The Daily Council convened beneath ceilings painted with the victories of queens long dead.
Sunlight poured through tall arched windows, illuminating the long crescent table where ministers, advisors, generals, and clerical representatives took their seats in careful hierarchy. At the center of the elevated dais sat Empress Aurelia Lysoria, draped in imperial gold, posture upright and unreadable.
To her right stood Princess Caelia.
To her left, Princess Mireya.
Further down, other royal daughters, each composed, each watching.
Princess Isolde entered without spectacle.
She wore deep blue trimmed with restrained gold embroidery—formal but not extravagant. Marcus followed at the designated distance behind her. Silvain stood among the clerical representatives, expression composed, hands folded within his sleeves.
The council proceeded as usual.
