Chapter 72
Nearly two months had passed since Aurora and Katherine departed from Riverwatch Harbour.
The long voyage had finally come to an end.
As the great merchant ship sailed into the harbour of the Eastern Empire, both young ladies stood at the bow, completely speechless.
The harbour was unlike anything they had ever imagined.
Dozens of enormous trading ships filled the bay, their sails painted with dragons, cranes, and colourful symbols.
The air was alive with the scent of spices, roasted chestnuts, fresh tea, and incense.
Merchants called out in unfamiliar languages while workers hurried along the docks carrying crates of silk, porcelain, herbs, and carved jade.
Paper lanterns hung from every building, gently swaying in the breeze, while bright banners fluttered overhead.
"It feels like we've stepped into another world," Katherine whispered in amazement.
Aurora's silver-blue eyes sparkled, "It truly does."
Emily stood beside them, equally fascinated.
"So many people..."
"And not one of them speaks our language," Katherine sighed dramatically.
Aurora laughed.
"We'll learn."
"I hope quickly," Katherine muttered. "Otherwise, I'm going to accidentally order a horse every time I ask for tea."
Emily covered her mouth to hide her laughter, "I think you already did."
"What?"
"The merchant kept pointing toward the stables."
Aurora burst into laughter.
"Katherine!"
"I wondered why he looked so excited!"
The three women laughed together, drawing curious smiles from nearby merchants.
Their new residence overlooked one of the busiest streets in the city.
From the balcony they could see endless rooftops stretching toward distant mountains, while hundreds of paper lanterns floated into the evening sky like tiny stars.
Aurora leaned against the balcony rail.
"It really is beautiful."
Emily smiled.
"It reminds me that the world is much bigger than our kingdom."
"It is."
Aurora turned toward the writing desk.
"I should write home."
Emily looked at the stack of fresh paper.
"So soon?"
"If I don't..."
Aurora smiled softly.
"...Father will probably send half the knights of Grand Emberforge looking for me."
Emily laughed.
"And Her Grace would probably accompany them."
"I wouldn't blame them."
Aurora dipped her quill into the ink.
"I miss them already."
My Dearest Mother and Father,
Please do not worry.
We arrived safely after a long journey across the sea.
Although...
Father, I finally understand why sailors walk so strangely after stepping onto land.
The sea was determined to make Katherine and me regret ever boarding the ship.
For three days we were convinced the ocean wished to swallow us whole.
Poor Katherine declared she would rather walk across the continent than sail again.
Emily, however, calmly walked around carrying tea as though the ship were sitting in the middle of our garden.
I am beginning to suspect she secretly belongs to the sea.
The Eastern Empire is beyond anything I ever imagined.
The buildings are taller, the streets are brighter, and every corner holds something new to discover.
The markets are filled with beautiful silk, delicate porcelain, fragrant teas, spices, books, and jewellery unlike anything back home.
The people have welcomed us kindly, and although we do not yet understand their language, smiles seem to need no translation.
Father, please do not work yourself into exhaustion.
Mother, please make sure Father sleeps.
And Father...
Please let Mother win at least one argument every week.
I know that will be your greatest challenge.
Tell everyone at home that I miss them dearly.
I carry Grand Emberforge with me wherever I go.
With all my love,
Your daughter,
Aurora
Your Majesty,
I hope this letter finds you in good health.
We have arrived safely and have been warmly welcomed.
Every day here feels like opening another page of a wonderful story.
The architecture is breathtaking, and the people possess knowledge unlike anything I have seen before.
I cannot wait to begin my studies.
Thank you for encouraging Father to allow me this journey.
Without your support, I may never have discovered how vast the world truly is.
Please also let His Highness know that I arrived safely.
I sincerely hope he is well and that palace duties are not weighing too heavily upon him.
Please continue looking after him.
I remain grateful for your kindness and friendship.
With deepest respect,
Lady Aurora Ambrose
To My Wonderful Students,
I hope all of you are studying hard!
Today I saw a fish larger than Philip.
Philip will probably say that is impossible.
Do not believe him.
The fish was enormous.
I also saw paper lanterns floating into the night sky.
It looked as though hundreds of little stars had decided to fly.
The streets are filled with delicious cakes, colourful fabrics, and toys I have never seen before.
Every day I learn something new.
That is why I want all of you to study hard.
Reading and writing will open doors that you cannot yet imagine.
One day, perhaps some of you will travel here yourselves.
Until then...
Listen to your teachers.
Help your parents.
And remember—
Knowledge is the greatest treasure anyone can own.
I am very proud of all of you.
With love,
Lady Aurora
My Dear Selene,
You would absolutely lose your mind here.
I counted seventeen different sleeve designs before breakfast.
Seventeen!
The embroidery is exquisite. The silk feels softer than clouds.
The hair ornaments are so beautiful that Katherine nearly spent half her allowance within the first hour.
Thankfully, I rescued both her and her purse.
I have already filled an entire notebook with clothing sketches.
Wait until you see them!
I believe we can combine Eastern elegance with Western tailoring to create something entirely new.
Please tell Katherine's mother that she is behaving...
Mostly.
I miss our tea parties.
Write soon.
Your friend,
Aurora
Later that evening, Aurora carefully sealed each letter with warm wax bearing the crest of House Ambrose.
A trusted merchant captain promised to deliver them aboard the next ship sailing west.
As the final letter disappeared into the leather satchel, Aurora stepped onto the balcony once more.
Hundreds of glowing lanterns drifted silently into the night sky.
She smiled.
"A new beginning."
Far across the sea, in Grand Emberforge Duchy, those letters would soon bring laughter, comfort, and hope to everyone waiting for news of the young lady who had crossed the world to chase her dreams.
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