Aspen’s POV
“Olwen,” my mother repeated, frowning at my father.
I managed to wriggle out of our puppy pile and stepped past Helio to stand before King Olwen. “It’s me, Father,” I said, my voice trembling. “I’m your daughter. I swear.”
King Olwen looked deep into my eyes. Then, his stony exterior crumbled, and he pulled me into a strong bear hug. “My daughter,” he whispered, burying his face in my hair. “Oh, my sweet Aspen. You’ve come home to us.”
Cool tears dripped through my hair, and I hugged my father around the waist, almost as hard as he was hugging me. “It’s okay, Father. I’m here now.”
“Yes. Oh my baby.” King Olwen hitched a sob. Then he cleared his throat and dried his eyes. He tucked me under his arm and said expansively to the room, “There will be a ball. Tonight. A ball an
