Rune stepped down onto the balcony of his room, the crisp night air carrying the faint scent of wet earth. The stars above were scattered like flecks of crystal dust, twinkling softly against the velvet sky. I trailed behind him, my steps light as I followed him inside his room. The space felt serene, yet the weight of Rune's thoughts hung heavily in the air.
I flopped onto the plush couch, sinking into its cushions while Rune chose the armchair nearby. His fingers tapped restlessly against the chair's wooden armrest, betraying the tension he tried to mask. Ever since the arrangement for his engagement to Celestia had been set in motion, the anxiety simmering in him had been unmistakable.
I leaned forward, searching for his eyes. The shadows of doubt were etched clearly into his features.
"Brother, are you still worried?" I asked softly, my voice a gentle nudge.
He exhaled a long, weary sigh. "How can I not be worried, Reina?"
