The doors to the grand ballroom swept open with a deep, resonant sound that rippled through the corridors like thunder before a storm. A wash of light spilled outward. Gold, laced with crimson, followed by the fading music and the soft murmur of anticipation from within.
"Presenting His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Ravić Velkanović, and Her Royal highness, Crown Princess Rose Velkanović."
The herald's voice rang clear, carrying through the vast chamber. One by one, the murmurs died. The air grew reverent, expectant.
The moment we stepped across the threshold, silence fell.
Hundreds of eyes turned towards us, immortals and mortals alike, glistening beneath the chandeliers that burned with dim, red-gold flame. The light caught on the jewels at my throat, the dark fabric of his military uniform and the smoothness of my gown.
We stood beneath the weight of that gaze, bound not just by title, but by the commanding gravity of those who had endured and triumphed.
