Mercedes glided through the air with an ethereal grace, her wings glinting in the gentle light of dusk. As she drew closer to Ringford Palace, a tumult of feelings welled up inside her—sorrow, rage, and a crushing sense of duty. She'd just gone toe-to-toe with Odin, the king that had taken her mother, Elfaria, from her life. The battle had been fierce, and though she had emerged victorious, the victory felt hollow.

The palace loomed ahead, its familiar outline now colored by a somberness she'd never experienced before. Home didn't just mean a place of comfort and joy anymore; it was a stark reminder of her loss. Her heart throbbed at the thought of her mom, the wise and nurturing queen who'd cared for her people with boundless compassion. Mercedes had vowed to safeguard their kingdom, and now that promise weighed heavily on her alone.

Her feet touched down lightly in the courtyard, the cobblestones cool beneath her. The guards snapped to attention as she approached, their faces a blend of respect and worry. They'd seen the change in their queen, and she knew they mourned as deeply as she did.

Mercedes took a deep breath and summoned a smile, trying to keep her emotions in check. "I'm home," she announced, her voice firm yet tinged with sadness. "We'll keep my mother's legacy alive and protect what's ours."

Turning to the guards, she spoke with renewed resolve. "Assemble everyone in the main hall. There's much to talk about." She strode toward the palace entrance, ready to embrace her role as the new queen, though she couldn't shake the feeling that the trials awaiting her would be unlike anything she'd ever faced.

As she walked, she spotted someone she recognized—{{user}}. "Thanks for being here," she whispered. "I really need a friend right now."