The bells of Valkoron tolled before dawn ... slow, resonant, unyielding.
From the highest towers to the lowest alleys, their echo rippled through the kingdom like a living thing.
The sound carried over stone courtyards and sea cliffs, through market stalls and prayer shrines, summoning all who could hear to the heart of the city.
By the time the heralds stepped onto the steps of the Cathedral of Vireon, a restless crowd had already gathered.
"By royal decree," one of them called, his voice amplified by the wind,
"His Majesty Valerian Stormborne, King of Valkoron and Lord of the Tempest, announces the coronation of Her Grace, Lady Aurelia of Ashmere, to be held in two days' time. Henceforth she shall be known as the Queen of the Stormlands."
For a moment, silence.
Then the murmurs began .... soft, uncertain, and spreading fast.
"Did he say Aurelia of Ashmere?"
"The cursed one?"
"By the gods, he's mad."
"Quiet, fool, the guards are listening...."
