The doors to the Dowager Queen's chambers opened slowly, the heavy wood gliding across the marble floor with a quiet groan. Aurelia stepped inside first, followed by Levina who later stood beside her.
The North Wing always carried a different atmosphere from the rest of the palace. Where the main halls of Valkoron were bright and full of noise, the Dowager Queen's residence was quieter, more restrained.
The walls were decorated with older tapestries—scenes from past reigns, victories, and coronations that had long since become history. She could have had them changed if she wanted to, but it seems the dowager was quite stuck in the memories of the past.
At the far end of the chamber, Dowager Queen Aelira sat beside a tall window where the afternoon light spilled across the polished floor. She did not look up immediately.
Instead, she finished signing the parchment in front of her before setting the quill aside with calm precision. Only then did she raise her eyes.
