The gates of Drakethorne Palace opened as the royal carriage approached, surrounded on all sides by knights and soldiers moving in careful formation. The carriage slowly entered through the open gate.

  Alex Drakethorne stood at the palace entrance between his parents. His mother, Sera Azurestorm, stood to his left and his father, Shane Drakethorne, stood to his right.

  The carriage drew to a halt before the Drakethorne family. A knight, marked by his ornate armor and commanding presence, stepped forward from the soldiers and opened the carriage door with practiced ease.

  Catherine Fairwind, Empress of the Evernight Empire, emerged in a crimson gown that accentuated her regal bearing. Her daughter, Princess Eva Evernight, followed closely behind, her movements graceful and poised.

  Catherine smiled warmly at the Drakethorne family, who bowed their heads in greeting and welcomed her to the estate. Eva glanced around with curiosity, admiring the beauty of Drakethorne’s garden and the fountain at its center.

  Empress Catherine Fairwind spoke gently. "There is no need for such formalities when we are among ourselves. After all, we are family now," she said, her gaze lingering on Alex Drakethorne, who looked very much like a young version of both his parents.

  All three raised their heads. Shane Drakethorne replied, "We are not so close yet, since this marriage is not certain. We must show respect to the royal family, as our ancestors did before us."

  Empress Catherine Fairwind smiled in response. She understood all too well how people tended to be formal around her, but she wished for something different with her daughter’s future family.

  The Empress turned to Sera Azurestorm, ready to suggest her husband drop the formality.

  Empress Catherine Fairwind and Sera Azurestorm had been friends for years, brought together by their kindred spirits. They often met at banquets and ceremonies. Sera Azurestorm pretended to cough to break the tension, then suggested, "Shall we continue our conversation inside?"

  Alex Drakethorne watched his fiancée as she admired the garden. Her beauty captivated him; she wore a flowing white dress that hovered just above her feet. When Princess Eva Evernight met his gaze, Alex felt his cheeks grow warm with embarrassment. He quickly looked away, trying to compose himself.

  ‘Calm down, Alex. This is the first time you are meeting her. Make sure to leave a good impression’, he reminded himself.

  Alex turned to face Eva Evernight. She had drawn closer, with Empress Catherine Fairwind just behind her. Alex met Eva’s gaze, trying to appear composed and dignified. Inside, however, his thoughts raced, ‘Why is she walking towards me? She is beautiful, yes, but I have not fallen for her yet. What if she has already fallen for me and wants to talk?’ He realized he was overthinking, completely unaware that none of these thoughts had crossed Eva’s mind.

  Princess Eva Evernight took a step back from the Drakethorne family. She delicately pinched the edges of her dress and offered a graceful, restrained bow—dignified and befitting her imperial lineage, while also acknowledging the standing of the Drakethorne family.

  Sera Azurestorm gently placed her hands on Eva Evernight’s shoulders and said, "There is no need for such formalities. Think of me as your mother and speak freely. You may not remember me, but I have seen you many times since you were a small child."

  Shane Drakethorne, usually so rigid, relaxed a little and gave a small, fake cough before turning to head inside the palace. The others followed him into the hall, where sofas were neatly arranged around a central table set with cookies and tea.

  Alex Drakethorne quietly followed behind his father. Eva Evernight seemed eager to speak with him and quickly caught up, walking just a step behind.

  Sera Azurestorm and Catherine Fairwind followed at a leisurely pace, chatting about small matters. It had been a long time since they could enjoy each other's company.

  Ragnar Drakethorne and Nyra Blackheart were not present as they had gone to fulfill their respective duties shortly after their stay at the estate. The former went to the borders while the latter went back to her magic tower. They could only stay with Alex for a few months, where they looked after Alex Drakethorne and guided Shane Drakethorne to stabilize his Paragon rank.

  They found it hard to leave, not wanting to miss Alex’s childhood and growth. So, they returned often, staying for a day or two each time. During their visits, they would cling to Alex and spend time playing with him.

  - - - -

  Alex Drakethorne sat in the middle of the sofa beside his mother, Sera Azurestorm, while Shane Drakethorne took the seat at the far left. On the other side, the Empress and her daughter sat together on the right-hand sofa.

  Alex Drakethorne nibbled on a cookie, watching Eva Evernight as she enjoyed one as well.

  Meanwhile, the adults busied themselves with conversation. They discussed the state of the economy, the borders, demons, gates, and politics. Their polished manner suggested they had been trained since childhood to uphold noble standards, making them seem almost flawless.

  These topics were not new to Alex and Eva, who already knew most of what was discussed, except for an occasional unfamiliar detail. They listened quietly to the conversation.

  After a while, Shane Drakethorne looked through his side eye at Sera Azurestorm, who was busy talking with the empress as if queuing her to say what they had been thinking.

  Sera Azurestorm, understanding her husband’s intent, said, “Catherine, we have discussed this many times and I do not wish to repeat myself. Right now, this marriage is not certain, and either your family or my son can call it off.”

  She continued before Empress Catherine Fairwind could respond, “My husband does not like the arrangement between Alex and Princess Eva. He feels it restricts their freedom, and that is not right. Should we cancel it?”

  Empress Catherine Fairwind replied, “Oh dear, you’ve told me this a million times by now.”

  Catherine Fairwind sighed and said, “Yes, we could end it from our side, but I cannot do so without the Emperor’s permission. We should let them have a choice. Let Alex and Eva grow and decide for themselves. Is that not what we should do for now?”

  Shane Drakethorne was not satisfied with this answer, but he understood that Empress Catherine Fairwind could not make such a decision without her husband’s approval. Otherwise, the consequences could be serious for both families.

  Empress Catherine Fairwind, weary of Sera Azurestorm’s repeated questions about the marriage, glanced at her daughter and Alex. “They have just met. Let them talk and spend some time together,” she suggested.

  Sera Azurestorm, understanding the Empress’s intention, gently smoothed Alex’s hair, careful not to disturb his neat appearance. “Go outside and play with Eva. She seems interested in the garden. Take her there,” she said.

  Alex Drakethorne looked at his mother, his eyes pleading. "Do I have to? I do not want to right now." He was unsure what to say to his fiancée; he had never spoken to anyone his own age of the opposite gender. He was confined to the palace and not allowed to leave. All the maids and servants were much older than him.

  Sera Azurestorm gazed into her son’s azure eyes, which resembled hers, silently telling him there was no other way. He would have to do this.

  Alex Drakethorne stood up and looked at Eva Evernight, who had quietly watched his exchange with his mother. He walked over to her, gently took her hand, and said, "Let us go to the garden."

  Without waiting for a reply, he turned and began to walk, prompting Eva to rise and follow. Their hands remained joined as Alex led Princess Eva to the garden.

  Watching his son’s boldness, Shane Drakethorne smiled and thought perhaps it was time to let his son decide for himself about the marriage.

  Sera Azurestorm and Catherine Fairwind exchanged a laugh. "Alex is so bold," Empress remarked.

  They soon regained their composure and turned to more serious matters, ones they preferred their children not to overhear. Earlier, they had discussed only trivial topics, knowing how perceptive their children could be. They did not want Alex and Eva to worry about the state of the world just yet.

  As Alex guided the royal princess toward the garden, he realized he was still holding her hand, and that he had been the one to initiate it. His cheeks flushed, but he managed to compose himself as they continued walking together.

  All the servants, maids, and soldiers bowed their heads in respect as the heir and the royal princess passed by. Many were surprised to see this new side of their young master.

  They laughed quietly to themselves and, in their minds, and gave the heir a gesture of encouragement for his bravery.