The words struck like lightning. For a heartbeat, the Hall of Balance froze, hushed and reverent as though the air itself held its breath.
Then, like thunder rolling down a mountain, applause erupted. Cheers filled the vaulted chamber, a storm of disbelief, outrage, and awe crashing against its marble walls.
Some nobles rose to their feet in protest, their jeweled sleeves swishing in anger. Others shouted blessings to the heavens, their eyes alight with wonder.
The clash of voices grew deafening, a tempest of divided hearts.
But Vaelric was the first to rise above them all, his young voice breaking with uncontained joy.
"They are wed!" he cried, his eyes shining brighter than the storm-crystals overhead. "Lady Aurelia Stormborne....our banner shines brighter tonight!"
Aurelia startled at the name. Stormborne.
Her name now. It settled upon her shoulders like a cloak, heavy and unfamiliar, yet strangely warm against the chill she had carried for so long.
