The candlelight in Aurelia's chamber flickered weakly against the cold night air.
Tomorrow, she would wear the crown of Virelia , whether the realm wished it or not.
Her heart was restless. The whole day had been a blur of servants coming and going, courtiers whispering behind half-closed doors, seamstresses bowing as they laid the ceremonial gown on her bed. She had watched them all in silence, nodding when necessary, though her mind had been elsewhere.
Now, with the corridors gone quiet and the last of the attendants dismissed, she sat alone, staring at the gown meant to make her a queen.
It was exquisite ... spun from storm-blue silk that shimmered like moonlit rain, embroidered with threads of silver that caught the faint glow of her candles. The bodice was lined with tiny sapphires, each one glinting like light trapped in stone.
