As the midday sun struck the palace courtyard, the golden domes reflected the light, and the entire square shimmered. The people waited in breathless silence upon the broad stone-paved court. Some had lifted their children onto their shoulders, others murmured prayers. Aurora's radiance rose from the spear, wrapping the sky like a fiery veil.
The entire royal family had taken their places upon the marble steps. Princes, princesses, nobles… each adorned in heavy silks and gilded embroidery. All eyes turned to the throne at the highest tier.
The king rose. A solemn smile upon his face, he lifted his hand and addressed the people.
> "Today is a sacred day! Today, once more, we shall prove our devotion to Michael's light. For thousands of years, the holy spear has guarded us, increased our blessings, and kept the demon from our gates. And today… my daughter, Koharu, shall kneel before Michael and swear her oath of loyalty. She shall bind Aurora to our sacred shield!"
The square resounded with applause and prayers. Golden wind chimes rang from every corner of the courtyard.
With a proud tone, the king continued:
> "O my people! These heavenly lands are the gift of Michael's favor upon us. The vow spoken today will rise into his presence. And he will not withhold his light from us!"
The crowd answered as one:
> "May Michael bless us! May Michael protect us!"
Koharu stood in the shadow of the steps, waiting to be summoned before the eyes of the crowd. Yet her heart, amidst the praise and prayers, screamed a silent cry.
The trumpets sounded. Their deep, echoing voices rebounded off the stone walls and climbed into the heavens. A hush fell over the courtyard.
The Grand Chamberlain unrolled a silver-embroidered scroll and proclaimed in a ringing voice:
> "Princess Koharu! Before the presence of Michael's Spear!"
The crowd stirred with murmurs. In some eyes lingered curiosity, in others a mocking smile. Children whispered, the elders repeated their prayers louder still.
Koharu climbed the steps with measured steps. The hem of her silk gown trailed across the marble stones, golden embroidery catching the sunlight and dazzling the onlookers. Yet her shoulders were tense. She kept her gaze lowered, never lifting her eyes to the masses.
Her siblings were lined up at the side. On her sister's lips curved a sly grin. She whispered:
> "Now everyone will see your disgrace…"
The other princes and princesses at her side could not hold back their snickers.