The sun had barely begun to rise over Nacrifa Palace, bathing the corridors in soft golden light. Aliena was brushing her hair, preparing for another day she had assumed would be mundane, when a soft knock at her door broke the quiet.
"Enter," she called, smoothing down the folds of her dress.
The door swung open with a quiet creak, and Sebastian stepped inside without waiting for an invitation. Always silent, always imposing, yet somehow he carried the aura of command effortlessly.
"Good morning, Your Highness," she said, bowing slightly.
He didn't bow. He merely stood there, hands tucked behind his back, dark eyes assessing her as if weighing her very soul.
"You will join me in the court today," he said abruptly, voice low and precise.
Aliena blinked. "Court?" she asked, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. "But… I—"
