Music floated through the corridors, soft harp notes accompanied by the rhythmic flutter of servants preparing for the day's g

the strange fog that clung to his memory. Flashes of the previous night flickered through his mind, whispers in the dark, the brush of soft skin,

something wasn't quite right, but he brushed it aside. His father had made it clear-it was time to settle down,

deliers shimmered with light, and a red carpet stretched from the grand staircase to the throne dais. Royal offic

proudly behind her, her face a picture of smug satisfaction. Amanda held her chin high, a practiced smile o

hed Amanda with a hollow expression, forcing herself not to cry. No one else noticed her, no one ever did. But Amanda

ward the center of the dais, his eyes scanning the crowd. When he saw Amanda, his expression softened.

tepped forward and

alls, "His Royal Highness Prince Daniel of Westwind shall take Lady Amanda

les and whispers of approval. Amanda turned to face the prince, her expression full of

He couldn't explain it, but he pushed the feeling away. The announcement was made, the cour

. Her vision blurred, but she refused to let a single tear fall. She had survived the previous nig

opposition still burned. She would not bre

ways has a way of rising and when it

duties, her back straight, her heart still ac

he truth. And when that day came, the kingdo