The corridors of Valtoria Palace seemed charged with a newfound energy these days—a mingling of hope and tense anticipation. With the wedding now less than two weeks away, the palace was abuzz with final preparations, last-minute adjustments, and the quiet murmur of political machinations. In the midst of it all, Alexander's steady presence had become a vital source of comfort, even though I still carried the scars of our past disagreements like a stubborn shadow.
It was in a quiet, sunlit chamber that Alexander found me one morning. His tone was both urgent and soothing. "Lucien, I spoke with my parents," he began, his eyes searching mine for understanding. "After several long days of heated discussions and fierce arguments, we have come to an agreement." His words struck me like a sudden gust—unexpected and heavy with the promise of compromise.
