Months slipped by.
And the year drew to its close.
On the twenty-eighth day of the final month, the Year-End Ceremony would be held.
It was on this day that Lucien was destined to receive his higher title.
And so, once again, Lucien returned to the capital.
•••
In the Castle...
Officials and nobles converged beneath the vaulted ceilings. Their anticipation rippled through the grand halls. Today was a day of celebration. Rewards to bestow. Peerages to announce. Futures to alter.
Many watched the throne with hungry eyes. They were all eager to be part of the crown's proclamations.
In a secluded chamber away from the restless crowd...
Midas sat with Augustus. Both men have strikingly changed...
Where once their scalps were bare, dark and lustrous hair now framed their faces and an aura of renewed vigor clung to them. Augustus had even set aside his zucchetto as though discarding the last trappings of restraint.
Midas' gaze was steady.
