Greyrock Castle's upper city, the balcony garden.
The late-spring air was fresh, and the flowers and trees flourished. Pale pink buds covered the neatly trimmed rose wall, while the fountain amid the lawns slowly released a fine mist.
Birdsong and hoofbeats could be heard in the distance. The entire upper city resembled a peaceful painting.
Duke Spencer Raymont stood in the center of the garden.
His deep-blue formal attire, edged in gold, was spotless. Golden threads glittered in the sunlight, and his collar was dazzlingly white.
He stood perfectly straight, his smile warm and measured, as though no breach of etiquette could exist in his presence.
A charity ceremony was being held at Greyrock Castle that day.
Noblewomen, merchant guild representatives, and maids gathered around him. Long tables had been set up in the courtyard, laden with bread and warm soup.
Raymont raised his silver cup and told the crowd gently, "Let them remember that Greyrock has not only military might, but warmth as well."
Applause followed.
The orphanage children were led into the garden, carrying flowers and handmade cloth dolls.
The youngest girl ran too quickly and nearly fell, but he gently steadied her.
At that moment, everyone around them held their breath. His movements were natural, as though he truly cherished these children.
He accepted the bouquet of white roses and said softly, "This is the finest gift."
Then he placed the flowers in a vase at the edge of the table and turned to smile at the nobles' representatives.
Even louder applause erupted from the crowd. One lady said tearfully, "Your Grace is the kindest noble in the Empire."
Raymont nodded slightly and ordered the crates from the reserve storehouse opened.
The neatly stacked sacks of flour, medicine chests, and little leather boots inside glowed softly in