[Present]
Arthur stood in front of Sylvia and Jessica, the cool night breeze of the Ashford Empire's royal palace brushing against his face.
Old memories crawled up from the back of his mind—blood on stone, rain, laughter, silence.
"Why the hell am I remembering all that now…" he thought.
They were standing in the garden before the palace, lanterns casting a soft glow over marble paths and trimmed hedges.
In front of Arthur stood Sylvia Evan Imperius.
Her golden hair fell in smooth waves over her shoulders, and her crimson eyes—so much like his—held a depth of maturity and hard-earned wisdom. The years had sharpened her beauty rather than dimmed it; every line of her posture spoke of dignity and strength.
Beside her stood Jessica, her expression softer than usual, a faint smile on her lips as she watched Arthur.
