Nana and Silvanus quickly followed Nicole's example and bowed as well. They didn't even know whether their movements were correct. Did Nicole really not give them a single lesson on proper etiquette beforehand?
The Queen lifted her hand. Her fingers were long and slender, almost nothing but bone, far longer than normal. She parted her lips, her voice melodic yet no less authoritative: "Rise."
The word sounded soft, yet its resonance carried through the entire palace.
The guards reacted at once, loyal and reverent as they turned toward their queen. Her children also gazed at her with admiration. Just her voice alone was enough to place her above all, commanding the respect of every citizen of Aqualon.
Nicole immediately straightened up, and Silvanus and Nana followed after.
