As the preparations for the expedition into the desert continued, James took a moment to step outside the castle, hoping to clear his mind and gather his thoughts. The night air was cool, a welcome respite from the stories of burning sands and relentless heat they had just heard. He leaned against a stone balustrade, gazing at the lights of Valoran that flickered in the twilight.
It wasn't long before he felt a familiar presence by his side. Emilia, his fierce Bakarti queen, had come to join him, her purple eyes reflecting the soft glow of the moonlight. Her silver hair, braided with precision, flowed over her shoulders, a testament to her warrior spirit.
"You seem troubled," she observed, her voice as calm and steady as always, though it carried a hint of concern.
