The morning sun streamed through the tall windows of my guest quarters as I adjusted my tie in the mirror. Today is the day, for my engagement ceremony to Seraphina, though the thought filled me with nothing but cold indifference.

A soft knock interrupted my preparations.

"Come in," I called, expecting Gareth with some last-minute detail about the ceremony.

Instead, Seraphina glided into the room wearing a flowing emerald dress that complemented her dark hair perfectly. She looked radiant, ...