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       Hyacintha prepared for her departure. The soft murmur of the servants, the clink of tear-streaked faces, and the gentle rustle of fabric filled the air. She stood at the base of the grand staircase, already dressed for the journey, her eyes scanning the gathered faces. Tiberias stood to her left, his expression grim, while Godfrey’s shoulders were tense with unsaid words. The palace had emptied of much of its usual cheer, the air thick with sadness. Miriam stood among the servants, wiping her eyes as she gazed at Hyacintha, still unable to believe what was happening.

       Hyacintha’s heart was heavy, but her steps were steady. She had been brave when she first heard the order to leave, convincing herself it was for the greater good. But now, standing at the precipice of leaving everything she had known, her resolve began to waver. Her gaze flicked over the palace one last time, catching glimpses of the familiar spaces that had witnessed so many of her happiest moments. None of them seemed the same now.

       “Please,” she said, turning to Godfrey, her voice fragile yet composed. “tell Balian I’ll be thinking of him, and remind him that he’s stronger than he believes.”

       Godfrey nodded, his own sorrow evident in the way his lips pressed together. He had always been a man of duty, but the idea of losing Hyacintha—of the kingdom losing its light—hurt him deeply. “I’ll tell him, Hyacintha. You’ve given him so much strength, and he will carry it with him, even if you’re not here.”

       Tiberias stepped forward then, his hand on her shoulder, his usual stern demeanor softened by the situation. “You have been a blessing to this kingdom. We may never know what kind of trouble you prevented, what future dangers you averted just by being you.” his voice faltered slightly as he spoke, and he cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. “Take care of yourself, Hyacintha.”

       But Hyacintha wasn’t looking at them anymore. She was gazing toward the doors that led to Baldwin’s chambers. The weight of his absence pressed down on her heart. He had said nothing, not even a word to her, and she felt his silence like a wound, raw and painful. She had tried to push the thought aside, but now, in these final moments, it threatened to suffocate her.

       Why hadn’t he come? She had longed for him to come, to speak with her, to tell her that he understood. That she wasn’t alone. But instead, he stayed locked in his chambers, no doubt fighting battles of his own.

       “May the gods bless you, Hyacintha,” Godfrey said softly, placing a hand on her arm. “we will all carry your memory. You have made your mark on us.”

       Tiberias, too, bowed his head. “Take care, and know that the kingdom will always welcome you back, should you choose to return.”

       Hyacintha nodded, the tears in her eyes threatening to spill over. “Thank you. I’ll always carry a piece of this place with me, wherever I go.”

       And then at last, her gaze turned away from the door, and she followed them to the docks. Her heart weighed down by the goodbyes she hadn’t wanted to say. The silence between them grew deeper as they made their way through the palace corridors and down to the water’s edge.

       The ship that would take her away was already docked, its sails ready to be unfurled. The crew was preparing for departure, tying up the last of the ropes. As Hyacintha stepped aboard, the reality of it all settled over her like a heavy fog.

       The weight of Baldwin’s absence was suffocating, and yet, there was nothing she could do but accept it. She stood at the railing, her hands gripping it tightly, her heart aching as the familiar shapes of the palace grew smaller and smaller in the distance.