The palace felt quieter the next morning.
Not silent.
But calmer.
The Ember Offering had filled the courtyard with ceremony and excitement the day before. Nobles had spoken of the Ravenscroft blade long into the evening, and the pendant Sebastian had given Vivian had already become the subject of whispers across the capital.
Now another tradition waited.
The Binding of Houses.
Unlike the public rites before the council, this ceremony was far more private.
Only family.
Only witnesses chosen by the two houses.
And yet, in the traditions of Northern Valenridge, many believed this moment carried deeper meaning than the wedding itself.
Vivian stood near the large balcony doors of a smaller ceremonial hall within the palace.
Morning sunlight poured through the tall windows, lighting the polished stone floor with soft gold.
At the center of the room stood a circular stone table.
On top of it rested two objects.
A silver ribbon.
