The day of the celebration arrived, and the palace was nearly unrecognizable. It was adorned with lavish decorations from every corner of the empire. A gold-plated pathway led from the palace gates to the grand hall, where the event would take place.
Guests arrived in carriages pulled by magical beasts—creatures with shimmering scales, glowing eyes, and bodies that seemed to hum with energy. Each beast was more exotic than the last, some resembling giant wolves with ethereal blue fur, others like great winged lions with golden manes that sparkled in the sunlight.
The carriages themselves were no less magnificent, crafted from rare woods and adorned with gemstones that glittered as the sun reflected off them.
As the nobles and vassal kings arrived, they were greeted by palace attendants who guided them along the golden pathway. Their footsteps clinked softly against the gilded path, leading them into the grand hall, which had been prepared to reflect the magnificence of the empire itself.
The ceiling of the hall was an artwork in its own right, painted to resemble the starry night sky. Each star twinkled as though it were alive, casting a soft glow over the room. The centerpiece of the ceiling was a grand golden chandelier, encrusted with diamonds and crystals, which cast shimmering light over the entire space.
The walls of the hall were lined with exquisite tapestries depicting legendary scenes from the empire's history—the founding of the Eternis dynasty, the battles that shaped the kingdom, and the gods that watched over the land. Between the tapestries, statues of heroes and mythical creatures stood on pedestals, carved from marble and gold.
Live performers played delicate music from the far corners of the hall, their instruments crafted from materials so rare and precious that even the slightest note they played seemed to resonate with magic.
On the grand stage at the center of the hall, a throne had been set up, gleaming with silver and gold. This throne was meant for Zeph, the imperial prince. It was a small but intricately carved seat, adorned with precious gems that sparkled in the light.
Beside it were two larger thrones—one for Emperor Solon and one for Selena. The entire setting was designed to make the imperial family the centerpiece of the event, a reminder of their divine right to rule over the empire.
As the guests settled into their seats, conversations filled the air. Nobles in their finest attire exchanged pleasantries, while vassal kings who ruled distant lands bowed their heads in respect to the imperial family.
Their clothes were adorned with the symbols of their houses—emblems of power and status that represented centuries of loyalty to the Eternis line.
The magical beasts that had drawn their carriages were led away to the palace stables. Everything about the day spoke of grandeur, power, and opulence.
Zeph, meanwhile, was being prepared in his chambers by Elara and his mother. They dressed him in a miniature version of royal robes, the fabric so soft and luxurious that it felt like wearing a cloud.
The robes were embroidered with golden thread, forming patterns of stars and light, a subtle nod to the God of Light, whom the empire worshipped. A small crown was placed on his head, its edges lined with jewels that twinkled in the sunlight streaming through the window.
Selena smiled down at her son as she gently adjusted the robes. "You look like a true prince, Zeph," she whispered softly, her voice filled with pride.
Zeph blinked up at her, his expression one of calm observance. Though his body was small, his mind was sharp, and he understood the significance of the day. Today, he would be introduced not just as a baby, but as a candidate to be the future ruler of the empire.
"Are you ready, my little prince?" Elara asked, her voice warm and motherly as she stroked his cheek.