[Lavinia's POV — Imperial Palace—Announcement Day—Morning]
The palace woke like a beast stretching its limbs.
Bells rang in measured intervals. Silk banners unfurled from balconies. Courtiers moved with sharpened smiles and rehearsed reverence, every step reminding me that today was not merely ceremonial.
Today was a declaration.
Sera fastened the last clasp at my collar, her hands careful, her eyes bright with a mix of excitement and nerves.
"The court has gathered early, Nobles from every province. Envoys too," she mumbled.
"Of course they did," I replied lightly. "They never miss a chance to measure power."
She smiled, then hesitated. "And… the Crown Prince?"
I met my reflection in the mirror.
Gold-threaded black robes. The sigil of Devereux at my shoulder. A crown not yet worn—but already heavy in expectation.
"He'll be ready," I said with quiet certainty. "And he is ready."
