The moon hung low over the palace gardens, its silver light spilling gently over the petals of the cherry blossoms. The night breeze carried the scent of spring, soft and sweet, brushing through the silk banners that hung from the stone pillars.
Prince Kael walked in silence, his cloak trailing lightly behind him. The chaos of the council hall still echoed in his thoughts, yet here, under the moon’s calm gaze, he could finally breathe. The weight of command, the burden of rebirth, the ghosts of his past — all of it seemed to fade whenever she was near.
And she was near.
Seris stood by the koi pond, her reflection rippling with every movement of the water. The pale glow of the moon painted her skin like porcelain, and her eyes — those soft, steady eyes — carried the quiet strength that h
