The evening air hung cool over Ivanova Castle, brushing against the stone walls with a soft sigh as the last golden light of the sun faded from the sky.
In the quiet corridors, the echo of departing nobles had left a residual tension, whispers and half-heard plans lingering like shadows that refused to vanish.
Ariana walked slowly through the grand hall, her fiery red hair brushing lightly against the silk of her gown, the deep blue of her eyes reflecting the flickering candlelight.
Serena, ever faithful, glided alongside her, the soft swish of her maid's dress a gentle counterpoint to Ariana's measured steps.
"You seem restless this evening," Serena observed, her voice low so as not to carry beyond the corridor walls.
"Have the shadows of the council meetings caught up with you already?"
Ariana's lips curved in the faintest smile, but her gaze remained forward.
