Royal Garden.
As Leon emerged from the imposing palace gates, a refreshing afternoon wind caressed his cheek while the sun, now tilting west, bathed the marble steps in golden light. The glazed stone walls of the great palace behind him glowed gently in its warmth. He stopped just beyond the last threshold, drawing a long, full breath.
The oppressive stillness of the royal study, the King's hard, observant eyes, and the crushing burden of unspoken expectation—all seem to slide off Leon's shoulders as soon as he got outside. The air is lighter now — nearly purifying, with a touch of the tangy smell of sheared hedges and far-off blooms carried in on the gardens' wind.
For a moment, he just stood there. Then, taking a deep breath, Leon turned ever so slightly and gave one final glance back at the large palace behind him. Its imposing spires and immaculate marble shone in the light—unmoving, silent, and stoic.
Then, his mouth curled up ever so slightly.
