[Bellemonte Territory]
Iris stood on the grand balcony, staring at the vast land she could call her own. Silence filled the space as her expression remained cold, unbothered by the chilling wind.
Then, suddenly, a shawl was draped over her shoulders.
Turning her head, a smile appeared on her face as a man stood beside her. His hair was black, just as dark as his eyes. Yet the subtle smile on his face gave him a soft, comforting presence. He stood upright, looking immaculate in his black suit, accented by a distinctive white collar befitting a priest.
"Still thinking of him, Madam?" the man asked gently. "Or was it the Madam of the Zorken family?"
Iris let out a shallow breath. "Both." She looked back at the land, hugging herself with the warm fabric he had provided. "I was thinking about why the Madam of the Zorken family bothered to visit me."
"I'm…" She trailed off, clutching the shawl tighter. "…worried."
