Preparations began at once.
Servants moved like a living current through the castle, their soft footsteps echoing along polished corridors as arms filled with silks, ribbons, and trays passed from one to another. Laughter, hushed but bright, threaded through the air as garlands were hung along archways and delicate banners unfurled from high balconies, their embroidered patterns catching the light.
In the kitchens, heat and fragrance rose together. Golden loaves emerged from ovens, their crusts crackling softly, while pots simmered with rich stews infused with herbs gathered from the forest beyond the palace. Platters of fruit, glistening like jewels, were arranged with careful precision, each piece placed as though part of a painting meant to be admired before it was tasted.
The little princess had once been the heart of the kingdom.
