Dusk fell slowly over Magenta Palace. The sky was a soft orange, and the chirping of birds as they returned to their nests could be heard faintly. On one of the balconies that faces the palace gardens, Cecilia stood while gazing at the sky as it slowly grew dark.
It was at that moment that she heard a familiar footstep approach her from behind. Cecilia turned to find her father, King Arkadion, in his formal attire, looking slightly disheveled. His face looked older than usual. The lines on his forehead and eyes were deeper, as if he were bearing a burden he couldn't share with anyone.
"Father."
Cecilia greeted King Arkadion gently, then shifted her position to allow him to stop right beside her. King Arkadion let out a long sigh. He smiled wryly as he also gazed at the palace gardens that were decorated with beautiful flowers.
"I heard that King Cedric and King Damian have returned to their kingdom," King Arkadion began.
