[Lavinia's POV—Imperial Palace—Throne Hall—Coronation Day]
The doors opened, not slowly, not ceremoniously, they opened as if the throne room itself had been holding its breath—and finally exhaled.
Sound crashed into me.
Cheers. Shouts. The roar of thousands of voices layered together until it felt like the empire itself was calling my name. Gold banners fluttered from marble pillars, sunlight spilling through the high windows and igniting every crest, every sigil, every blade carried by the guards lining the hall.
Eloria was watching.
No—Eloria was waiting.
Papa's grip tightened slightly around my hand, grounding me as we stepped forward. The crowd fell into a reverent hush the moment they saw us. Heads bowed. Knees bent. Even the nobles—new and old—lowered themselves without hesitation.
Good, fear and respect were finally aligned.
I walked.
Each step echoed like a verdict.
