The day dawned bathed in gold.
The first rays of sunlight spilled across the capital like liquid fire, painting the palace spires and marble domes in shades of amber and rose. Bells rang in rhythmic harmony across the kingdom, echoing over the valley, and the entire realm seemed to awaken with new purpose. It was the day of crowning — the day when the people would finally see their future king and queen stand side by side.
River stood before the mirror in her chambers, the soft rustle of silks and the murmurs of Carmina and other handmaidens filling the air around her. The gown she wore shimmered like moonlight — white and silver interwoven with faint threads of gold, its embroidery depicting wolves, runes, and stars. A mantle of blue draped over her shoulders, a mark of her status as fu
