POV: Riley
The morning sun painted the sky in shades of pink and gold as Riley stood on the balcony of the palace, overlooking the sprawling kingdom that stretched before her. The air was crisp with the promise of a new day, and a sense of peace settled within her heart.
Below, the kingdom bustled with activity as people went about their daily lives. Merchants set up their stalls in the marketplace, children played in the gardens, and the city guards patrolled the streets with vigilance.
Riley took a deep breath, the weight of her new responsibilities as co-ruler of the realm settling on her shoulders. She had always dreamed of belonging somewhere, of having a purpose beyond surviving. Now, that dream had become a reality.
"Enjoying the view?" a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
