The palace appeared slowly, like something rising out of mist rather than stone. Nara noticed it first through the narrow oval window of the jet, her breath catching before she could stop it.
White marble stretched wide and proud against manicured green, towers gleaming under the midday sun, flags stirring lazily in the breeze. It wasn't just large, it was deliberate. Every line spoke of history, permanence, and a kind of quiet power that didn't need to announce itself. She swallowed.
"This is… unreal," one of her assistants murmured beside her.
Nara nodded, fingers tightening briefly around the sleeve of the sweater she wore, his sweater. It still smelled faintly like Keigh, clean, warm and familiar. The thought steadied her more than she wanted to admit.
By the time the jet taxied to a smooth stop, her professional instincts slid into place. Spine straight and mind focused. Whatever emotions churned beneath, she had a job to do.
The doors opened, and cool air swept in, carrying the scent of clipped hedges and stone warmed by sun. A small delegation waited at the base of the stairs, palace staff dressed in elegant uniforms, posture immaculate, faces courteous but unreadable.
"Ms. Nara," a woman at the front said, offering a slight bow. "Welcome to the palace. We are honored to have you."
The words should have felt ceremonial. Instead, they landed softly, almost warmly.
"Thank you," Nara replied, matching the bow with practiced grace. "We're grateful for the invitation."
As they descended, Nara became aware of the silence, not empty, but controlled. No rushing, no raised voices. Even the gravel beneath her heels seemed quieter here, as though the ground itself had learned restraint.
They were escorted through tall gates and into the inner grounds. The palace up close was even more overwhelming. Carved columns, wide staircases, balconies draped with flowering vines. History lived here, it breathed from the walls, and yet a strange sensation brushed her spine. Not fear or awe but recognition.
She shook it off gently, attributing it to nerves. You're tired. That's all. The past few days had been heavy with emotion, with stolen moments and whispered goodbyes. Of course she felt off-balance.
Inside, the halls opened wide and luminous, sunlight filtering through tall windows and reflecting off polished floors. Portraits lined the walls, generations of faces staring back with composed eyes and carefully schooled expressions. Nara slowed without realizing it, one portrait in particular held her gaze. A queen from decades past, painted young, her expression soft but resolute. For a split second, Nara felt something tighten in her chest.
"You alright?" her assistant whispered.
"Yes," Nara said quickly, forcing a smile. "Just… beautiful work."
They were shown to their quarters, spacious and elegant rooms overlooking a garden courtyard where fountains murmured gently. Fresh flowers waited on tables. Schedules lay neatly arranged, embossed with the royal seal. Efficiency, thoughtfulness and precision.
After settling in, they were invited to lunch.
The dining hall was smaller than Nara expected, intimate rather than grand. Long windows opened to greenery outside, sunlight dancing across linen-covered tables. The food arrived in quiet waves: roasted vegetables glazed with herbs, tender cuts of meat infused with citrus and spice, freshly baked bread still warm to the touch, delicate pastries layered with cream and fruit.
Nara tasted everything, surprised at how comforting it felt. This wasn't indulgent excess, it was care, balance and intention. She caught herself relaxing. After lunch, a palace aide discreetly collected her glass once she set it down, handling it with unusual care. Nara noticed but dismissed it as protocol. Of course the palace had its rituals.
The afternoon passed in a guided tour. Libraries that smelled of old paper and polish. Music rooms holding instruments older than most nations. Sunlit corridors that curved and opened like secrets being slowly revealed, and all the while, that feeling lingered as though her body remembered something her mind did not.
"Ms. Nara, this wing was recently restored," the aide said, glancing at her as she walked. "You'll find many spaces here are perfect for events and balls."
Nara nodded, distracted by the faint sense of memory tugging at her thoughts. She shook it off, focusing instead on imagining how the ball might be executed, lighting, music, guest flow. Her professional mind was already mapping the possibilities.
Once settled, Nara quietly excused herself to make a video call. Keigh's face appeared on her screen, his eyes bright with concern and affection.
"You look… well," he said, smiling faintly. "Everything okay?"
"I'm fine," she replied, grinning. "The palace is… overwhelming. The tour was incredible, and lunch, don't get me started. You would have loved it."
He raised an eyebrow, amused. "You sound like a food critic."
"I am a food critic now," she teased back. "But seriously, it's gorgeous. I can't believe this is real. I… I miss you."
Keigh's expression softened. "I miss you too."
They shared whispered, playful words, the call stretching into quiet confessions. Nara talked more freely than ever about the palace, the grandeur, and how she felt a strange connection she couldn't explain. Keigh listened, amused and enchanted by how chatty and open she had become in his presence, even across a video screen.
---
Later that evening, they were called for dinner. Nara met the King and Queen, their presence commanding yet unexpectedly warm. The conversation revolved around the upcoming ball, its theme, the guest list, and details like table settings and music.
Nara found herself syncing seamlessly with the Queen's tastes the colors, the floral arrangements, even the subtle mood of the evening. Their ideas flowed together naturally, a quiet, intuitive understanding forming between them.
Throughout the discussion, Nara felt a heaviness in her chest she couldn't explain, a mixture of awe, responsibility, and something deeper, almost like recognition. She pushed the feeling aside, focusing on her work and the smooth rhythm of the planning.
After dinner, back in her quarters, Nara called Keigh again. She chattered excitedly, recounting how surprisingly easy-going the Queen had been, how much fun she had planning details together, and how much she'd enjoyed the day despite its overwhelming grandeur.
Keigh chuckled softly, amused at her energy and enthusiasm. "You really do get carried away, don't you?" he said, shaking his head with a smile.
"I can't help it!" Nara said, laughing. "It was… so natural. I think she and I might actually be a lot alike. You'd be amused."
As she set the phone down, she didn't know that on the other side of the palace the Queen's voice was calm but firm as she issued the order,
" I want the results as soon as possible"
Somewhere deep inside, The Queen knew she has finally found her daughter