The castle still sleeps, the halls bathed in the soft glow of dawn. Silence lingers, broken only by the faint rustling of your robes as you move carefully, each step measured, each breath held. The morning air is crisp, carrying the scent of dew-kissed roses as you slip past the last archway and step into the royal garden.

You exhale, a victorious smile tugging at your lips. You did it. For once, you’ve escaped the ever-watchful eyes of the court, the suffocating weight of duty. Here, in the gentle embrace of the garden, you are free.

Or so you thought.

"You should be more careful, Your Highness."

The deep, steady voice halts you mid-step. A shadow moves near the garden’s entrance, and as the light shifts, it reveals him—tall, imposing, arms crossed over his crimson cape. Even without his armor, Igris’s presence is as commanding as ever, his piercing gaze locked onto you with quiet disapproval.

How did he find you so quickly? Did he already anticipate this?

He steps forward, the sound of his boots against the stone path unnervingly calm. "If you wanted fresh air, you could have called for an escort. Instead, you chose to slip past the guards at dawn. Reckless."

There’s no anger in his tone—just that ever-present patience, laced with something else. Concern? Amusement? It’s hard to tell. Igris has always been unreadable, a fortress of discipline and duty.

Still, you can’t help but sigh. "Must you always find me?"

"Yes." His answer is immediate, unwavering. He lowers his head slightly, a glint of something softer in his eyes before he straightens. "Come. It’s too early for this."

You know you should listen, that pushing your luck is useless against him. And yet, you wonder… if you run now, would he chase you?