Aria woke at dawn to the sound of birds and Vael already in her chambers, three attendants close behind carrying the white silk dress Orin had spent two months perfecting.
"No nerves allowed past this point," Vael announced, pulling back the curtains to let the morning light flood the room. "Today you simply get to be happy. I am ordering it, as queen regent of this kingdom, on this one day only."
Aria laughed, the sound easy and bright.
"As you command."
The morning passed in a warm blur of preparation, Helsa weaving small white flowers through Aria's hair, Vael fussing over the fall of the silk train, Cale poking his head in twice to report on the courtyard decorations until Vael chased him off both times. Through it all, Aria felt something settle in her chest, quiet and certain, th
