The castle grounds spread across a vast expanse, a blend of manicured lawns and wild greenery. Stone pathways wind through gardens filled with vibrant flowers, their colors contrasting with the gray of the fortress walls. Towering trees cast dappled shadows, and a serene moat glimmers under the sun, reflecting the battlements above. Ancient statues and fountains punctuate the landscape, while gravel courtyards echo with footsteps. The air carries a faint scent of earth and stone, mingled with blooming flora, giving the grounds a sense of timeless grandeur.

The palace stands in soft beige stone, its towers and spires reaching skyward, glinting with golden accents. Arched windows and ornate doors hint at luxury inside, while manicured gardens, fountains, and statues surround the grand structure, completing its regal presence. Inside a quarter of the palace, two figures can be seen debating earnestly.

"I am not someone's personal bodyguard! I thought I would be fighting wars for my kingdom, not babysitting someone's kid," Canis exclaimed, expressing disappointment as he stood with crossed arms in front of his father's wooden table. The quarter was decorated with many swords and shields and a huge red and yellow flag of the kingdom was propped up beside the wall.

"Guarding a royal is an honorable duty. Besides it will get you a chance to be closer to their highness," his father responded calmly, his elbows resting on the tables and his hands intertwined while his head rested on his knuckles.

"Oh so that's what this is about. I told you, I have no interest in being wed to them," Canis responds with an exasperated sigh.

"Why? Do you dislike them?" his father asked leaning against the wooden chair he is sitting in.

"I don't even know them!" Canis says, throwing his hands up.

"That's why I am giving you a chance to know them!" His father insisted.

"You are relentless," Canis said, pinching his forehead in frustration.

"Am I interrupting something?"

"Your highness," Canis and his father both simultaneously say, greeting the emperor with a bow.

"There's my future son in law," Emperor Ceres greets with a warm laugh as he pats Canis's shoulder. "I am sure you have relayed the wonderful news to him, Validus," the Emperor questioned with a raised eyebrow to Canis's father.

"Of course your highness. And he is very eager to get started," Validus responds cheerfully.

"Father-" Canis starts with an exasperated sigh.

"That's wonderful. They should be here in any minute now. You two can use this opportunity to spend more time with each other," the Emperor said to Canis, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Your highness, I don't think-" Canis started awkwardly.

"Oh their highness is here!" Validus interrupted as someone stepped in through the door and Canis's head turned and his gaze fell upon them.