Inside the royal castle, preparations bustled in every corner. Velvet drapes were drawn open to let the light in, golden trays were polished until they gleamed, and attendants whispered in excitement. Today, they were to visit the house of the girl King Zavian had chosen.

Everyone believed the proposal would not be refused—it was, after all, from the king himself. But the palace walls knew better than to trust certainty when it came to matters of the heart.