"That was the most terrifying thing I've ever willingly participated in."
"Get used to it," she murmured back. "This is your life now."
"I wouldn't change it," he said, and the way he said it was honest in the way that simple things are honest, without decoration or performance.
Something shifted in Heena's chest—small and quick, like a door opening a crack before she pushed it firmly shut.
'Strategic partnership,' she reminded herself. 'Political alliance. Investment in the empire's future.'
But as they walked back down the aisle together, still hand in hand, the crowd parting around them, the applause following them like a tide—
System 427's voice appeared quietly in her mind, tentative and careful:
'Host... are you catching feelings?'
She ignored him with great determination.
She had a reception to get through.
Five consorts to manage.
An empire to run.
She was absolutely, completely fine.
The ring was warm on her finger.
She was 'fine'.
# The Reception
