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The sun had barely kissed the palace towers when Felice tiptoed through the halls, a velvet-wrapped box clutched in her hands. Cassian trailed behind her barefoot, balancing a tray piled high with breakfast pastries.
"Do you have to carry that many croissants?" Felice whispered.
Cassian grinned. "It's a birthday breakfast ambush. We don't do things halfway."
They reached Liora's chamber door, and Felice carefully pushed it open. Inside, Liora lay sprawled diagonally across her bed, tangled in lavender silk sheets, one arm flopped off the side, and one slipper inexplicably dangling from the chandelier.
Felice suppressed a laugh. "She sleeps like a royal tornado."
Cassian nodded solemnly. "A fashionable, chaotic tornado. Stand back—I'm going in."
He strutted into the room like he owned it and bellowed, "RISE AND SHINE, BIRTHDAY BEAST!"
Liora groaned into her pillow. "Leave or perish."
Felice giggled and walked over, setting the gift beside her. "Happy birthday, Liora."
That got a groggy smile. Liora cracked open one eye. "You're lucky you're my favorite."
Cassian held up a flaky croissant like a peace offering. "And I brought gifts from the gods."
"I take it back. I love you both," Liora said, sitting up and snatching the pastry.
Felice handed her the velvet box. "This is from me."
Liora opened it slowly, eyes widening as she lifted a silver charm bracelet from the box. It sparkled softly with magic. Each charm shimmered with meaning—a tiny open book, a crescent moon, a mischievous fox, a glowing heart.
Felice looked bashful. "Each one means something. The book's for your curiosity, the fox is for your boldness, the moon is for all those late-night talks… and the heart is because you were the first person who ever made me feel like I belonged."
Liora blinked fast. "Felice… this is perfect."
Cassian leaned back against the headboard. "I was moral support. That counts."
Liora flung her arms around them both. "Best birthday morning ever."
Felice smiled, her heart full. For once, she felt at peace.
But peace never lasted long.
Because tonight… the palace would open its doors to hundreds.
And fate had a flair for dramatic entrances.
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