Morning arrived slowly over the capital of Northern Valenridge.
Golden sunlight spread across the palace towers, reflecting against white marble walls and silver banners that now hung proudly along the royal courtyard. The city had barely slept.
The celebrations from the previous night had lasted until dawn.
Lanterns still floated lazily through the sky. Musicians played cheerful melodies in the market squares, and groups of citizens gathered near the palace gates hoping to catch a glimpse of the couple who had changed the kingdom's traditions.
Inside the palace, however, the mood was far more formal.
Today was not a celebration.
Today was a rite.
The first rite of a royal union.
The Court Declaration.
Vivian stood quietly in a preparation chamber just outside the Royal Council Hall. Sunlight streamed through tall windows, casting long golden lines across the polished stone floor.
