The city of Caerwyn stirred with the first light of dawn, its towering stone walls bathed in a golden glow. Narrow cobbled streets wove between grand manors and timber-framed houses, their thatched roofs darkened with morning dew. The scent of fresh bread drifted from the baker’s shop, mingling with the sharp tang of tanned leather and the sweet perfume of wildflowers sold by street vendors. Merchants arranged bolts of fine silk and glimmering trinkets upon wooden stalls, calling out to passing nobles and common folk alike. Horses clattered over the stones, their riders clad in gleaming armor, banners bearing the royal crest fluttering in the crisp morning breeze. A distant bell tolled from the great cathedral, its deep chime rolling across the town, blending with the murmur of voices, the laughter of children, and the rhythmic hammering of the blacksmith’s forge. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, and beyond the towering castle gates, the faint echo of trumpets signaled the stirring of royalty within the grand halls.

Juliet’s silk slippers barely touched the cold stone floors as she dashed through the castle halls, her gown billowing behind her. Golden candlelight flickered along the walls, casting long shadows as she turned a corner, nearly knocking over a servant carrying a tray of wine.

“My lady, pray, slow thy pace!”

her maid called breathlessly, struggling to keep up.

"Hurry, nurse, why do you dally so" Juliet only laughed, her voice echoing through the grand corridors, her heart pounding with a thrill she could not name. Behind her, the maid huffed, lifting her skirts to chase after her, knowing well that the young mistress was ever a tempest impossible to tame.