Two days after the Festival of a Thousand Lanterns, the Palace of Eternal Flames awoke covered in a thick silence. It wasn't the silence of rest... but that of anticipation.
The Ceremony of the Duke's Return was about to begin.
For the first time in decades, the five standards of the Sacred Houses waved together in the imperial palace courtyard. Especially that of House Jinhai, the white crane on a sky-blue field—which still had no voice in the council.
Until today.
The court gathered, and representatives of the houses observed with calculating eyes. Some with hope. Others, with concealed anger.
Jin Long stood at the top of the imperial staircase, wearing his ceremonial scarlet and gold robe. At his side, Suwei wore a white cloak embroidered with silver thread depicting cranes taking flight.
"Today we decree the return of one who was unjustly exiled," announced Jin Long in a firm voice. "The father of the Grand Consort of the Imperial Dragon. The Fallen Duke."
