You Hit My Heart by Kylie Stanford

Chapter 2099: Safe at Last

When Joyce stepped out of the East Palace gates, the sun had already spread its light across the land. As soon as she emerged, Luther ran towards her and embraced her tightly before she could speak. Joyce tilted her chin slightly and hugged him back. He didn't ask why she had stayed so long, all night in fact. He didn't ask whether the dark magic had been lifted or why she had changed clothes and smelled of a bath. She understood that he didn't need to ask. As long as they were together, everything was fine.

"Let's talk in the car," Joyce said softly, patting Luther on the back. Luther finally released her, and they got into the car, which started and headed back to the palace hall. Darrin glanced at Joyce through the central rearview mirror; although she had changed clothes, she looked fine.

"The dark magic is lifted. Clint cut his wrist to bleed, and I got a lot of blood on me, so I had to bathe and change clothes. He lost a lot of blood, so it took time to treat him and give him a transfusion," Joyce explained everything at once to prevent Luther from worrying. Luther nodded and sighed in relief. The biggest trouble was finally resolved.

"The battle outside the city has begun. We need to leave by evening. Reuben has everything ready," Luther informed her.

"Let me change first; these clothes are too cumbersome to walk in," Joyce said, tugging at her belt, feeling breathless.

"Alright," Luther replied, his eyes falling on Joyce's elaborate and luxurious clothing. It was handmade and beyond monetary value, likely holding some special significance. But it didn't matter anymore because nothing else was important now. Leaving here would end everything.

Back at the palace hall, Joyce eagerly changed into casual clothes. She handed the kimono she had worn to Hajime. "Hajime, please return this to Clint. I borrowed it temporarily."

Hajime's eyes widened in disbelief when he saw the garment-it was the morning dress of the Crown Princess. In his heart, Joyce was the true Crown Princess. He couldn't help but worry about his daughter Shizuka's future.

Joyce noticed Hajime's momentary daze and asked, "What's wrong? Is there a problem?"

Hajime shook his head. "No problem, I'll return it to His Highness."

Joyce nodded and didn't ask further.

That morning went smoothly. Clint signed the agreed documents, accepting the conditions proposed by the palace hall. The official announcement followed that the Crown Prince would inherit the throne. By evening, Luther brought Joyce, along with Reuben, Kempley, Darrin, Grizela, and others to Eastern Capital dock where they boarded a frigate. Hajime personally came to see them off; given the circumstances, no one else could come.

leaving, Kempley spoke with Hajime for a while as they bid each

still look the same," Hajime remarked wistfully. "But

I will return home; all

said their final goodbyes to the late emperor's remains. With that, all ties with Rohomes

now," Hajime sighed. "I hope your remaining years are

Kempley nodded lightly.

then said, "Hajime, I'm leaving now; there's so much left for you to handle here. Take care

refrained. "You're leaving me with all this work? Fine, go enjoy

going to be tough ahead with war being

waved dismissively.

the city he had trained himself. Three months should suffice to quell any rebellion. After

looked back at the shore one last time;

through the sea. The ship left port; those onshore became smaller until they were

sailed for a long time until it was about to leave Rohomes' territorial waters

sea breeze against her face. Even now it felt unreal-she was leaving and

the railing and staring at the dark horizon in a daze, Reuben approached her with a USB drive in

it," he said reassuringly. "No one

snapped it in half immediately, destroying its chip before

foreign enemies but could also be used for stealth attacks by disrupting radar systems silently a dangerous piece of equipment," she reflected aloud.

in agreement as he leaned against the railing beside

eat first when we dock at Khebury tomorrow morning! Recommend me some famous restaurants-I want to indulge myself thoroughly," he

Joyce chuckled softly; seeing