I remember the day clearly. The palace corridors in Valtoria were bathed in soft morning light, and I was both nervous and determined as I made my way to meet Queen Lyra—Alexander's mother, the woman who would soon become my mother-in-law. This meeting was not only a formal obligation; it was an opportunity for me to express my preferences for the royal wedding and to get to know the person behind the regal façade. I had long heard of Queen Lyra's grace and wisdom, but nothing had prepared me for the delicate warmth I felt when I saw her in person.
I was led into a grand sitting room, its walls adorned with portraits of Avaloria's storied past and its furniture arranged with impeccable taste. In the center of the room sat Queen Lyra, dressed in a gown of deep indigo that shimmered with subtle silver embroidery, her eyes kind yet discerning. As I stepped forward, my heart pounded in my chest—not out of fear, but in anticipation of what this conversation might bring.
