By the time evening settled over the capital, the Temple gardens had transformed into a sea of lantern light.
Hundreds of golden lamps hung from the branches of ancient olive trees that lined the stone terraces. Their glow shimmered across polished marble paths and reflected gently on the pools of the temple fountains. Incense drifted through the air in thin spirals, carrying the scent of cedar and myrrh.
The annual Festival of Virtue had begun.
It was an event that celebrated charity, devotion, and unity within the empire. Nobles donated coin and grain for widows and orphans, priests blessed the offerings, and the Empress's daughters attended as symbols of imperial piety.
Attendance for the princesses was not optional.
It was tradition.
Which meant that tonight the entire imperial court had gathered in one place.
