Because appearance might demand distance but tradition demanded closeness.
The palace gates slowly opened, their heavy doors groaning as they parted, and a hush rippled through the waiting crowd.
First emerged the royal family.
Queen Amina stepped forward at their head, cleansed of the day's labor yet carrying its spirit with her. Fresh garments flowed around her, elegant and dignified, though simple enough to remind the people that she stood with them, not above them. At her side walked King Osita, solid and steady, his presence grounding. Their children followed, each distinct in their own way.
A murmur of awe passed through the streets.
Behind them came the leading noble houses of the kingdom, men and women clad in fine fabrics, their faces composed as they took their places. For once, rank did not separate them from the people, they were here to serve, not to be served.
