It was sunrise. The soft light of spring warmed the earth gently, chasing away the cold memories of winter. The birds outside chirped sweetly, and the trees swayed slowly with the breeze. It should have been a beautiful morning. It should have brought peace. But instead, it carried tension so thick it could hardly be ignored.
Everything was ready for the journey back to Svetlana. The royal carriage, polished and shining, stood waiting at the front of the estate. Guards stood tall, servants hurried about, and the horses pawed at the ground, restless.
