The sun hung low, casting a golden hue over the marble streets of the Capital. The townspeople bustled with anticipation, their voices weaving a tapestry of excitement. Banners fluttered from every window, bearing the imperial crest—a golden lion rampant in a bloody red flag, its eyes fierce and unyielding.
In the bustling market square, merchants had set up stalls—colorful awnings sheltering their wares. Spices from distant lands perfumed the air, and jewelers displayed their finest gems—sapphires like the captured sky, rubies like spilled blood.
Children darted between legs, their laughter echoing off stone walls as they rushed to the stalls that were giving out free food to celebrate the crown prince's 18th birthday.
The emperor had made sure to grandly celebrate his son's birthday. From the grand firework display at night to the ball party and banquet, it was no less than the celebration of an emperor's taking over the throne.
