Time/Date: TC1853.01.16 (Wedding Day - Morning through Evening)
Location: Imperial Palace → Celestial Marriage Hall → Reception
Kael woke before dawn, which wasn't unusual. What was unusual was the complete absence of any emotion except cold calculation pressing against his chest.
He stood at the window watching the sun creep over the capital, painting rooftops in shades of gold and crimson. Twenty-six years old. Imperial heir. About to marry a seventeen-year-old girl who'd lied to him for eight years about being his savior.
But she was a seventy-five percent accurate Seer. Exclusive access without Council interference. The kind of resource that could define an entire reign.
Worth it, he told himself. The advantage outweighs the deception.
