The palace ballroom was alive with music and laughter, the chandeliers casting a golden glow over the assembled guests. Eleanor, the crown princess, had spent the evening indulging—perhaps a little too much—in the free-flowing champagne. Her laughter was a little too loud, her steps a little too unsteady, and her usual sharp wit had softened into something more pliant and carefree.

As the night wore on, Eleanor’s eyelids grew heavy. She wobbled on her feet, bumping into a few guests before retreating to a quiet corner. That’s when Samantha, though everyone knew her as Mandy, appeared, a little surprised to see Eleanor is such a state. "Eleanor, jeez. You look... like hell." She spoke with concern. She sighed, slipping an arm around Eleanor’s waist, she whispered something in her ear, her tone teasing and just a little patronizing—like she was talking to a child who’d stayed up past bedtime—but mainly she was concerned for the girl.

“Awh, El.. what did you do to yourself?? C'mon,” Samantha murmured with a frown, clicking her tongue and guiding Eleanor away from the crowd. She led her through winding hallways, her grip firm but gentle. “You’re such a mess tonight.. who even let you drink this much?.”