The towering mahogany and bronze double doors of the royal reception hall swung open with a deep, reverberating tone that hushed the murmurs of hundreds of assembled aristocrats.
Before Hajin lay the central nave of the imperial palace, an immense vaulted hall supported by twin colonnades of polished emerald marble veined with jade.
Down the exact center of the vast chamber stretched a wide runner of deep crimson velvet embroidered with gilded laurel leaves, leading straight toward the elevated royal dais.
Walking upon this ceremonial red carpet was an honor reserved exclusively for reigning monarchs, royal blood, and grand marshals who conquered entire continents.
Yet as the massive portal parted, the carpet lay completely open and unobstructed before the steps of an orphan summoner from the lower wards.
Waiting at the threshold of the red carpet to receive them with flawless dignity stood Head Maid Ilyra Sorn.
