[Lavinia's POV—Imperial Ballroom—Later That Night]
The ballroom had not changed.
The music still flowed. Laughter still rose and fell like practiced waves. Chandeliers still burned bright, scattering gold across marble and silk.
And yet—everything felt different.
I stepped back into the ballroom with my head held high, my expression composed, and my steps measured and imperial. To anyone watching, I was the same Crown Princess who had left moments ago.
Only I knew the truth.
Only I knew my lips still tingled. Only I knew my heart was beating too fast. Only I knew that the air itself felt heavier—charged with something fragile and alive.
I felt him before I saw him.
Haldor.
He stood near one of the pillars, posture perfect, shoulders squared, eyes forward. A captain carved from discipline and restraint.
