Palace's Routine/ A New Prophecy.

The Wolfguard Emergency Troops arrived just in the nick of time, a motley crew indeed. Smaller wolves scurried about, each carrying a bucket of water, while the larger, more muscular wolves hauled a massive contraption – a water shooter of impressive size, crafted from wood, metal, and silver. It resembled an oversized grenade launcher, clearly designed for serious dousing. These brutes, built for strength and endurance, seemed to handle the weighty weapon with ease, some even nudging it along with their snouts. They carefully positioned the shooter, ready to unleash its watery payload, as the smaller wolves busily filled it with their buckets.

"Your Majesty," Sergei reported, a water bucket gripped firmly in his jaws, "We're ready to clear the area."

Emperor Nikolai nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on the raging fire, a mixture of concern and grim determination etched on his face.

"Alright, everyone, let 'em have it!" Sergei barked, as he and the smaller wolves dashed towards the flames. They reached the edge of the blaze and tossed their water buckets, the splashes doing little more than momentarily dampen the inferno. Undeterred, they continued their valiant, if somewhat futile, efforts.

Taking their cue, the larger wolves, who had been circling the water shooter, began their incantation. Heads lowered, eyes closed, they chanted in unison,

"In the eye and mind of the rivers, oceans, seas, we hereby seek permission to grant this tool the power of water."

The effect was immediate. The water shooter slowly rose, adjusting its aim until it was perfectly positioned to strike the heart of the fire. Then, with surprising speed, the weapon began to fire, blasting a massive ball of water at the flames. It continued its relentless assault, the fire hissing and sputtering in protest. Though the flames licked back, their fury was clearly waning under the onslaught of the water shooter.

From a safe distance, the onlookers watched, some mirroring the Emperor’s worried expression, others simply bored. Lucas, for one, had sprawled out, seemingly indifferent to the unfolding crisis.

Jasper and Dmitri halted a short way from the inferno, close enough to observe but far enough to be safe. Dmitri’s face was etched with concern, his eyes wary, while Jasper remained serious and composed. The Wolfguard Emergency Troops arrived shortly after, also stopping to assess the blaze.

"Your Royal Highness," a wolfguard announced, his voice firm and focused,

 "We're ready to deploy the water shooter."

"Get it done," Jasper commanded, glancing back at the wolfguard before returning his gaze to the fire.

"Yes, sir!" The wolfguards responded in unison, and immediately began preparing the water shooter. Simultaneously, the smaller wolves darted towards the fire’s edge, water buckets clutched in their jaws.

Jasper’s mind raced as he watched the flames consume everything in their path. He was impatient to discover who was responsible for this conflagration. A flicker of anger ignited within him. He preferred direct action, but the immediate priority was containing the fire.

"Can't wait to see the face of the bastard," he muttered under his breath.

"I don't believe they want war," he continued, thinking aloud, "but whatever their motive, the only solution is to confront them head-on. If they're reasonable, I'll hear them out…"

Jasper frowned, his thoughts a whirlwind of possibilities, though he maintained an outward air of composure.

"Brother," Dmitri said, his voice laced with anxiety.

Jasper glanced sideways at Dmitri, raising an eyebrow at his brother's obvious distress.

"Do you hear it?" Dmitri asked, his face now etched with worry.

"I hear the roar of the fire, yes. It's quite vocal," Jasper replied dryly.

"No!" Dmitri insisted, his voice rising in alarm. "I hear someone in the fire!"

"I hear a child's voice," he continued, his tone dropping to a low, concerned whisper.

"Crying… screaming…"

Jasper paused, a flicker of unease crossing his features. He looked at Dmitri, confused but now more serious. He didn't necessarily believe his brother, but he couldn't ignore the genuine fear in Dmitri's eyes and voice.

"Your Majesty!" a voice called from his left.

Jasper, startled from his reverie, turned to see who spoke. It was Sergei, a young wolf guard, his expression a mix of urgency and shyness. He awkwardly shifted his weight, revealing the person he carried on his back. The figure was unconscious, their skin pale and lifeless, though, strangely, there wasn't a scratch or bruise to be seen.

"Your Majesty..." Sergei began, a touch hesitant, "I found her in the forbidden zone of the forest. I don't know how she got there..." He finished, casting his gaze downward.

Jasper's eyes were fixed on the unconscious figure, his expression serious. He remained silent for a long moment, lost in thought.

The next day dawned, bright and clear. The palace gardens buzzed with activity. Gardeners meticulously trimmed hedges and manicured the lawns, some chatting amongst themselves as they worked. Inside the palace, chefs, attendants, and cleaners prepared for the day ahead, some already bustling about the grounds. The palace, a testament to a thousand years of history, had begun as a simple community dwelling for the wolf people, evolving into its current grandeur as the social structure shifted and a new order arose. The first four wolf beings, both male and female, to arrive on this planet were the ancestors of the current Emperor, their lineage establishing the long line of rulers. The palace itself stood strong and sturdy, a symbol of the enduring community and bonds within the wolf people, both within its walls and beyond. A path led from the palace to the village, a hub of shops and homes for the wolves who didn't reside within the palace. Branching off this main path were smaller trails leading to the various residences scattered throughout the area.

"Hey!" Mina called out, approaching with a cheerful greeting.

Sergei, now in his human form and already on duty in the gardens, glanced up. Tall and lean with brown hair and grey eyes, he wore the standard red and black royal guard uniform, a small pin signifying his rank and service.

"What is it?" Sergei asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You're up early," Mina commented, surprised.

"Yeah, because I have a job," Sergei quipped, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Mina brushed him off lazily. "So, uh, can you tell me what happened earlier? I heard his majesty kicked Miro's ass," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Sergei paused, trying to recall the events of the previous day, but he was confused.

 "Who? Wait…" he stammered, "Who did the Emperor fight?" he repeated, his brow furrowed in question.

"What?" Mina mocked, feigning confusion. "You haven't heard what happened? Where were you when I left?"

"Well, I was at the pub…" Sergei admitted, a fond memory of the previous night's drinking and flirtations flashing through his mind.

"Wait, you went to the pub without telling me?" Mina frowned.

"Tell me what happened first," Sergei pressed. "Wait, so you're telling me his majesty got into a fight? With who exactly?" His gaze was now curious and intent.

Mina sighed, recounting what she knew. "I believe it was a guy named Mr. Miro Petrov. He's the boss of a gambling company in North City," she explained.

 "I heard they started fighting over a woman," she added, repeating the gossip she'd overheard.

"A woman? Is it Princess Delphine?" Sergei asked quickly, curiosity piqued.

Mina paused, frowning in thought. "But if it's the princess, she should have arrived by now, not yesterday," Sergei mused.

"No," Mina said, still thinking, "It's not her, I believe… I wasn't at the scene, so I can't say for sure who it was," she added, shrugging.

Sergei frowned, the mystery woman already occupying his thoughts. He was about to ask more but decided against it, dismissing it as unimportant for the moment.

"Let's go grab some breakfast!" Mina suggested, breaking the silence.

"No, I can't," Sergei replied, snapping back to attention. "I have work, remember?" he grumbled.

"It'll only be a short time, you'll be back just in time," Mina argued.

Sergei shook his head, sighing and ignoring her. He turned and walked away.

"Hey!" Mina called out, annoyed. "Come on, we should try the—" She stopped mid-sentence, realizing Sergei was ignoring her and continuing to walk away. She sighed in defeat, grumbling in annoyance.

I woke to a beautiful morning, but a throbbing headache. The curtains, though mostly drawn, allowed slivers of sunlight to illuminate the grand room. I lay peacefully, lost in thought and too lazy to rise. The events of yesterday, however, kept replaying in my mind, a source of amusement in the quiet of my room.

That woman. Catherine.

My brother said she'd returned. It's funny to think about, especially with Dmitri here. He'll be the most pleased, surely. But why am I being so casual about this? After everything that woman…

A knock broke my reverie, followed by the door opening. I glanced over, frowning, to see who it was.

A familiar figure entered – Mina Wayne, my personal advisor. I wouldn't call her a political advisor; that sounds too serious and traditional.

"Good morning, sir!" Mina greeted cheerfully.

I smirked, not surprised by her presence or her usual exuberance. I remembered the day I met her at the orphanage. We were the same age, though she's a year younger. Father took her in and allowed her to work as my advisor. We've always gotten along casually. Mina is, I'd say, reckless but dutiful, possessing several traits similar to my own. Which is why I don't regret choosing her.

"Don't ask if I've had breakfast, or if I'm dressed, or tell me any stories. I'm not in a good mood. This headache is killing me," I said, annoyed by the persistent throbbing.

Mina paused, then nodded knowingly, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"Oh, sir! Then let me get you some herbs!" she offered enthusiastically.

"Please do. And if you have any stories, save them for later when I'm in a better mood," I said, amused but languidly.

"You got it, sir!" Mina replied, nodding. She then hurried out of my bedroom, closing the door quietly behind her.

Even now, I still wonder where she gets all that energy and cheerfulness. Sometimes I think if I could just laugh and look at the world with her enthusiasm, it might help ease my boredom and frustrations.

It would be a welcome change from my default setting, but it might also stray too far from who I really am. No matter how much I might dream of being different, I have to be true to myself. Wearing a mask is so passé. At my age, I don't think it's appropriate, and I'd probably just end up hating myself more.

Mina walked briskly down the palace halls, searching for a specific person to ask about the herbs. Her eyes scanned her surroundings.

"Barbara!" she called out, her voice echoing through the corridors.

Receiving no response, she continued walking, rounded a corner, and then changed direction, heading downstairs with a neutral expression.

Mina descended the stairs carefully, her hand lightly gripping the banister. Her gaze was fixed on the steps as she made her way down.

Soon, she reached the second floor and again scanned her surroundings.

"Barbara!" she called out again, this time a little louder.

Still no answer. She began to walk faster, searching every nook and cranny of the second floor. She wasn't impatient, exactly, but she needed those herbs quickly, and her enthusiasm was growing, adrenaline starting to pump.

"Could she be on the first floor?" Mina murmured to herself, then turned and headed back toward the stairs.

Mina hurried downstairs, her feet landing on the floorboards of the first floor. She began to roam again, her pace quickening as she scanned her surroundings.

"Damn it, Barbara, where are you? His Royal Highness needs something!" Mina called out, her voice now tinged with urgency and seriousness. She checked every corner, passing each door along the way.

All the doors were locked, indicating they were used for storage, extra rooms, or meeting rooms. Mina continued walking, her gaze fixed forward, still searching. Suddenly, she stopped. In the distance, she noticed a door slightly ajar, light spilling out into the hallway. Someone was inside. This piqued Mina's curiosity and sense of urgency. As far as she knew, the rooms on the first and second floors were only occupied during special events or gatherings.

" Could it be a member of the royal family?" she wondered.

"No, all the royals left yesterday… Or perhaps it's the emperor?" she thought again.

"Wait, I remember the emperor is usually out on errands every morning…" she mused.

"I have a strange feeling about this," Mina thought, her instincts now fully engaged.

She studied the door carefully, then composed herself, adopting an authoritative expression as she approached. She was ready to scold whoever was occupying the room.

Her face was serious but curious as she drew closer. Muffled sounds reached her ears. She paused. There was definitely someone inside; there was no denying it. That was all the proof she needed. Her pace quickened. As she got closer, the sounds became… interesting. They were muffled, coming from a woman. It sounded like… could it be…? A sound of pleasure?

Mina took another step, now mere inches from the door. Her eyes widened, her ears perked, her face frozen in observation.

"Ahh…" a muffled sound of feminine pleasure drifted from the room. The muffled sounds continued, each accompanied by ragged breaths.

Mina pressed her ear closer to the door, choosing to assess the situation through sound alone.

She could hear two distinct sets of panting breaths, the sounds of movement. It dawned on her what she was hearing. Her face twisted into a grimace of discomfort. She wasn't sure she wanted to look; the sounds alone told her everything she needed to know.

"Ahh!" The woman let out a slightly louder moan.

"Shh… you don't want the others to hear, do you?" a male voice whispered.

The voices were clearly audible from the hallway.

Then, silence. But the panting and rhythmic movements continued, their soft breaths the only sounds in the room.

Mina sighed uncomfortably, then groaned in annoyance, debating whether to investigate further.

"Shit," she muttered to herself.

She swallowed, composed herself, straightened up, and slowly stepped forward, her gaze fixed on the door.

As her eyes landed on the scene within, they widened in surprise.

Sergei, her best friend, was engaged in a

passionate act with Barbara. They were

sprawled comfortably on the bed, Sergei's bare body glistening with sweat as he lay on top of Barbara. His face was serene, lost in pleasure his eyes closed, his breathing shallow. He moved rhythmicaly, the sounds of his flesh slapping against Barbara's thighs. His erection was visible, fully engaged. Barbara, also naked was locked in the passionate embrace, panting and moving with him, their bodies inter twined.

Barbara, also naked, was locked in the passionate embrace, panting and moving with him. 

Their clothes lay scattered on the floor – Sergei's royal guard uniform and Barbara's cleaner's uniform in a tangled heap.  

Mina's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but she continued to watch, her face a mask of silent astonishment. Finally, she seemed to decide she'd seen enough. She stepped back from the doorway, leaving them to their passionate encounter. As she turned to leave, she froze, a new wave of surprise washing over her. Without a second thought, she turned and fled, a wave of discomfort washing over her.

"I'll find those herbs myself…" Mina muttered awkwardly to herself.

She ran, leaving the open door and the sounds of passion behind her, hurrying towards the staircase.

I was alone at the south city's local market, strolling and looking for food. The orphanage barely provided us with nutritious meals; we often had to share, and I was perpetually hungry. We weren't allowed to venture far, but I took the risk. I'd arrived at the orphanage as a young wolf cub, with no idea who I was or who my parents were. All I knew was that the orphanage had become my home. It was the only life I'd ever known. The orphanage staff treated us well, and the adult wolves were protective, warm, and compassionate.

The market was a revelation, the first place I'd ever been outside the orphanage walls. It was a sensory overload, a cacophony of sounds and sights. Vendors hawked their wares – fish, meat, fruits, vegetables, grains, and more – while others simply waited patiently for customers.

I wandered through the stalls in awe, curious about the different foods. Most of it looked unappetizing, though – raw and uncooked. Maybe there was a better place to eat. Or maybe I should just grab a piece of fruit and make a quick escape.

I spotted a vendor selling bananas, his cart close to my path. I eyed the bananas, weighing my options. Should I take one? I wrestled with my conscience, but I didn't want to leave empty-handed. I'd risked coming this far; I might as well make the most of it.

I took a step closer, then another. My eyes never left the bananas. The market noise faded away, as if I were the only person there. I was so focused, I didn't even notice my surroundings. Another step, then another. My body moved on instinct, without a shred of rational thought.

"Hey, little one, are you going to buy something?" a male vendor asked.

His voice broke my trance. I looked up, meeting his curious, impassive gaze. I mirrored his expression but was suddenly speechless, unsure of what to do next.

"Hey, you there?" the vendor repeated.

I remained silent, just staring at him.

"Look," the vendor said rudely, not breaking eye contact. "If you're not going to buy anything, then scram."

In a split second, acting purely on instinct, I grabbed a kilo of bananas and ran.

"Hey! Hey! Get back here!" the vendor yelled, noticing my theft and chasing after me.

I ran as fast as I could, the kilo of bananas clutched tightly in my arms. I bumped into people, but I didn't care. I could feel eyes on me, could hear the vendor's pursuit, but I didn't stop.

"Get back here, you little shit!" the vendor shouted angrily, his voice drawing the attention of the crowd.

I darted around a corner, the vendor still hot on my heels. I could sense him gaining on me. Then I saw another opening to the right and took it swiftly. The vendor continued to yell, but I ignored him. My heart pounded with adrenaline and anxiety, as if I were being chased by a predator. I couldn't catch my breath, but I didn't dare stop. I saw another path to the left and took it, but he was still close behind. I weaved through children playing and adults going about their business. In the distance, I saw someone crossing the street, pulling a cart full of watermelons. It was my chance. I sprinted, then leaped onto the cart. Time seemed to slow as I jumped, the wolf-people pulling the cart staring at me in surprise and worry. I landed on the ground and kept running, glancing over my shoulder to see the vendor stop, blocked by the cart and its bewildered owners.

He was winded, gasping for air. I smirked and used the opportunity to run even faster. I spotted another corner to the right and took it.

I retreated to a secluded corner, hidden by a large tree. It was the perfect refuge. Leaning against the rough bark, I sank to the ground, trying to catch my breath and calm my racing heart.

"That was insane!" I muttered, a proud smile spreading across my face.

"I can't wait to tell everyone about this," I added, still slightly breathless but already buzzing with excitement.

As I sat there, my breathing gradually returned to normal. I focused on taking slow, deep breaths, trying to get my nerves under control. It took a while, but eventually, I felt the adrenaline subside. I glanced down at the banana in my lap and grinned. I knew I couldn't stay here long; the vendor might come looking for me.

I risked a peek around the tree. No sign of him. Just wolves and wolf-people strolling along the sidewalk, some chatting, others simply passing by, and a few relaxing on the public benches.

Satisfied he was gone, I turned my attention back to the banana. A wave of relief washed over me. This was my chance to savor my ill-gotten prize. Honestly, it was the first time I'd ever taken anything without paying. The thrill was...well, it was something. But exhausting, to say the least.

I looked at the banana, pulled it from the bunch, and peeled it slowly. Finally, fresh fruit! Back at the orphanage, fruit was a rare treat, maybe once in a blue moon. Our usual meals consisted of bland soups and vegetables. Desserts and snacks were just a dream. I brought the banana to my nose, closed my eyes, and inhaled the sweet scent. Then, opening my eyes wide, I took a big bite.

I savored the banana, chewing each bite with satisfaction. The sweetness was heavenly. I rarely got fruit at the orphanage. Even when it was served, the other wolf cubs were so quick to grab it that I usually missed out. Lunchtime often found me late, and by then, there was nothing left.

"Hey, is this yours?"

I froze, mid-chew. A voice. Instinctively, I stood and, in a moment of panic, flung the remaining banana at the speaker's face.

"Oww! Ugh!" The person groaned, stumbling back. I finally got a good look at him. A young boy, probably my age, with brown hair and a few inches taller than me. He clutched his face, wincing. The banana had fallen to the ground. He recovered his balance quickly, though, and glared at me.

"What was that for? What's wrong with you?!" he shrieked, annoyed.

Now that I could see him clearly, I realized he looked completely ordinary. Nothing remarkable, except maybe his lips, which were perfectly heart-shaped, and his bushy (but not overly so) eyebrows. Otherwise, he was just a standard-issue white male.

I stared at him, confused and wary, taking a step back. I was definitely not pleased by his sudden appearance.

The boy watched me, his annoyance evident, waiting for a response. When I remained silent, he sighed and looked away, as if considering something.

"You run fast," he said. "Are you one of those athletes who specialize in track and field?" he asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

I continued to stare, still not speaking. I was uncomfortable talking to strangers, painfully shy. My eyes darted around, searching for an escape route.

"Not much of a talker, huh?" he observed.

 "Well, I'll be direct. I think this belongs to you." He held out his hand, revealing two pink hairpins with a bear design.

I glanced down at the hairpins in his palm, my brow furrowing in confusion and suspicion. Then, I relaxed slightly as I recognized them. They were a gift from Clara, one of the adult caretakers at the orphanage.

I hadn't even realized I'd lost them. Probably fell out while I was running. I quickly took the hairpins from his hand, avoiding his gaze, and clipped them back into my hair.

"You're welcome," he said dryly, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

I gave him a strange look, trying to regain my composure. I clutched the remaining banana protectively. I returned his dry "you're welcome" with an equally dry and mocking face of my own.

"Hey, uh, you don't look new here, or… well, I don't know," he said, eyeing the area. "Can you tell me where the path to the palace is?"

"Palace?" I repeated, curious.

"Yeah," he said quietly. "I'm headed that way." He nodded. "Do you know where it is?"

"What's a palace?" I asked, completely bewildered.

"What?" he muttered, taken aback. "So you are new… I guess I should have figured, based on our first impression." He replied casually.

"Wait…" I stopped him. "Wait."

He looked at me, confused, and paused.

"What's a palace? I've never heard of it in my whole life," I asked eagerly, my shyness fading as my curiosity grew. "Can I go?"

"Woah," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "You seriously don't know what a palace is? Where have you been living your whole life? Under a rock?" He teased, but there was genuine confusion in his voice.

"No, the orphanage isn't built in a rock," I replied quickly and naively.

He paused, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Orphanage?" he asked softly.

I nodded quickly, a small smile forming. I was starting to warm up to this guy.

"Oh," he said, a strange tone in his voice.

 "I… Uh… That explains a lot."

"What's wrong?" I asked, puzzled by his reaction.

"Hey! You! Come back here!"

A loud voice shattered our conversation. We both turned to see the banana vendor from earlier, his face red with anger. My eyes widened in surprise. Without a second thought, the stranger grabbed my hand and took off running. I ran with him, mimicking his movements, adrenaline pumping.

"Don't slow down!" he yelled back, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Hell, I won't!" I retorted, annoyed, as we sprinted away, not daring to look back and see if the vendor was gaining on us.

"The name's Sergei," he shouted over the pounding of our feet as we sprinted down the narrow path. His hand gripped mine, a lifeline in the chaos.

"What?" I yelled back, my breath catching in my throat. I could barely hear him over the rush of blood in my ears, and thinking straight was proving impossible.

"Sergei!" he repeated, even louder this time. "What's your name?"

I hesitated, the introduction finally registering. For a moment, I was too stunned to answer, my lungs burning with each stride.

"I'm Mina!" I managed to shout back.

"Where are we even going?!" I yelled, dodging startled pedestrians as we weaved through the crowd.

"I have no idea!" Sergei replied, his voice strained. We didn't slow down, didn't even glance back. It was like the world had shrunk to just the two of us, running for our lives, oblivious to the chaos we were causing as we fled the furious vendor.

Jasper returned from his horseback ride, having also completed his errands in the forest. He entered his main office, a grand space decorated in gold and cream. The room was expansive, furnished with coffee and tea tables near the front, flanked by facing fauteuil chairs. Another small table sat by the windows, with a few extra items resting on the coffee table. His light grey front desk stood near the entrance, while at the back of the room, large closets—presumably filled with royal documents and records—lined the wall. These were typically sealed, accessible only to the Emperor and his brother, the Royal Highness.

The walls themselves were a spectacle. Portraits hung amidst white and colored marble, gilded bronze ornaments, and strategically placed mirrors. Marble panels, adorned with six gilded bronze trophies and weapons, covered sections of the walls. Architectural features, like marble inlays, wall niches, and geometric patterns, created a subtle illusion of depth and movement.

The Emperor's desk was piled with papers, a typewriter, and a small, luxurious lamp. A plate held five slices of apple and a portion of freshly ground grass, delivered from the palace’s extensive farm. This was a daily ritual, prepared for him before his arrival and always timed perfectly. A small device, his personal teleporter, also sat on the desk. Its purpose was clear: to allow him to teleport anywhere, anytime. In their world, teleporters were commonly used for travel between dimensions and timelines, though they were rarely used for simple trips between cities or locations within the same dimension.

Jasper removed his horseback riding jacket, revealing a grey polo shirt with a subtle yellow star pattern, tailored to fit perfectly. He also wore plain, fitted but breathable pants and black boots. He hung the jacket on a holder near the door, then approached his desk. He took two slices of apple and a bit of the ground grass, eating and swallowing them slowly. Turning, he walked over to a large sofa near the windows and sank into it, ready to relax for a moment.

Jasper stared at the wall, his mind momentarily blank. But the silence didn't last. The Prime Minister's words from yesterday resurfaced, nagging at him. He still didn't understand why he hadn't found a mate yet. If he’d had the same personality in his younger years, it would have been simple. He'd been with plenty of women, not just fleeting affairs, but real relationships. Most of those women were now gone—either passed away or married to others. He’d long since moved on.

Now, though, the question felt different. It wasn’t like his father’s disastrous affairs, which had nearly cost them their land and palace. This was a matter of personal choice.

Perhaps, Jasper mused, he wanted a mate who truly knew him, deep down. He’d long since abandoned the idea of love. He was comfortable, secure, ruling his wolf people alone. He'd proven he could do it, a thousand years now, ever since his father’s death. He was strong, capable. So, why this sudden pressure to find a mate?

He frowned, the Prime Minister's face flashing in his mind. He quickly schooled his expression, not wanting to betray his annoyance.

Just then, the door opened, and a second-rank royal guard entered. Lean and impeccably dressed in his uniform, his rank and achievement pins gleaming, he saluted crisply. Jasper acknowledged him with a nod, composing himself.

"Your Majesty," the guard announced, "Princess Delphine of the South." He stepped aside, allowing her to enter.

A striking woman with a pear-shaped figure, slightly tall, with blue eyes and blonde hair, walked into the room. Her face was angelic, framed by a vintage 1950s-inspired ensemble: a formal blue and pink dress, topped with a hat adorned with flowers that partially concealed her elegant hairstyle.

Princess Delphine smiled and curtsied gracefully. Jasper returned the greeting with a small, polite smile.

"Princess," Jasper greeted, rising to his feet. He offered his hand, and Princess Delphine placed hers in his. He brushed a kiss across her knuckles, a formal greeting, and she curtsied. She then withdrew her hand gracefully.

"Your Majesty," she replied.

"Please," Jasper gestured towards the coffee table. They sat down opposite each other, their movements mirroring each other's.

"I apologize for missing the party yesterday," Princess Delphine began. "I was rather occupied, and still am, but I couldn't refuse your request to see me."

Jasper nodded politely. "Understandable."

They shared a brief, formal nod of agreement.

"I asked you here because of some important matters," Jasper said, his tone turning serious and professional.

"Before we delve into that, Your Majesty," Princess Delphine interjected, a hint of gossip in her voice, "would you mind if I shared a rumor I overheard?"

Jasper paused, saying nothing. He could have cut her off, but he decided to indulge her curiosity. He wanted to get to the point, but perhaps a little diversion wouldn't hurt.

"It's about a prophecy," Princess Delphine revealed.

"A prophecy?" Jasper asked, his interest piqued. "What prophecy?"

"It concerns a certain being," she explained, her eyes widening slightly, "not an ally, but a long-time enemy of ours, who will arrive in our land." She glanced around the room as if searching for something, then looked back at Jasper. "Do you happen to have any wine?"

Jasper's expression remained neutral. He nodded and stood, walking over to a cabinet filled with various expensive wines, each bottle neatly arranged.

"Where did you hear this rumor?" he asked, opening the cabinet and selecting a classic red wine, his personal favorite.

"At the palace," Princess Delphine replied. "The servants chatter amongst themselves. I finally gave it credence when my personal advisor, Marissa, confirmed it."

Jasper took the wine and a wine opener from a drawer beneath the cabinet.

"I suspect whoever started this rumor isn't a significant threat," Princess Delphine chuckled softly. "Perhaps it's just the Prime Minister they're talking about..."

Jasper uncorked the wine, retrieved two glasses from a nearby table, and poured them each a generous serving as he listened intently.

Jasper lifted the wine bottle with both hands, turned, and walked back to the coffee table. He placed the two glasses down, one in front of Princess Delphine and the other in front of his seat, then sat.

Princess Delphine picked up her glass and took a satisfied sip. "Mmm," she murmured. "That hit the spot." She added, "I haven't had wine in ages."

"Why is that?" Jasper asked.

"Ugh," she groaned, a touch of annoyance in her voice. "I had some sort of fever a while back, and my mother thinks it was somehow connected to me drinking alcohol."

"Moderation is advisable, Princess," Jasper replied formally. "Too much of anything is never good."

Princess Delphine smirked, a hint of disbelief in her eyes, as she took another sip. "If you're going to be my husband," she teased, "don't ruin the mood." She set the glass down.

Jasper smiled faintly but remained silent, considering his next words. This was his agenda, the reason he’d summoned her to the palace. He finally had the opportunity to discuss this, and he felt it was for the best, a decision he’d made for himself.

"Princess," Jasper began, his tone formal.

Princess Delphine raised her eyebrows, curious. "What?" she asked.

"I know we've been friends for a long time," Jasper continued, "we've shared many experiences, and even our parents proposed an engagement between us, which I agreed to at the time..."

"However," he added.

"However?" Princess Delphine echoed, her brow furrowing.

They stared at each other for a long moment, the silence thick with unspoken words. Jasper finally broke the eye contact, lowering his head slightly. He stood and walked over to the window, staring out with a blank expression as he gathered his thoughts.

"Times have changed," he said, his voice serious, "and I've made my decision."

"I've decided to cancel and withdraw from the engagement."