Meanwhile, Earl Rochefort and Lady Isabelle sat gathered around their son Henry and Princess Louise, who had endured so much hardship before finally being reunited.
The earl patted Henry on the shoulder and quietly asked about the details of his confinement and his plans for the future, his eyes filled with the relief of recovering what he had thought lost and the deep love of a father. Lady Isabelle, meanwhile, held Princess Louise's hand as they spoke softly. Her affectionate gaze often drifted over the princess and Henry; clearly, she was deeply satisfied with this future daughter-in-law and sincerely delighted that the two lovers had weathered so many trials and could finally stay together.
Charlotte spotted Karl the moment he entered. Her eyes instantly lit up, and she hurried over, naturally helping him out of his dust-stained military coat before reaching up to straighten his slightly rumpled collar. In a gentle voice, she asked, "You're back. Nothing... happened on the way, did it?"
Karl took hold of his wife's slightly cool hand, feeling that familiar warmth and concern. His heart settled into peace.
He smiled, his tone light and faintly teasing. "Don't worry, everything went smoothly. It's just... Her Majesty the Empress Dowager seemed to be very 'concerned' about me and specially prepared a 'gift' for me. Unfortunately, I marched too slowly and didn't get the chance to 'open' it and see what it was. Other than that, everything was fine."
Charlotte was far too clever not to understand the danger lurking in Karl's words, but she did not press him. She merely squeezed his hand more tightly and said softly, "It's enough that you came back safe."
That night, a lively yet warm family banquet was held in the castle.
The long table was laden with northern delicacies and