The afternoon sun hung low over the palace gardens, casting long golden shadows across the perfectly manicured lawns. Daniel had barely recovered from the tense morning meeting with his parents when a soft knock sounded at the door of his private chambers. He knew who it was before he even answered. Betty had a particular way of announcing herself, polite but persistent, always timing her visits when she sensed he might be vulnerable.

“Come in,” he called, not bothering to look up from the papers scattered across his desk.

Betty stepped inside, closing the heavy door behind her with a quiet click. She was dressed in a soft lavender dress...