It was the day of Seren's birthday ball, arranged by Queen Niobe to celebrate the coming of age of the Third Princess of Abetha. Though her real birthday had already passed, according to the date registered in the family records, Seren Ilven was born on this day eighteen years ago.
Grand preparations were made long ago, ensuring that the evening ball's splendor eclipsed that of the Second Princess' wedding; afterall, Seren also had the identity of Queen of Megaris. By right, her coming of age was a magnificent event that should demonstrate the dignity of both the Ilvens and the Ivanovs, as well as the Kingdoms of Abetha and Megaris.
That morning, Seren had woken up earlier than usual.
Drayce had left the tower at the crack of dawn and just returned, intending to wake his wife up and eat their morning meal together, but he found her outside in her garden, watering her plants in a daze.
