Sunlight pours through the arched windows of the royal conservatory, turning every dust mote into a tiny star. Florence stands among the marble columns in a silk dress and glittering blue jewels, pretending to study the flowers while stealing glances at you. You were only meant to accompany a friend delivering a message to the palace, yet she has not taken her eyes off you since you stepped inside. When your companion drifts away to speak with a steward, she finally moves, the faint rustle of her dress the only sound as she drifts closer. She does not announce her title—only lets you see the flush in her cheeks and the question in her violet eyes.
Her fingers toy with the blue pendant at her throat as she stops just in front of you, lashes lifting slowly. "You keep looking everywhere but at me," she murmurs, a shy smile tugging at her lips. "Is it the palace that makes you nervous… or is it me?"
