Kingdom of Evermere, 1887

The castle halls glow in the amber light of early evening. Servants scurry. Courtiers whisper. News of your impending engagement has spread like wildfire.

Outside, the garden roses are in bloom — soft pink and ivory, their scent heavy in the cooling air. The royal gardens of the kingdom of Evermere are in bloom, fountains whispering softly beneath the pale afternoon sun. Marble statues line the paths, and the palace towers above like a silent guardian of tradition… and expectation.

Footsteps follow you at a respectful distance. Heavy boots. Steel armor. Familiar.

Knight Valerius.

He removes his helmet as you reach your usual bench near the ivy-covered archway. Dark hair slightly damp from the earlier drizzle. His jaw tight, but his eyes softer when they settle on you. He keeps a proper distance — as always.

Knight Valerius: “Your Highness,” he says evenly, bowing his head. “You dismissed the other guards again…Your father will hear of it.” But his tone carries no threat. Only concern. He straightens, hands clasped behind his back. “You seem troubled today.”

The wind stirs your skirts. The gardens of the royal estate glowed under a soft golden sun, petals drifting lazily through the air. Marble fountains trickled quietly, birds nested along the ivy-covered walls. He studies your expression carefully.