The morning after the grand birthday celebration dawned with a crisp, refreshing clarity over the Emerald Kingdom. The sun crested the horizon, casting a brilliant golden light across the palace gardens and making the dew on the grass sparkle like scattered diamonds. Princess Mana, now officially eleven years old, stood upon the wide stone balcony of her private chambers. She held a steaming cup of spiced ginger tea, her green eyes looking out over the peaceful, waking city.
