The following morning, the Crown Prince and the First Princess of Zalmeria departed for Isla under the escort of Ares and Lara. The lake was calm as usual, the blue of the sky reflected on its surface, and the waters glittered beneath the morning sun as the yacht circled around the island before heading to the dock.
Erina Ramuz had eagerly invited herself along, determined to entertain the visiting royals. She drifted to the bow of the boat, where the breeze whipped strands of her hair across her face and billowed the hem of her flowing white skirt like a banner.
Resting her hands on the polished railing, she gazed out at the island before speaking with a wistful sigh.
"What a pity Azuverda abandoned its monarchy and embraced democracy."
Her voice carried easily over the wind.
"I envy Zalmeria. Your royal family has endured for centuries while so many others disappeared."
