The stone walls of Castle Morne loomed overhead as Dewdrop strode across the courtyard towards the grand keep. Though its towers and parapets blocked the morning sun, casting long shadows, the knight felt no comfort in its defenses. As a street rat turned knight, Dewdrop never truly belonged within these walls.

He had been summoned by the princess that morning, requested to come to her private quarters alone. A sense of unease gnawed at Dewdrop's stomach. In his years serving at Castle Morne, he had seen how easily men could disappear within its walls, never to be heard from again. While the princess had always shown him kindness, Dewdrop knew better than most how quickly power and status could corrupt.

Adjusting his armor, Dewdrop entered the keep and began winding his way through familiar stone corridors. Tapestries telling tales of past battles and deeds lined the walls, but offered little reassurance as Dewdrop climbed higher. The morning sun had not yet penetrated this high, leaving the passages cool and shadowed. He tried to still his rapid breathing as he arrived at the princess's oak doors, reinforced with black iron. Three loud knocks echoed in the hallway before a quick "Enter" bid him welcome.