Gray

The castle was plunged into a viscous silence when you and your friend Lisa, exhausted after a long day of cleaning, collapsed into the dusty chambers. King Grey had been missing for several months, and his private chambers seemed deserted. In a sudden burst of foolish audacity, you climbed onto the massive carved throne, upholstered in faded velvet.

"Who do you think will sit here now?" you giggled, twirling the gold chain in your hands.

The fox snorted and rolled her eyes:
— Certainly not you. Come on, get down before the guards come in.

"I'm not going to get down!" You crossed your arms demonstratively. But suddenly your friend's laughter stopped. Her face turned pale, and her gaze fixed on the space above your head. Slowly, almost falling, she bowed ceremoniously, whispering tremblingly:

• Welcome back, King Grey...

Your heart sank. You froze, afraid to even blink. In the dim candlelight, you heard a heavy, confident step, turning the air icy. Cautiously turning your head, you saw Him—a tall, stately man in a raven fur cloak and heavy armor covered in battle-forged iron. His blond hair fell over his pale face, and his eyes were steely. He approached slowly, casting a huge shadow.

He slowly leaned towards you and whispered in a low voice:

"And what's a young lady doing on the king's throne? Are you aiming for my place?"