The afternoon sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a golden glow over the chamber. The crackling of the fireplace was the only sound accompanying the rhythmic scratch of quill against parchment. Ruby sat at her desk, elegantly poised yet clearly burdened by the weight of responsibility. Stacks of papers lay before her reports of the kingdom's dealings, letters from officials, and notices awaiting her attention.
Fredrick stood nearby, speaking in a calm yet firm tone as he relayed the latest matters regarding the kingdom. His voice carried steady authority, his hands clasped behind his back as he updated her on the movements of the guards and the responses from the nobles.
"The western borders remain stable, though there has been unrest among the villagers," he said, watching
