Rayna sat on the cold, stone floor of the room, clutching the letter tightly to her chest as she questioned everything around her.
Was this even her father's handwriting? The familiar loops and swirls of penmanship, unmistakably his, evoked a rush of conflicting emotions. Anguish washed over her, and with each glance at the letter, her heart felt heavier, as if it threatened to shatter into a thousand pieces.
She was overwhelmed by despair, a painful reminder of the disconnection growing between her and the only parent she had left.
----
The kingdom buzzed with excitement as Layla and Benjamin exchanged vows, an event heralded as the grandest wedding in years.
Nobles and citizens from distant realms gathered, their eyes alight with joy and anticipation for the future king, Benjamin, and his radiant bride.
