when everything fell apart and everyone else turned away?"
Ashveil remained silent for a brief moment, yet his gaze never wavered or looked away from hers. "Because I truly believe..." he spoke softly but sincerely, "that deep down inside, Your Majesty has the ability to become a far greater and kinder leader than you yourself believe or think possible."
Elowen gave a faint, bitter smile. "But I no longer wish to rule at all," she told him honestly.
She tilted her head slightly, looking directly into his eyes once again. "If Celestia becomes Queen... what will you do then, Ashveil?"
His answer came instantly, without the slightest hesitation or doubt. "I will still choose to serve you and stay by your side, just as always."
The wind seemed to pause for a heartbeat, as if even nature itself was listening closely to their conversation.
"Wherever you go, and wherever you may be," Ashveil continued firmly, "that is exactly where I shall be too. I will never leave you."
Elowen stood motionless. There was something incredibly powerful and profound hidden within those simple words—something she had heard him say before in her previous life, yet hearing them now felt so much heavier, warmer and more meaningful.
"...Alright," she whispered softly, finally breaking the silence. She took a deep breath to steady her resolve. "In that case... help me, Ashveil."
Ashveil bowed his head slightly in complete submission and readiness. "Command me as you wish, Your Majesty."
"Help me become a better person," Elowen said earnestly. "And ensure... ensure that Celestia truly becomes the great Queen she was meant to be all along."
A small, genuine smile appeared upon Ashveil's face. "I shall do absolutely everything within my power to make sure your wishes come true, Your Majesty."
Elowen turned her gaze once again toward the wide open sea stretching endlessly before her. But this time, her mind was no longer filled with confusion, regret or fear. She finally realised something clearly and undeniably—if she truly wanted to rewrite her destiny and change the tragic future awaiting them... she would never be able to do it all alone. She needed people she trusted beside her.