The morning sun rose over the palace roofs like a gentle promise.
By the time the first drum was struck, the entire palace had already transformed.
Colorful banners fluttered between the tall pillars. Long silk ribbons were tied around carved stone railings. Red and gold lanterns swayed softly in the breeze, their tassels brushing against one another like whispers of celebration. From every courtyard, laughter drifted into the open air. The sound of wooden carts rolling over stone paths mixed with the calls of vendors and the excited chatter of visitors who had come from distant lands.
The festival had begun.
For once, the palace did not feel cold or heavy with power.
It felt alive.
---
A Sea of People, A Sea of Colors
