Estelle was slightly surprised when the Graceling would not allow her to go with any of the guards, who were probably more qualified in protecting her. Especially after what had just happened in the gardens. She was even more surprised by the fact that the girl held her hand. Just this morning, the girl seemed completely unwilling to even meet her eyes was now dragging her through the halls. When they reached her father's chambers, her heart jumped into her throat and she prayed quiet that he was alright. Entering the room, her father looked to them. She let out a sigh of relief to see him alive and well. 

She stood quietly behind Loria as she explained to the King her vision and what had happened in the gardens. When she finished, she left the rooms. Estelle looked at her father, she knew they were being left alone because this was to be their goodbyes. The strong face she had kept during the attack crumbled and broke as she burst into tears. She wrapped her arms around her father as he pulled her close. She buried her face in his chest and for some time, the two of them said nothing. They just stood there quietly holding each other. The King broke the silence finally after he kissed her head, "I'm sorry, Estelle..."

Estelle sobbed, clinging to him, "I don't want to go, father... I want to stay here with you. I won't go to the gardens anymore, I promise... Just let me stay."

The King shook his head, "The castle is no longer, Stelle, not just the gardens. If anything happens to me, you are Wester's hope if anything goes wrong... if anything at all happens."

"No... I don't want you do die," She cried, causing him to chuckle and rub her hair, "Everyone must die, my dear... At some point... It is a fact of life that even Kings cannot escape. Kalon and Loria will keep you safe for me... I won't be able to write you... As someone might follow any messenger to find you," He kissed the top of her head, "The army will not be far from the castle. Go to your room and gather your plainest dresses. Then the three of you will leave."

Estelle hugged her father tightly. This was one of the few times she did not get what she wanted.