Florian trudged toward the princesses' wing of the castle, each step heavier than the last. His body felt as though it had turned against him, sluggish and unwilling, dragging him forward only out of habit. He felt hollow—like a ghost haunting the halls. No will, no spark, just… movement.
Around him, the castle buzzed with its usual activity. Servants darted through the corridors with arms overflowing with silks, flowers, and endless finery. The air was alive with hurried footsteps and the hum of excited voices as preparations for the upcoming ball reached a fever pitch.
"Did you hear? King Heinz is meeting the princesses again today," one maid whispered loudly enough for Florian to catch.
"I heard Lady Alexandria might be the first one," another replied with poorly masked excitement.
