The air in the grand hall grew tense as the king's voice boomed through the room, commanding everyone's attention. All eyes turned to Naria and the prince Raiver, who stood side by side at the center of the room. Naria couldn't help but notice the way her soon-to-be husband's hands were shaking. Was he nervous? She wondered to herself, her heart beating faster with each passing moment.
With a deep breath, Naria gently placed her red peonies into the prince's right hand, then reached out to touch his trembling hand with her left. The prince was startled by her cold touch, but he immediately accepted her gesture. As Naria and Raiver stood before the crowd, the king's voice filled the room once again.
