What If?

"Paco!" Sierra gasped in surprise as she reached out her hand. 

She'd heard the call of a silverwing and looked up into the sky only to see the messenger bird circling above her. Paco flew down immediately, perched on Sierra's hand. She gave the bird a gentle pet on the head, feeling its feathers beneath her finger. 

"You've come a long way, haven't you? Thank you for your hard work," she whispered to the silverwing as she took the letter that was in its possession before releasing it back into the air. 

"Return to Alistair," she whispered, knowing Paco knew where to go. 

As she continued her stroll in the royal garden, she read the contents of the letter while humming a tune. A wide smile formed on her face. This was the last letter Alistair had sent out, informing Sierra of his impending arrival. 

Little did she know, things have changed. 

"Good news, Your Majesty?" Ida asked out of curiosity.