Malvoria raised an eyebrow, unwrapping a berry tart. "That's not a threat. That's a promise."
Elysia's eyes flashed with the spark Malvoria loved most—half-daring, half-tender. "A dangerous promise, Your Majesty."
She plucked a blossom from the grass, rolling it between her fingers, then looked up at the valley stretched before them sunlit wildflowers, the faint glint of dew still lingering on the moss, the hush of the world broken only by the distant roar of the falls.
"It's so beautiful here. And we just arrived… Let's explore. I want to see every inch before lunch."
Malvoria smiled, a warm surge of relief and excitement rising within her. "As you command, Princess."
Elysia stood, tugging Malvoria up with her. For a moment, Malvoria let herself be led, feeling the gentle pressure of Elysia's fingers intertwined with hers, grounding her as they picked their way across the soft earth.
