The grand ballroom fell into a synchronized, breathless silence the moment the imperial herald's heavy gold-capped staff struck the polished marble floor. In unison, the nobles sank into perfectly timed, deeply practiced curtsies and rigid salutes. The sheer force of their collective voices echoed off the high, gold-leafed vaulted ceilings in a booming, practiced choral chant.
"Glory to the Sun of Auzelian!"
With the formal opening out of the way, King Alderon stood up from his golden throne on the elevated royal dais, drawing himself up to his full, imposing height. Beside him sat Crown Prince Yerel, looking like a flawless, untouchable statue in his pristine white and gold coat.
