The great hall of the De Nivaria mansion stretched wide, its high ceiling supported by pillars carved with waves and sea serpents. Tapestries of pale blue and silver lined the walls, reminders that this house ruled the coast as firmly as it did the land.
The heirs followed behind their elders as protocol demanded. Noel kept pace beside Elena, Marcus, and Clara while Albrecht led the way at the front, his iron posture unyielding. Behind him walked Lady Mirelle, Lady Serina, and—further back—Kael, Damon, and Sylvette.
The three siblings, who had already exchanged greetings with Noel in the courtyard, broke away once inside the hall, moving to greet acquaintances from other houses. Their polite words blended quickly into the low murmur of conversation that filled the chamber. Noel noted it only in passing. He wasn't here to linger on family politics.
