I walked toward my father, who had been speaking with Lyall and Asher.
As soon as they saw me approaching, both Lyall and Asher straightened up and bowed in unison.
"My Lady," they greeted respectfully.
Father turned to me with a warm smile. "Reina, did you come to see us off?"
"Yes," I replied with a gentle smile of my own, "and also to give you this."
From the folds of my sleeve, I pulled out a pastel pink handkerchief, its edges embroidered with delicate purple roses. In one corner, the initials S. A. had been stitched in silver thread.
"These are initials for Serene and Arthur." I spoke pointing at the initials.
Father stared at it for a long moment, his eyes softening as silence passed between us. Then, slowly, his gaze grew misty.
"I thought of how much you love roses," I said as I stepped closer, gently placing a hand on his arm. "So I embroidered them for you."
