The Throne Hall of Scales had never looked softer.
Lanterns floated like tame stars under the ribbed crystal ceiling. The dragonbone arches threw back a warm glow. Along the outer walls, names scrolled in steady lines—warders, medics, fence crews, unit leads—each one catching applause as the camera feed highlighted a face in the crowd. The orchestra tested a gentle chord. Drones drifted at approved heights like curious birds.
