The morning air was crisp, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers as Aeris stepped into the royal garden.

Her steps were slow, almost hesitant, as she took in the sight before her. It was vast, stretching as far as the eye could see, filled with towering trees, vibrant flowers, and a small crystal-clear pond reflecting the sky.

She had never seen anything like it.

The maids followed behind her at a distance, whispering among themselves, but Aeris paid them no mind. For once, she allowed herself to admire the beauty around her.

A soft breeze swept through the garden, making the petals dance in the air. Her long black hair fluttered gently as she closed her eyes, letting the wind caress her face.

She had always loved nature.

Back when she was nothing but an orphan, struggling to survive, she had found comfort in the smallest things—the sight of a lone flower growing in a broken street, the feeling of grass beneath her bare feet.

But now… this was something entirely different.

This place was like a dream.

She wandered deeper into the garden, her fingers brushing against soft petals, feeling the life in them.

And for the first time since arriving at the castle, she felt something close to happiness.

She found a spot beneath a large tree, its branches providing the perfect shade, and slowly lowered herself to the ground.

She just wanted to sit there. Just for a moment.

The maids exchanged nervous glances but said nothing as they watched her.

Aeris let out a small sigh, resting her hands on the grass.

"It’s peaceful here."

The thought felt foreign.

Her life had never been peaceful.

Not in the orphanage. Not when she was alone, struggling to survive. And certainly not when she was betrayed and killed.

Yet, here she was.

For a brief moment, she allowed herself to pretend.

That she was just a normal woman sitting in a beautiful garden.

That she wasn’t trapped.

That she wasn’t planning to escape.

But deep down, she knew the truth.

This peace was temporary.

Her freedom wasn’t here.

Aeris clenched her fists in the grass.

"I can’t get comfortable. I can’t forget why I’m here."

She looked up at the sky, watching the clouds drift by.

A storm was coming.

And soon, she would have to leave.

To be continued