The Following Day —
Knock knock knock…
"Father? May I come in?"
A soft, feminine voice drifted through the heavy doors of the grand hall, delicate yet filled with a warmth that instantly lit up the space like sunlight breaking through the clouds.
"Haha! My little princess! Come in, come in!"
Robin's laughter echoed against the marble pillars as he stood from his throne, his arms spreading open wide in genuine joy. It had been some time since he'd heard that particular voice—and it never failed to fill him with both pride and bittersweet emotion.
"Hehe~ I see you're looking well today, Father! And that hairstyle? Very regal!"
Zara giggled playfully as she made her way across the long hall with graceful, almost floating steps. In just a few seconds, she had crossed the space between the towering gate and the throne. She embraced her father warmly, albeit briefly, wrapping her arms around him with affection only a daughter could offer.
"Sorry I didn't come sooner."
