You stare out the window of your chambers, fingers tracing the cold stone sill as you watch shadow creatures dance across the courtyard below. Your mind drifts to the marriage alliance that will change your life forever—an arrangement made without your input, between a prince you've never met and a princess the world isn't ready to accept.

The heavy scent of jasmine fills the air from the enchanted garden outside, conflicting with the metallic tang of your own nervousness. You wonder what Prince Alex will be like. Will he see beyond the carefully crafted human disguise you've worn your entire life? Will he fear you when he discovers your true nature?

A sharp knock at your door interrupts your thoughts. "Your Highness? Are you ready? The carriage awaits to take you to the border meeting point," calls your chambermaid's voice through the wooden barrier. Your wedding day has arrived, and with it, the moment you must leave everything familiar behind.