The gates of Mooncrest Palace had never felt so heavy. Lilac stood in the courtyard, her silver hair catching the morning sun, heart thudding in her chest. Years had passed since the northern claws had burned through their walls, but the memory of fire, blood, and chaos still lingered in every corner of the charred walls, the ruined fountains, the whispers of old battles.
"Riven… who is it?" Lilac whispered, her green eyes scanning the approaching carriages.
Riven's jaw tightened, his golden eyes sharp. "Northern envoys… including their prince," he said cautiously. His voice was low, measured. "Stay close."
Lilac's heart skipped a beat. She didn't know the prince, didn't know the northern king, didn't know the reason for their visit. All she saw were the carriages imposing, foreign, and filled with power and a sense of danger that made her stomach twist.
The carriages rolled through the gates, polished and imposing, the wheels clattering against the marble courtyard. Guards from Mooncrest Palace straightened, eyes sharp, hands brushing the hilts of their swords. Even Riven's posture was tense, alert to every movement.
The northern king's voice carried across the courtyard. "Mooncrest Palace. I trust the palace has recovered from… past tragedies?"
Queen Morwenna appeared at the doorway, regal and unyielding. "We have survived," she said smoothly, her eyes sharp and calculating. "We always do."
The young man stepped out of the lead carriage handsome, tall, dark hair slightly falling over his brow, golden eyes scanning every detail. Lilac blinked. Who is that? she thought, glancing at Riven.
"That's their son… the prince," Riven whispered, eyes flicking to Lilac as though to warn her. "He's… different. Keep calm."
Lilac swallowed hard. She had heard stories of northern strength and ruthlessness, but seeing him in person so calm, composed and handsome, it made her heart both race and ache with unease.
Polite bows and formalities began. The northern king spoke of alliances and past promises, hinting at the old engagement between Aria and his son.
Lilac's green eyes widened. "Riven… do you think" She stopped herself, afraid of voicing her worry.
Riven's hand brushed hers lightly, grounding her. "Whatever happens, I've got you," he murmured.
Lilac remained silent, biting her lip. She could hear voices inside the palace, faint through the stone and open windows, but she couldn't make out what was being said. She only sensed the tension radiating from the gates the northern king and his entourage were here for something important.
Inside the palace, the queen, the northern king, and the young prince were deep in discussion. Their words carried weight, authority, and calculation. Lilac didn't hear the details, she only sensed plans forming that might alter everything, though she couldn't yet see her own role in them.
The wind whispered through the gardens, rustling the silver leaves of the courtyard trees. Lilac shivered slightly, the chill not from the morning air, but from a sense of impending change. She didn't know that soon, the life she had always known would be taken from her, traded in the silent machinations of powerful people.
For now, she only watched.