~Edward
The moon hung low in the sky, casting silver shadows across the garden paths. I walked slowly, my hands tucked behind my back, breathing in the scent of night-blooming jasmine. The garden was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. This was where I came when I needed to think, when the burden of the crown pressed a little too tightly against my temples.
I sighed, pausing beside a marble bench, letting my gaze drift to the stars above.
“Leona,” I called, spotting one of the senior maids walking toward the east wing.
She turned immediately, bowing low. “Yes, Your Majesty?”
“Send someone to fetch Ava. Tell her I want to see her in the garden.”
“At once, sire.”
She disappeared, and I resumed my walk, trailing fingers along the rose hedges. It was almost
