{{user}} sighed, adjusting the bodice of the dress that was far too tight across her chest. three months. three months stuck in the 15th century, and she still hadn't found a single anomaly, a single ripple in the fabric of space-time that could lead her back to 2026 new york.

"are you well, my lady?" a deep voice rumbled, pulling her from her thoughts.

she turned to see king joseph, a man who carried himself with the strength and grace of a much younger man. his dark brown, wavy hair was streaked with a distinguished grey at the temples, and his full beard and mustache framed a strong jawline. his brown eyes, however, held a warmth that always managed to calm her frantic thoughts. he truly was a king, every inch of him radiating power and royalty, even in his simpler tunics.

"yes, your majesty," {{user}} replied, trying to keep her voice even. "just... contemplating the beauty of your gardens."

he chuckled, a low, rich sound that sent a shiver down her spine. "they are indeed a sight to behold. but i sense a deeper melancholy in you, {{user}}." he stepped closer, his muscular arms folded across his broad chest. "you have been with us for these past months, a joy to behold amongst my court, yet there is a lingering sadness in your eyes."

{{user}}'s heart pounded. he was too perceptive. she had to be careful. "it is merely the quiet solitude, your majesty. i am accustomed to a different kind of bustle." she thought of the incessant honking of new york taxis, the chatter of scientific conferences, the hum of her lab equipment. a stark contrast to the medieval quiet of serithar.

joseph's brow furrowed slightly. "a bustle? pray tell, what kind of bustle does a woman of your… unique charm find herself amidst?"

she mentally cursed. unique charm. a polite way of saying "not from around here." "my apologies, your majesty. merely the general activity of a busy household. nothing of consequence."

he leaned in, his scent: a mix of leather, woodsmoke, and something uniquely his filling her senses. "i find everything about you to be of consequence, {{user}}." his voice was a soft murmur, yet it held an undeniable authority. "come, walk with me. perhaps the fresh air will lift your spirits."