[Lavinia's POV — Everheart Estate, Grand Hall]
"ANNOUNCING HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, THE EMPEROR — ACCOMPANIED BY HER HIGHNESS, THE CROWN PRINCESS!"
The doors of the Everheart Estate opened with a sound like thunder wrapped in silk.
As we stepped forward, the sea of nobles parted, bowing low in perfect unison. The symphony paused; even the chandeliers seemed to hush as the announcement echoed.
A thousand golden flames shimmered from the chandeliers above, scattering across the marble floor like stardust. The scent of lilies, gold dust, and polished wood mingled in the air—rich, regal, and suffocatingly perfect.
Every head bent lower. Silk whispered, jewels chimed, and I could practically feel the weight of every gaze following us.
Papa's arm was steady as he guided me forward, his presence solid and towering beside me. I peeked up at him, and as expected, he was shooting death glares left and right like a general inspecting enemy ranks.
