Jack stood before the wide, looming gates of the Royal Capital.
Three months.
That was how long he had been away in Merriton. Three months of dirt-caked hands, frostbitten mornings, and a constant weight pressing on his back. Now, he stood clean, dressed in an official robe granted by his new rank, but the invisible weight never lifted.
Damon rode beside him, silent as ever. The guards at the gate straightened upon seeing Jack, and while their faces didn't show the same scorn as before, they didn't smile either.
"Sir Jack," one saluted. "Welcome back."
Welcome back.
He wasn't sure what that even meant anymore.
---
The court was in session.
The tall pillars that lined the royal hall seemed colder than before. Jack walked into the hall where nobles gathered like predatory birds. Their eyes snapped to him, whispering behind fluttering fans and sleeves.
"The man who turned potatoes into gold."
"Elsa's husband, wasn't he? Still married? I heard rumors..."
"He survived Merriton. That place should've swallowed him whole."
Jack ignored them. He had come with nothing to prove, but everything to protect.
"Announcing Lord Jack Valorin, Governor of Merriton," the herald called.
The Prime Minister narrowed his eyes but gave a tight smile. The Agricultural Minister gave a slight nod. The King, seated upon his elevated throne, didn't look away from the report in his hand.
Jack stopped before the throne and bowed.
"Your Majesty."
The King finally spoke. "I've read your reports. Merriton has not only stabilized, but it now supplies grain and potatoes to neighboring towns."
Jack nodded. "The people made it happen. I only organized what they already had."
"Modesty," the Prime Minister said dryly. "What an uncommon trait in a man who was once a scandal to the court."
Jack didn't bite.
"Regardless," the King continued, "your work has drawn the eyes of many. Including those who would prefer Merriton remain a ruined memory."
Jack tensed.
"Expect obstacles," the King said, almost kindly. "Not everyone profits from order."
---
After court, Jack was approached by Minister Harland, the Minister of Commerce.
"You returned just in time," Harland said, walking beside him. "Your potatoes have upset the grain monopolies."
Jack arched a brow. "Is that so?"
"You should be careful," Harland whispered. "Some have long memories, and too much influence."
Jack thanked him and left the hall.
---
Outside the court, he was greeted by silence. No welcoming party. No family. No children running to him with laughter.
He hadn't written to them. He didn't know what to say.
The weight returned.
"They will come around," Damon said beside him.
Jack looked at his old friend. "Will they? After everything?"
Damon didn't answer.
---
That evening, Jack returned to the Valorin estate. The servants bowed. The halls were quiet.
He passed the library.
Laina's favorite book sat crooked on the shelf.
He fixed it, lingering on the leather spine with his fingers.
Then a voice broke the silence.
"You're back."
Jack turned.
Elsa's mother stood at the corridor's end.
"He made it," she said softly.
Her husband appeared beside her. For once, he didn't look angry. Only tired.
Jack said nothing. He bowed respectfully, then turned toward his quarters.
From the shadows, little footsteps echoed.
Serin.
But she only looked at him—and then turned away.
Jack closed his door behind him, leaned against the wall, and sighed.
He had returned.
But had he come home?