The voice of the celebration was at its height when Zeph, Selena, and Elara arrived in front of the banquet hall. The atmosphere around the palace was filled with anticipation, as this was no ordinary banquet.
Nobles, vassal kings, and influential figures from across the land had gathered to witness the prince's introduction to the elements, a ceremony that symbolized the prince's destiny and marked his future role within the empire.
As the three of them approached the grand doors of the banquet hall, they found Guard Commander Albert Tuspin waiting for them. Standing tall in his polished armor and commander's uniform, Albert was a man of significant presence.
His broad shoulders and sharp gaze reflected the reputation he had earned as one of the most formidable warriors in the empire. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword as if he was always ready to defend the prince.
His role today was not just ceremonial—he had been personally appointed by Emperor Solon to serve as Zeph's personal protector, a responsibility he took with utmost seriousness.
As Zeph was cradled in Elara's arms, his sharp infant eyes observed the commander. Albert's stern face softened slightly when he saw the baby, a small smile appearing on his otherwise stoic face.
"Your Highness," Albert said as he bowed before Zeph, "It is my honor to protect you today." He glanced briefly at Selena, offering her a respectful bow, then turned his attention back to his duties.
Soon after their arrival, the Emperor himself appeared. The air seemed to thicken as Emperor Solon Eternis approached, his tall, imposing figure radiating power and authority. He wore the royal colors of the Eternis family: a red and black royal suit, emblazoned with the emblem of a soaring phoenix, a symbol of rebirth, power, and the undying flame that represented the Eternis line.
His golden hair was neatly combed back, and his piercing blue eyes scanned the gathering with an indifference that sent chills down the spines of the guards. Despite the formality of the occasion, the emperor chose not to wear a crown, as if to remind everyone that zeph was the emperor until the end of the ceremony.
Selena, standing beside her husband, was equally adorned in a red dress, but her attire bore the emblem of her family—the House of Mongrels. The emblem was a majestic wolf, a symbol of her noble lineage and a reminder of her family's prowess in battle and loyalty to the empire.
Selena carried herself with grace, her beauty undeniable as her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, and her eyes shimmered with both pride and apprehension.
As the imperial family stood at the entrance, the grand doors to the banquet hall swung open with a creak. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of incense and perfume, the hall illuminated by the soft glow of golden chandeliers.
The banquet hall itself was a sight to behold, decorated with lavish detail. The walls were lined with intricate tapestries depicting the history of the Eternis family's rise to power, while statues of ancient emperors and mythical beasts stood as silent guardians in every corner.
The moment Emperor Solon and Empress Selena stepped inside, every noble, servant, and guest in the room fell to their knees in a synchronized motion, heads bowed in reverence. The soft murmur of voices faded, replaced by the silence of awe and respect. It was as if the air itself stilled in honor of the imperial family.
Without a word, the emperor and empress walked down the golden aisle toward the thrones at the other end of the hall. Selena carried Zeph in her arms, her steps measured and deliberate.
The thrones were positioned on a raised platform, two grand seats of silver and gold, adorned with gemstones that sparkled in the light. In between the two thrones was a smaller cradle-throne, designed specifically for Zeph. It was beautifully crafted, a symbol of his royal blood, yet small enough to fit the infant prince.
Once they reached the thrones, Selena carefully placed Zeph in the cradle, ensuring that he was seated comfortably. The infant prince, though quiet, took in everything around him with curious eyes.
The weight of the crownless emperor, the graceful empress, and the grandeur of the hall settled heavily upon him. As Selena and Solon took their seats on their respective thrones, the minister overseeing the ceremony stepped forward.
The minister was an older man, his robes embroidered with the sigils of the empire. He raised his hands, his voice booming across the hall. "Today, we are gathered to witness the introduction of Prince Zephyron Eternis to the elements, as is the tradition of the imperial family. The elements will reveal the prince's affinity, and the gods will mark his destiny!"