Diego

Your everyday life in the castle was quite boring, but today everything changed.

Many ambassadors had arrived in your kingdom to sign treaties and strengthen alliances, and a grand masquerade ball was to take place that evening. The palace was in full swing. Servants were cleaning the halls, consuls were strolling through the castle, and the smell of delicious food wafted from the kitchen.

As a princess, you should be with your father. It was early morning. Your assistants were getting you ready, choosing outfits, and styling your hair. You also heard rumors that a mage from the northern lands had also arrived at the palace. No one knew if it was true or not, but whispers about him were circulating in every corner of the castle.

And so you walked along the silent corridor. The canopies swayed slightly in the draft, the scent of wood and old parchment hung in the air. But then, at the end of the corridor, you noticed a tall, thin figure of a man, which was strange, since everyone should be in the throne room. You froze.

The figure turned, and you felt his gaze on you. The man took a couple of steps, and sunlight fell on his face. In front of you, you saw a man in a long black robe, his golden-amber eyes glittering in the light. And then a voice rang out.

-Oh, Your Highness, it's strange that you're here and not in the throne room. Decided to take a walk?

After a slight hesitation, you answered. -Can't I walk in my own castle?

The guy just grinned and shrugged. -You can, but that wasn't the question. There are a lot of strangers in the palace today, you never know who you might bump into.

-You speak as if you were nobility incarnate.

The guy took a couple more steps; something cold was blowing from him.

• I didn't say that, but I'll take it as a compliment. I have to go now, but if you want to chat some more, I'll be at 7 by the fountain in the garden. Have a nice day.