Two Mothers

"Erast?" Raphael asked with enthusiasm. "You're inviting me to Erast?"

Raphael couldn't believe that he was being invited to the capital city of Altara, and by the duchess herself.

Raphael's eyes lit up with excitement; he hadn't imagined that his freedom would come this soon.

"Come to Erast with me, Raphael. You can stay at my mansion," Helena replied. "Imogen and I would be delighted to have a new friend in our otherwise quiet home. With you around, it will surely be more lively."

Raphael's eyes sparkled with excitement as Helena extended the invitation to join her in Erast. His small heart raced with joy, and a brilliant smile graced his lips. The weight of confinement and monotony lifted from his young shoulders, replaced by the promise of adventure and freedom.

His tiny frame practically quivered with delight as he eagerly responded, "Yes, Your Grace! I'd love to come to Erast with you!"