The grand ballroom, once alive with laughter and celebration, now stood eerily still. The chandeliers flickered softly, their light reflecting against the marble floors where moments ago royalty from every corner of the continent had danced and toasted to the new King and Queen.
But now… only five prominent figures remained, aside from various staff members which started to clean the room.
Queen Victoria — tall, commanding, untouched by age — stood by the wide windows, her silhouette framed against the silvery light of the moon. Behind her, King Paul leaned on his cane, his face pale and drawn from illness, yet his voice carried the weight of the crown.
“I believe,” he said firmly, despite the strain in his tone, “this discussion requires a more private setting.”
Without waiting for ag
