The hall fell silent as King Valanorath rose from his seat.
His voice carried without effort. "We gather under the light of ancestors to witness a union of houses, a promise made in full sight of the realm."
Vencian listened with half his attention while the other half catalogued faces in the crowd.
The king finished his speech. Servants moved forward, carrying a low table draped in white silk. They placed it between the dais and the first row of guests. Two cushions waited on either side.
Crown Prince Valanand descended first, his movements careful and precise. Adarynn Dawnforge followed, her expression serene. They knelt across from each other.
An officiant stepped forward. He wore robes of pale gold and carried nothing but a small wooden box. He set it on the table between them and opened it. Inside lay two scraps of parchment, a quill, and an inkwell.
