章 43: Summer Palace (1)

The sun was just beginning to rise over Zephyros, casting a warm golden glow across the palace grounds. The morning was unusually still, as if the world itself was holding its breath in anticipation of the journey ahead.

In the courtyard, Prince Kaelix stood near the grand carriage that would take him and Prince Eirik to the Summer Palace. His arms were crossed tightly over his chest, impatience etched into every line of his regal posture. His usually immaculate hair was slightly disheveled, a rare sign that his mood was even more foul than usual. His irritation grew with each passing minute as he tapped his foot impatiently against the cobblestone, the sharp sound echoing in the stillness of the early morning.