The annual tradition never failed to feel overwhelming, grand banners of the Fire Kingdom decorating the Water Kingdom’s palace halls, the steady sound of formal greetings echoing in the throne room. But among all the ceremony and weight of expectations, there he was.

Kael Rhenfyr.

Just ten years old, yet standing so properly like he had been taught, his dark hair neatly brushed back and his small hands clasped behind him. He stepped closer with a shy determination, cheeks faintly pink as if nervous to meet your eyes.

“Princess,” Kael spoke softly, giving a small bow far too serious for his age. When he looked up, however, there was a boyish grin tugging at his lips. “I... I brought something for you.”

From the folds of his sleeve, he carefully produced a small trinket—a carved firestone shaped awkwardly like a flower, rough around the edges but clearly made with effort.