Seraphine as a child

As we continued the tour of the palace, Valeria's enthusiasm never waned. Despite my familiarity with the place, her perspective added a new layer of appreciation. She pointed out architectural details, historical artifacts, and even hidden passageways that I had never noticed before.

"This hallway," Valeria said, gesturing to the intricate carvings on the walls, "was designed by the famous architect Amara. She was known for her attention to detail and the hidden symbols in her work. See here," she pointed to a small, almost invisible carving, "this symbolizes protection and strength. It's meant to guard those who walk these halls."

"That's fascinating," I replied, genuinely intrigued. "I never noticed that before."

Valeria smiled warmly. "There's always more to discover if you know where to look."

We moved through the palace, Valeria sharing more anecdotes and tidbits of history. Her knowledge seemed endless, and I found myself caught up in her stories.