A hush fell over the grand hall the moment Aurelia reached the foot of the dais. It was not the polite silence of courtly expectation, but a heavy, breath-held stillness...tight, taut, and waiting.
Hundreds of eyes fixed on her. Hundreds of thoughts sharpened in her direction. The polished marble beneath her reflected her silhouette like a ghost walking beside her.
Vaelric's small hand slipped from hers.
The boy straightened, shoulders squared in a way no seven-year-old should ever need to mimic. His little chin lifted, his eyes bright with pride and something fiercely protective. Then he bowed...slow, deliberate, precise. A perfect court bow, one he must have practiced in secret, perhaps eager to impress her on this day.
Aurelia's lips softened into a faint smile.
Vaelric rose and turned. The dowager queen acknowledged him with a brief touch to his head...but with deep affection...before directing him to sit beside her.
