CHAPTER 1
Vivant and the "Ring of Life." 💍
In a bright river-kingdom called Portvie, everything felt warm.
The air smelled like sweet fruit, fresh rain, and a little palm oil.
In Portvie, people loved two things:
_Family_ and _The Ancestors_ - the loved ones who came before.
On special days, they put _kola nuts_ and _yam_ on a clean cloth.
"We remember you. We honor you," they would say.
And in Portvie lived a princess named _Vivant_.
She was kind. She was clever. She was brave.
Every morning she walked into the _Eternal Garden_.
It was an indoor forest with tall palm trees and shining flowers. Butterflies that glowed like lanterns flew between the leaves.
"Bonjour, my Garden," Vivant said softly.
The leaves rustled back. _Shhhh... Bonjour, Princess._
On her finger was a tiny green ring shaped like a thorn.
It was the _The _Ring of Life_.
She'd worn it for as long as she could remember. When she was sad, it felt warm.
That morning was different.
Because today was the Big Ceremony.
Today, her mother _Queen Séraphine du Palmier_ would announce Vivant as the future queen of Portvie.
Vivant's best friend _Elian_ was waiting for her at the garden gate.
Elian was the palace messenger. He was fast, loyal, and always had jokes.
He looked her up and down. "You look very royal."
Vivant giggled. "And you look like the wind combed your hair."
Elian gasped and touched his head. "It did! The wind is my stylist."
They both laughed and ran toward the drums.
But in the Eternal Garden, behind them...
one flower closed.
Then another.
Like the garden was holding its breath.
Something was coming.
END OF CHAPTER 1
