The grand hall of the palace was filled with the low hum of music and the hushed chatter of Alpha kings and queens gathered below. Soft candlelight flickered against the high stone arches, casting a warm, golden glow over the vast crowd.
At the top of the grand marble staircase, Valex stood tall, clad in deep velvet royal robes. Beside him, Odesse looked radiant, her white hair styled elegantly, though her hands trembled slightly as she held one of the soft linen bundles against her chest. Valex held the other, his broad arm lightly brushing hers to give her steady support.
Odesse glanced sideways at him, her voice a low whisper beneath the noise of the hall. "Are you ready, my king?"
Valex turned his head, his golden eyes softening as he looked down at her. "I should be asking you that, my love. You've been holding your breath since we stepped out of the bedchamber."
A tiny, breathless laugh escaped Odesse's lips. "I just... I want everything to be right today. For them."
