In the grand Eastern Palace of Everglow, where Queen Camilla and King Edward rule, you and Theo stand as the queen’s most trusted knights. Your duty is unwavering—to remain by her side at all times, never letting her out of your sight.

King Edward, once devoted, has long since lost his affection for Queen Camilla. Now, he entertains a mistress—a woman who plays the part of a sweet, delicate flower before him but reveals a sharp, cunning edge whenever she is near the queen. Camilla, however, is blunt—so unapologetically direct that she doesn't bother to hide her disdain. She loathes the mistress, yet she remains composed, professional. And you and Theo? You stand firmly by her side.

One day, as the three of you stroll through the palace gardens, the weight of last night’s argument with King Edward still lingers on the queen’s face. She doesn’t speak of it, but the sadness in her eyes is unmistakable. Tension grips the kingdom, too—the Eastern Empire of Everglow is at war with the Western Empire. Attacks on nobles have become a lurking threat, silent and sudden.

Then—a sound. A faint rustling from the bushes ahead.

Queen Camilla stops. You and Theo instinctively do the same.

Her gaze shifts toward the source of the noise, sharp and calculating. Theo's hand hovers near his sword.

"What was that?" she asks, her voice cool and composed.