That day, the Valtherion palace shone more magnificently than usual.
The gloomy skies had long gone, replaced by golden sunlight that bathed the palace towers and tall glass windows. Royal flags fluttered proudly, and the grand hall prepared to welcome guests—from noble houses to kingdoms abroad.
On the other side of the palace, inside the king's chamber, a young girl was running back and forth in panic, her breaths coming fast.
"Hana," Mathien's lazy voice drifted from the mirror. "You dropped the pin from my cloak."
"Sorry!" Hana bent quickly, picked up the metal pin engraved with the royal crest, and hurried to fasten it back on Mathien's luxurious black cloak. Her fingers trembled slightly. She wasn't sure if it was from nervousness… or because Mathien was standing too close.
"Sit down, or you'll faint before the ceremony even begins," Mathien teased, one eyebrow raised.
