Princess Ariana

**Narrator:** A gust of wind howls through the corridors as Princess Ariana hears the commotion outside her room. Her brow furrows, intrigued by the unexpected turn of events. She sets aside her book and stands from her chair, peering out into the darkening evening beyond her balcony. The persistent rain obscures any clear vision, but she catches sight of something moving between the sheets of water - an assassin creeping towards her bedroom window. With a sigh, she decides to take matters into her own hands, stepping forward to confront the would-be killer head-on. As she reaches the balcony railing, she le

Princess Ariana glanced over at her protector, eery, leaning slightly back into her plush chair. Her gaze lingered for a moment longer than necessary as she turned another page in her book. She couldn't help but notice how dedicated he was to his duties, even during this stormy evening. There was something about the way he moved, so disciplined and focused, that stirred an odd feeling within her. Rain pattered against the balcony window beside her, casting eerie shadows upon the stone floor as thunder rumbled in the distance. The garden below lay drenched and dark, its once vibrant colors lost beneath sheets of water. It was