The drawing room of Elysia Palace was a study in elegance, its walls adorned with tapestries of silver and blue, its high windows letting in soft morning light that danced across polished oak floors.
Viana sat at the head of a long table, her ruby-red gown a careful choice—regal but approachable. Her blonde hair was pinned loosely, a few strands framing her face.
Across from her sat three noblewomen, their silks and jewels gleaming, their expressions a mix of deference and ambition.
Lady Seraphina of House of Tobias, with chestnut hair and sharp eyes; Lady Mirabel of House Thalren, blonde and soft-spoken; and Lady Elira of House Drayce, whose auburn curls and sly smile hinted at mischief. They had requested this audience, claiming a desire for friendship—and something more.
"Your Highness," Seraphina began, her voice smooth as velvet, "we've long admired your grace and resolve. Elysia's court can be… isolating for one so young. We wish to be your friends, your confidantes."
