The circular council chamber was alive with tension. Morning light streamed in through tall arched windows, casting long shadows across the velvet-carpeted floor. Five royal figures stood around the central table—three princes, two princesses—gathered under royal summons, but not by the king himself.
Instead, a steward stood in his place, holding a scroll marked with the golden seal of the crown.
"By royal decree, His Majesty has chosen the following to represent the Kingdom in the upcoming diplomatic mission to Rosenthal:
His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Hadrian.
Archduke Lukas von Brandt.
Lady Celeste of House Raellis."
The silence was brief—then the room erupted.
"That girl again?" Princess Alis nearly shouted, her hands slamming against the table. "Why is she always involved in matters of the court?! She's not even royalty!"
Princess Aveline arched an elegant brow but didn't speak, her calm neutrality a striking contrast to her sister's fury.
