Esme – POV
The city center was alive with energy, the crowd sprawling across the square, all gathered before the grand podium set in its heart. I felt a wave of awe and nervousness rise within me—so many people had come to welcome their King and Queen. Never before had I seen such a turnout in the Western lands to honor royalty like this.
Our carriage came to a gentle stop. As the door opened, King Liam extended his hand to help me down. The moment I stepped out and walked toward the podium, the crowd erupted in cheers. Flower petals rained from above, drifting through the air like snow, enhanced by the enchanting magic the court mages had conjured to make the moment unforgettable.
"Oh, she looks beautiful, Princess Mommy," a small girl whispered to her mother nearby.
The unexpected compliment made me smile. I waved to her, and she blushed, then waved back.
