On the outskirts of a city,
The sun hung low over the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue across the land.
The distant city walls stood tall against the sky, their stone towers dotted with vigilant soldiers.
Merchants and travelers bustled at the gates, their wagons creaking as they rolled forward, while guards inspected each person entering the city.
Lucian stood on the outskirts of the road, his gaze drifting lazily over the distant scene, though his attention was fully on the woman standing in front of him.
Eloise, his aunt, was dressed in a rich purple palace gown that hugged her figure in all the right places.
Her long, dark golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her flawless skin shimmered under the sun, catching the eye of any man who happened to glance her way.
But they didn't dare linger, for the carriage she stood beside bore the Royal Family's insignia.
