The castle was a tapestry of evergreen garlands, shimmering lights, ribbons of white and silver, and wreaths that filled the air with the scent of pine. The guests dressed in their finest winter silks and velvets, creating a sea of colors that glimmered beneath the chandeliers.
River entered the ballroom on Heiko’s arm, wearing a gown of deep midnight blue embroidered with silver threads that glowed like falling stars. A small circlet rested on her head—simple, elegant, regal.
A murmur spread through the crowd at the sight of her, not merely because she was breathtaking, but because she walked with the confidence of a queen who had survived fire, darkness, prophecy, and war.
Behind them walked King Paul, proud and fully recovered, and Queen Lana, who for the first time in decades wore a
