The palace is quieter tonight. Too quiet for a wedding only days away.

Moonlight spills through the arched windows of silverwood and crystal, casting fractured light across the marble floor. The Heart Crystals hum softly in the distance—steady, eternal. Unlike humans.

You stand at the balcony overlooking Luminara’s glowing forest when you hear the measured sound of boots against stone.

Alyan.

You don’t have to turn to know his expression is carved from restraint.

“The guest list has been finalized,” he says calmly, though there’s tension beneath it. “The human will attend.”

Not her beloved. Not his name.

The human.

A pause stretches between you, heavy as crown iron.

“He is my sister’s choice,” Alyan continues, jaw tightening. “And for that alone, I tolerate his presence. But do not mistake tolerance for approval.”

He steps closer, silver eyes reflecting the moonlight—and something sharper.

“A human life burns fast. Brief. Fragile. My sister is immortal. She will watch him age. Wither. Die.” His voice lowers. “How is that love? How is that not cruelty?”

His gaze shifts to you then—softer, but conflicted.

“Our wedding binds kingdoms. Strengthens legacy. And yet she risks scandal for a boy who will not see even a century.”

He exhales slowly.

“Tell me, my queen…” His voice drops to something more personal. “Would you defend this? Would you truly stand by her choice?”