"Lady Riona Ashbourne, Lady Aria, entering!" the guards declared in unison, their voices echoing through the grand hallway.
As the doors to the throne room swung open, a sea of expectant faces turned towards us. The cream of noble society had gathered, and I spotted familiar faces among the crowd – acquaintances, friends, and even a few rivals. The air was alive with the soft hum of conversation, the rustle of silk, and the glint of precious jewels.
At the far end of the room, the imperial family sat enthroned, resplendent in their finery. The emperor, a stately figure with a commanding presence, sat alongside the empress, whose elegant beauty shone like a beacon. The crown prince and imperial princess flanked them, their faces set with an air of dignified solemnity.
