[Thalryn Empire—Two Days Later—House Veyrhold—Indoor Garden]
Snow fell softly outside the crystal windows—quiet, steady, dressing the mountain capital in white. But inside the indoor garden of House Veyrhold, warmth bloomed everywhere.
Golden braziers glowed, incense of sweet myrrh drifted in thin trails, and among all of this—omega men and women in soft silks giggled gently, sipping tea while lush flowers thrived despite the winter chill.
Aelira Veyrhold—sat gracefully at the center. She held her teacup with perfect posture, steam drifting over her serene face.
"The tea is delightful today, Lady Aelira," one young omega man said shyly, cheeks rosy from warmth and admiration.
Aelira smiled—a small curve of her lips, elegant and composed.
"This blend is new," she said, swirling the tea thoughtfully. "A gift prepared by my lady-in-waiting… and sent by Lord Helion of Faraskor Province. Their land is famed for winter herbs."
The omegas murmured in interest.
