Aeliss sank back into the plush carriage seat, her stomach a swirl of excitement and nerves. This was it—her first time leaving the safety of her home kingdom, with its dense forests and towering mountains, and stepping into a world she had only heard about in stories.

As the carriage approached the city gates, her breath caught. The towering stone walls were far grander than anything she'd ever imagined, and beyond them, the city sprawled in a chaotic, vibrant dance. Tall buildings, busy streets, and flashes of color everywhere—this was nothing like the peaceful life she knew.

The moment the carriage stopped, she was ushered through wide courtyards and grand halls, each one more breathtaking than the last. When she stepped into the receiving hall, she could hardly believe what she was seeing—the vaulted ceilings, the glittering chandeliers, the intricate tapestries hanging on every wall. It felt like walking into a dream.

And there, waiting for her at the far end of the room, stood the eldest prince. She took a breath, her heart racing. This was it.

She lowered her head and courtesies downward. “Your highness.”