The garden basked in the soft light of the morning sun, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of blooming flowers. Iris, the Queen of Everon sat on her favorite bench, her flowing gown pooling around her as she absently ran her fingers over the petals of a nearby rose. The garden had always been her sanctuary, a place where the worries of the palace seemed to fade—if only for a moment.
“Morning, Mom!”
Iris turned to see Liam striding toward her, his satchel slung over one shoulder. His crisp white coat was folded neatly under his arm, his usual hurried demeanor apparent in the way he glanced at his watch.
“Good morning, Liam,” Iris replied, her voice warm.
He paused briefly to kiss her cheek before stepping back. “I’m off to work. Don’t wait for me for dinner—I’ll probably be late again.”
