[Lavinia's POV — Palace Garden]
I walked slowly across the garden, the grass cool beneath my slippers, where the animal keeper had brought out several striped beauties. Their golden fur shimmered under the sun, muscles rippling as they prowled within the enclosure.
I circled them like a picky shopper at a market stall, patting one here and scratching another behind the ear there. "Is this all you've got?" I asked finally, wrinkling my nose in mock disappointment.
The animal keeper bent into a nervous bow. "Y-yes, Your Highness. These are the finest females, all healthy and strong."
"Mm." I tapped my chin, pacing dramatically. "Healthy? Strong? Beautiful stripes? But will they pass Marshi's standards?" I tilted my head with a mischievous grin. "That's the real question."
My gaze slid toward Sera, who stood stiffly like a shadow. "Sera," I called sweetly. "Bring Marshi."
She bowed and hurried off, though her expression screamed why does my princess keep doing this to me?
