At the front courtyard of Albrecht Castle, the quiet afternoon turned sharp with tension. A black carriage stopped at the marble steps, and Liv stepped out gracefully, her ivory gown flowing lightly in the breeze. She had come to inspect the flowers that would be used for her upcoming wedding with Duke Zareth.
But before she could take another step, a voice rang out loud, desperate, and painfully familiar.
"Liv! Liv, wait!"
Her body stiffened. Slowly, she turned.
There at the gates stood Andrey Erickson, running toward her with wild eyes.
"Don't let him in," Liv said calmly without even glancing at the commotion.
Two guards immediately moved, blocking Andrey's path.
"Let me go! I need to talk to her!" he shouted, struggling until the guards pinned him down to the ground.
Liv raised her hand lightly. The guards stopped.
Andrey looked up, breath ragged, his clothes slightly disheveled.
"Liv… please, I just need to talk!"
