"Grand Duke Derek! Grand Duchess Marissa!" the herald's voice boomed, echoing off the high vaulted ceiling.
Derek and Marissa stepped onto the long crimson carpet. Derek stumbled slightly, a calculated misstep that made the nearby nobles snicker behind their hands. Marissa, the picture of a supportive and long-suffering wife, tightened her grip on his arm, steadying him with a graceful smile that hid her annoyance.
They walked toward the dais where the Royal Family sat.
King Alistair the Fourth sat on the throne. He looked frail. His skin was gray, and his hands trembled slightly as they rested on the velvet armrests. But his eyes were still sharp. Beside him stood Prince Liam, dressed in midnight blue, looking like a handsome, sculptured statue.
Derek bowed low, a bit too dramatic.
"Your Majesty!" Derek announced, his voice booming. "Long live the King! I have brought my wife to see the splendor of your court!"
