The late afternoon sun was already sinking below the horizon, casting long, golden light across the polished marble floors as Maribel walked me into the grand gallery.
Elias stood near the center of the room in a sharp, formal velvet suit that matched his royal status. The moment he saw me, the strict look on his face melted into a warm, bright smile.
The royal painter stood right beside him and bowed deeply as soon as we stepped onto the platform. "Your Highnesses, if you would kindly stand side by side—His Highness's arm around Her Highness's waist, and Her Highness turning slightly toward the light," the painter said softly while adjusting his easel. We held our positions for what felt like hours while the artist sketched our outlines, saving our winter look for the royal archives.
