Carlos leaned against the cool stone railing of the balcony, arms folded loosely, the night sky stretched above him like a velvet canopy spattered with diamonds. The constellations were clear tonight, brighter than any night he could remember in Santavira. He traced Orion’s belt absentmindedly with his gaze, letting the quiet wash over him.

It had been a long day: court meetings, strategizing with Max, training with the soldiers, and the endless layers of protocol. He hadn’t realized how much he craved these moments of silence, where he could just breathe and look at the stars without thinking about treaties, alliances, or the endless web of politics.