[Lavinia's POV]
[Banquet Hall—Where Vows Become History]
The silence stretched. So did the tension. Even the chandeliers seemed to lean in, as if the palace itself was holding its breath. No orchestra. No murmurs. No movement—except one.
Osric.
Still kneeling. Still holding his sword—offered with both hands, like an ancient rite brought back to life.
And me?
I wasn't sure if I was breathing. My fingers trembled just enough for me to feel it. Everyone was watching—everyone. Nobles, knights, servants, even the tapestries, I swear.
And then—
"Lavinia."
Papa's voice.
Cold. Commanding. Familiar. But this time, it held something else—something I couldn't name. I turned slowly. He didn't look at me.
His gaze was fixed on Osric like he wanted to burn through the boy's soul.
Then he spoke. "Do it."
I blinked. "What?"
His voice didn't falter. "If he wants to give his oath… accept it. Let the Empire bear witness."
The words hit harder than I expected.
Was he serious?
