The giant white wolves pressed even closer, their furry forms blanketing Sarah as they guarded her fiercely against all others save Ivor and Sif. They sensed, perhaps better than any human could, the delicate state of their mistress's being; a fragility that demanded absolute seclusion. In that moment, Ivor saw more clearly than ever the unbreakable bond between Sarah and her ethereal companions. A connection forged in blood and baptized by hardship, a love as eternal and vast as the cosmos itself.

With tentative steps, Sarah emerged from the confines of her bedchamber for the first time since her grievous injury. Ivor walked beside her, his strong arm supporting her narrow frame as she shuffled through the doorway, leaning heavily upon him for strength. The two massive white wolves padded along on either side, their vigilant gazes never straying far from their beloved mistress.

Ivor's heart swelled with paternal pride as he guided his daughter's halting progress across the threshold.

The hours ticked by quietly, with neither of them stirring much. However, as dawn began to creep through the windows, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, Prince Leo stirred awake. Groggily opening his eyes, he was met with the sight of Amelia still fast asleep beside him. Her hair cascaded around her face, framing it delicately.

For a moment, he simply stared, his mind foggy from sleep. Then reality hit him like a slap in the face. This was real—his life, his wife, his future.

With a sudden burst of energy, Leo threw off the covers and swung his legs over the side of the bed. He rubbed his tired eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. Rising to his feet, he padded barefoot to the washbasin in the corner of the room. Pouring himself a bowl of cold water, he splashed it over his face, gasping at the shock of it. Maybe it would wake him up properly.

Drying his face with a towel, he turned back to the bed, expecting to see Amelia still sleeping.

The princess stirred awake at her mother's gentle touch, blinking slowly before smiling up at Lady Kairko. "Good morning, Mother," she murmured sleepily, sitting up and stretching languidly like a cat.

Lady Kairko kissed her daughter's forehead again, smoothing back the strands of hair that had fallen across her face. "Good morning, my dearest Yumi-chan," she said warmly, using the affectionate nickname she'd given her when she was little. "Did you sleep well?"

Yumi nodded, yawning softly. "

"Yes, I did," she replied, her voice still a bit groggy from sleep. "Thank you for taking such good care of me."

Lady Kairko smiled proudly at her daughter's words. "As your mother, it's my duty to protect and guide you," she said, her eyes filled with love. "And your guards outside are some of the best we have. They've been by your side since you were born, ensuring your safety and providing you with the strength and discipline you need."

I'm sure it will be. Now, help me undress, and let's get started on making this night memorable.

*As Hamid approaches to assist him, Prince Leo stops her with a hand to his chest. There's a hunger in his mismatched gaze, a promise of debauchery and desire just waiting to be unleashed. He steps back and gives her a sultry look.*

"Go ahead and indulge yourself, demon. I won't stop you."

"Oh?" Prince Leo raised an eyebrow curiously. "And what sort of snack could that be? Something from your homeland, I take it?" He glanced at her with interest for the first time since their argument began. "Very well, if it's a part of your culture, I wouldn't want to offend you."

"So," Prince Leo said, trying to make conversation as the carriage continued toward his palace, "what is it like in your kingdom? I've always been curious about foreign lands and customs." He smiled politely, but there was still a hint of mockery in his voice.

"It's quite beautiful, actually," Columbine replied after a moment's hesitation. "Our people are very close to nature; we live in harmony with the land and its creatures.

Leo's eyes narrowed as he glared at Columbine, his mouth twisting into a snarl. "You have no idea how much I wish I could just send you back to that damnable place," he spat venomously, jerking his head toward the window. For a moment, it looked like he might lunge across the room and physically strike her.

But then, as quickly as it had come, the anger seemed to fade away, leaving him looking slightly sheepish.

Leo flushed an angry shade of red at her words. "You don't know anything about me!" he snapped, his voice tight with anger. He took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down before continuing more softly, "Look... I didn't mean it like that. It's just... this whole situation has been so unfair."

He gestured vaguely toward the window before walking over to sit on the edge of his bed, looking down at the floor. "I never wanted any of this,"