The grand palace of Faeloria gleamed under the morning sun, spires casting sharp shadows over the polished marble roads. Inside the royal drawing room, Serenil stood alone as the large double doors creaked open.
The sound of tiny feet pattering against polished floor echoed before a young voice called out brightly, "Mister Serenil! You're so much taller than I imagined!"
Serenil turned—and was greeted by an unexpected sight.
The girl before him could not have been older than six. She wore an elegant cream-colored tea dress adorned with pale blue ribbons. Long, silky black hair was tied into bouncing twin tails, and two soft rabbit ears perked upright from the top of her head. Her sapphire-blue eyes sparkled with excitement, and her small rabbit tail twitched playfully.
"Princess… Hestia Nyveris," Serenil said, bowing his head respectfully.
She giggled, covering her mouth with both hands. "You're so serious! I knew you'd be handsome, but you're so stiff! Don't worry, I'll take good care of you, husband-to-be!"
Serenil blinked slowly. "…We are not wed yet."
"But we will be! And that means I should start treating you nicely from now, right?" she said, twirling around with childlike glee. "Oh! You simply must try my tea later. I brought my own blend! Mint chamomile with dew-petal sweetener—it's my favorite!"
Despite her age, Hestia's grace and manners were surprisingly refined. She curtseyed with natural elegance, but her bright cheerfulness never faded. She showed no arrogance, no entitlement—just boundless energy and sincerity.
"I've read all about Faeloria in my books! I promise I'll be a good wife, and I'll work hard to make our kingdoms friends again!"
Serenil was silent, unsure how to respond to her unfiltered enthusiasm. After a long pause, he offered the faintest nod.
"…I will honor my duty. But I will not rush this arrangement."
"That's okay!" Hestia chirped. "We'll take it slow, like in the fairy tales! For now, can I hold your hand?"
He hesitated—then allowed her to clasp two of his fingers with both of her tiny hands.
A gentle smile bloomed on her face.
"See? We're already making progress!"