"Very well. The truth of how I met your mother…"
Aldric leaned back in his chair, folding his arms like he was preparing for battle.
"It was nearly twenty years ago," he began. "Both our kingdoms—Florabelle and Unaria—had caught wind of an unclaimed, magical coastal territory. Azure Bay. Rumors said the cliffs whispered spells and the tides could turn weapons into wildflowers."
Evelisse blinked. That sounded… exactly like the place she'd seen.
Aldric continued, "I was the second son then. I wasn't expected to inherit. My older brother was the crown prince, he was sick but still kicking at the time and I was sent to scout new resources.
Seraphina raised a brow. "Whereas I insisted on going."
Evelisse's breath caught. The candlelight made her father's face glow golden, highlighting the shadow of memory in his gaze.
