Day of the gala.
Draven woke up early. Dawn light through the windows. *Whoosh.* Wind outside.
Mara was still asleep. Curled against him. Naked. Warm. Her breathing soft. *Haa... haa...*
He slipped out of bed. Quiet. *Rustle.* Didn't want to wake her.
Needed to think. Clear his head. Big day ahead.
The gala. Vivienne. Aldric. Everything started today.
[System]: *Morning Host*
*Big day today*
*Meet the princess*
*Steal her from Aldric*
*At his own party*
*Nervous?*
No. Not nervous.
Just... focused.
Draven grabbed a robe. *Rustle.* Headed for the baths. Estate had private hot springs. Natural. Fed by underground rivers.
Perfect for clearing his mind.
He walked down the hall. *Tap tap tap.* Early morning quiet. Nobody else awake yet.
Except—
The door to Elise's chambers was open. *Creak.* Just a crack.
Steam coming from inside.
She was already up. In her private bath.
[System]: *Ohhh*
*Mother's bathing*
*Early morning*
*Alone*
*Naked*
