Soraya's POV
Breakfast was served in the princess's chamber just as the sun finished climbing the pale morning sky. Princess Seraphine sat comfortably by the small table near the balcony, laughing softly as Liam told her a story that made absolutely no sense—but she listened like it was the most important tale in the world.
"And then the dragon said roaaar," Liam finished dramatically, spreading his little arms wide.
Seraphine gasped playfully. "Oh my! A real dragon? And how did our brave knight escape?"
Liam smiled proudly. "Mama saved him."
My chest tightened with a warmth I couldn't explain.
"That makes perfect sense," Seraphine said with a wink at me. "Your mother is very powerful."
I lowered my head shyly as I served their breakfast. For a brief moment, the palace felt less like a place of rules and more like a home. Laughter filled the room. Warm bread cracked softly beneath fingers. Tea steamed gently into the morning air. It was peaceful—too peaceful, perhaps.
