I woke up to the soft light of the morning sun streaming through the windows. Stretching, I realized the bed was empty—Sixhonia was nowhere to be found. Even my lions, Goldmane, Shadowclaw, and Stormheart, were absent. The room felt unusually quiet without their presence.

  I decided to call it a lazy day. After everything that had happened, I deserved a break. I summoned a Red Lion Guard and asked for Maid Gina to be brought to me.

  Gina arrived shortly, her presence as warm and comforting as ever. She was a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and a no-nonsense attitude. Her hair was tied back in a neat bun, and her hands were calloused from years of hard work. She had been serving the royal family for as long as I could remember, and her loyalty was unwavering.

  "Your Majesty," she said, bowing slightly. "How may I assist you?"

  "Gina," I said, my voice relaxed. "Arrange for the finest breakfast for me. And set up a chaise and footstool on the balcony. I want to enjoy the morning."

  She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Right away, Your Majesty."

  The balcony overlooked the palace gardens, the vibrant colors of the flowers and the gentle rustling of the leaves creating a serene atmosphere. I lounged on the chaise, a plate of delicacies beside me—fresh fruits, warm bread, and a steaming cup of tea. The Red Lion Guards stood at a respectful distance, their eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger.

  As I enjoyed the peace, various people came to see me, their faces filled with surprise at seeing me so relaxed. Lords, merchants, and even some of the Lion’s Mane children stopped by, their curiosity evident.

  "Your Majesty," one of the lords said, bowing deeply. "It’s good to see you recovering."

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  I nodded, a small smile on my lips. "Thank you. I needed a day to myself."

  As the morning wore on, I asked about Sixhonia’s whereabouts. To my surprise, I was told she had left with Lumina, Queen Lana, and Duchess Sina on a trip to the Southern Province. A letter from the queen was read to me:

  *"Sun,*

  *We have gone to the Southern Province to check on a mansion we own. Take care of yourself and rest. We’ll return soon.*

  *With love,*

  *Mother"*

  I sighed, a mix of relief and annoyance washing over me. At least she was safe, but I couldn’t help feeling a little abandoned.

  Later that day, news arrived of people wishing to meet me. I made the excuse of being sick and injured, but I did send out a letter to the merchants in Leona, demanding the overdue taxes be paid to the royal palace.

  The response was swift. Lords of cities and their representatives arrived, their carriages laden with Leo coins—gold, silver, and copper. The sight of the money was staggering. Piles of golden Leo coins glittered in the sunlight, their value undeniable.

  I realized just how rich kings really were. The tax for this time alone was 5,000 golden Leo coins. It was a fortune.

  I summoned the Lion’s Mane children, their eager faces lighting up as they entered the room. "Children," I said, my voice firm but kind. "I have a task for you. Tend to the kingdom’s budget and oversee the expansion of the palace."

  They nodded, their eyes wide with excitement. Despite their young age, they immediately got to work, their determination evident.

  The palace expansion was a massive project. The children worked tirelessly, coordinating with architects, masons, and artisans. In just three weeks, the palace was transformed. New wings were added, their walls adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant murals. The gardens were expanded, their beauty enhanced with fountains and statues. The throne room was renovated, its grandeur unmatched.

  The children named the new wings after themselves—Mustard Wing, Ruby Hall, and the Golden Pavilion. The palace was a testament to their hard work and dedication.

  As the days passed, my bandages were removed, revealing a scar where I had been injured. It looked impressive, a reminder of the battles I had fought and survived. But despite my recovery, I remained paranoid, spending most of my time in my room and calling the Red Lion Guards to patrol the area around the palace.