Evening returned Aiden to the Archducal palace—no disguise now, white hair flowing free, golden eyes sharp and triumphant. The great dining hall glowed with crystal chandeliers and candlelight, long table set for an intimate family affair to formally welcome the new power structure.
At the head sat the matriarch, Lady Elowen draconic—Catherine and Sheela's mother, Flora's grandmother. One hundred fifty years old, yet draconic mana preservation kept her appearance a ripe, devastating thirty: golden-blue hair pinned elegantly, flawless porcelain skin, body lush and eternally youthful, every curve speaking of power and fertility.
To her sides: Sheela and her husband Harlan Voss who was quiet, nervous, constantly adjusting his collar. Catherine's younger brother Darius and his wife. Catherine herself, radiant with new possessive glow. Flora—now openly —sat beside him, one hand resting boldly on his thigh beneath the table.
