The grand hall of the palace loomed before me, its towering arches and intricate carvings bathed in the amber glow of evening light. The air carried a weight that only places of immense authority could muster—a silent reminder of the power concentrated within these walls. The guards flanking the entrance stood rigid, their gazes trained ahead, though I noted the faint flicker of recognition in their eyes as I approached. Even here, among the disciplined elite, the rumors of my actions had undoubtedly spread.
The double doors opened with a deliberate slowness, revealing the vast throne room beyond. My boots echoed against the polished floor as I stepped forward, the sound a rhythmic counterpoint to the murmurs that rippled through the gathered court. All eyes turned to me, their expressions ranging from curiosity to suspicion. At the far end of the hall, Aurelia sat upon her throne, her fiery red hair cascading over her shoulders like a living flame.
