Chapter 187

Princess Elena’s POV Two days later, I was discharged. The doctors were finally satisfied; no immediate danger, my vitals steady, my body responding well. I was warned again about rest, calm, and patience, as if my life now required a gentler manual. I would return to the hospital on a regular basis. Lady Valentina had to return to Frostpine. The AI project couldn’t pause for sentiment, not even for miracles. Before she left, we sat together quietly while I handed over every file, every note, every coded thought I’d worked on before everything went wrong. She promised to come visit, her grip on my hands firm, maternal, and protective. Eric left that same morning as well. He had an important council meeting in Silver Crest. Before he went, he made sure I spoke to Bella and Nova on the phone. Hearing their voices warmed something deep in my chest. Bella had given birth to a baby girl. She laughed when she heard me, relief clear in her tone. “You scared us,” she said softly. “You need to