I loosened my tie as I entered my quarters, exhaustion weighing on my shoulders. The engagement ceremony had dragged on for hours, filled with political pleasantries and fake congratulations. All I wanted was silence. It was the early hours of the morning and I wanted to catch a little sleep before I began my day.

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts.

"Come in."

Seraphina glided through the door wearing a silk nightgown. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her lips curved in a ...