The Grand Hall fell silent the moment the Khan entered. Every official and every noble gathered for the morning assembly knelt and bowed as one.
Lin Rui walked slowly toward the throne, his silver mask reflecting the light from the high windows. Arkan followed two steps behind, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, his face as hard as stone.
The court had gathered, expecting routine proceedings, but the mood inside the hall already felt strange. For days, the capital had been filled with banners and decorations, the city preparing for a royal wedding. Yet as the Khan seated himself upon the throne, the air felt far too tense for celebration.
Lin Rui let the silence stretch until the ministers began to fidget. Then, he spoke.
"The wedding will be postponed."
The announcement fell into the hall like a stone dropped into still water. A wave of murmurs broke out, confusion and shock spreading through the rows of noblemen.
