Viana nodded. "Many of them are. Stories, history, knowledge. You can read any of them, if you wish."
She noticed the look of longing in his eyes. Access to books was something he had never known.
Just then, a figure entered the library. It was Arden, Viana's chief advisor.
He was a handsome man with a lean body, clearly honed daily through rigorous training in sword and archery. He moved with a quiet efficiency, yet his focused mind often led to small, endearing blunders.
He paused, his gaze settling intently on Viana, a subtle admiration in his eyes. He had been seeking the Princess for a report on the day's schedules.
As he stepped forward, his foot caught subtly on the edge of a Persian rug, and he stumbled slightly, catching himself before any real fall. He pushed a stray lock of dark-brown hair from his forehead, a faint flush coloring his cheeks, his attention fixed solely on Viana now.
