'The First Meeting'

The grand entrance of Diamond Palace was alive with murmurs of anticipation.

The air was crisp and still, the golden gates standing wide open, as if to flaunt the palace's splendor to the arriving dignitaries.

Heinz stood rigid at the top of the marble steps, his posture regal and commanding, his golden cloak fluttering faintly in the soft breeze. Beside him stood Lucius, his ever-efficient head butler—and cousin—his face a careful mask of indifference, though Heinz could feel his cousin's sharp gaze taking in every detail.

"All the other princesses have already arrived," Heinz said, his tone clipped as his gaze scanned the path leading to the palace. "Why is Floramatria late?"