Jian Ci's smile brightened, his nerves momentarily soothed. He nodded eagerly.
The three brothers walked down the vast hallway, its walls adorned in gold and white, a flurry of flowers spilling fragrance into the air. Imperial guards lined the path, standing at attention, their armor gleaming beneath the sunlight light.
At the end of the hall, Jian Rui and Jian Wei gave Jian Ci encouraging looks before stepping aside, leaving him to face the moment alone.
From outside, the sound of voices saluting the Imperial Lord echoed. Jian Ci's heart raced as the double doors swung open.
He stepped forward, eyes lifting to the grand hall filled with people. Jian Rui sat upon the throne, Jian Wei to his right, Stannis to his left. And beside them, shimmering softly, was the projection of their mother, her smile radiant, watching her son with pride.
