"I must admit, Your Majesty, I am genuinely pleased that you agreed to the preliminary terms of the betrothal so smoothly.
The afternoon sun poured through the towering arched windows of King Alderon's private study, bathing the sprawling table in warm gold. Maps, border reports, and official state seals lay scattered across its surface in carefully controlled chaos. It was supposed to be a quiet afternoon.
In fact, he had considered going to check on her, but quickly decided against it. He had no desire to disturb her delicate social gathering, or worse, accidentally get cornered and invited to join a circle of gossiping noble young ladies.
The sheer irony, however, was currently staring him right in the face.
