[Imperial Palace—Lavinia's POV]
"Alright, let's go. Papa must be waiting," I said, rising from my seat. The silken hem of my ceremonial robe whispered against the marble as I stepped out of my chamber.
Marshi, Sera and Sir Haldor immediately fell into place—her light steps careful and precise, his heavy boots echoing like distant thunder behind me.
"Princess," Sera asked as we descended the corridor, "what about Lord Osric? Should he not be with you today?"
I allowed a small smile to tug at my lips. "Not today. Today, he stands as heir of Everheart. His place is at the temple with his family."
Her brows softened, and she nodded, though a flicker of curiosity lingered in her eyes.
We turned at the grand stairway, the hall spilling open beneath us, sunlight cutting through the tall windows and painting the white stone in gold. Each step downward rang like a drumbeat, steady and commanding.
