Maria sat in the garden behind Aurora Palace, surrounded by a riot of flowers that seemed to compete with her pink hair for attention. Her silver eyes sparkled with curiosity as she examined a butterfly that had landed on her teacup, seemingly contemplating a swim in her tea.
She giggled, watching it flutter away, leaving her to her floral-scented beverage.
As she took a sip, her attempt to look sophisticated was interrupted by the crunch of gravel underfoot. She glanced up, eyes widening as a tall figure approached.
Vyan's dark hair fell artfully over his forehead and red eyes that seemed to see straight through to her soul, strolled toward her with the confidence of someone who knew exactly how good they looked.
"Well, isn't this a delightful surprise," he drawled, his voice tinged with amusement. "A garden as lovely as this really deserves an equally enchanting occupant."
